Spain Reopens Its Consulate in Cuba After Remaining Temporarily Closed Due to COVID-19
Spain’s Embassy in Havana has resumed its work after remaining temporarily closed due to the rapid spread of the Coronavirus and its new variants, AtoZSerwisPlus.comreports.
On Thursday, the diplomatic headquarters published on Twitter a link with all the requirements for the process, which was resumed following the change of conditions in order to enter Spain.
Through a statement, the consulate has warned that despite the fact that the appointments open every day, the only day reserved for such a procedure is Thursday.
Such an announcement has sparked controversy after, according to many Cubans who were waiting for the renewal of the service, it was impossible to make an appointment.
In this regard, the diplomatic account noted the problem. “There is high demand. Remember that our capacity is limited.”
The Spanish Embassy also stressed that the visa applications that were put on hold before the restrictions imposed due to the Coronavirus and its new strains will be resolved as soon as possible and will receive an email with the explanation, even though they can reach the offices of the walk-in consulate.
Besides, the consulate noted that those who received their visa and were ineligible to travel due to the situation caused by the virus would also be obliged to start a new procedure with the corresponding appointment reservation.
Such an announcement has also been criticised by applicants, as reported by 14ymedio.
Based on the Spanish Consulate website, the visa fee is 1,130 pesos for all children between the ages of six and 12 and 2,255 pesos for other applicants.
Authorities in Spain earlier this month announced that they changed the requirements for all travellers who want to enter this territory. They clarified that until May 21, they accepted vaccine certificates that showed that travellers completed their immunisation process with vaccines approved by the World Health Organisation (WHO); however, now, they permit the entry for anyone who holds a negative test for COVID-19.
Until May 21, citizens of Cuba who had received one of the two vaccines against the virus were ineligible to travel to Spain after the Soberana and Abdala antidotes had not been recognized by the World Health Organisation.
Following the example of other European countries, Spain has started to reopen its Consulates located in other countries after keeping them temporarily closed due to the virus.
