In response to growing concerns over appointment fraud and significant processing delays, Spain’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has announced plans to launch a new digital visa appointment system in Cuba. The initiative, aimed at improving transparency and efficiency, is expected to be introduced soon, although a specific launch date has not yet been disclosed.
The announcement was made by Xavier Martí, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, who emphasized the government's commitment to ending systemic flaws that have allowed intermediaries to exploit the current visa appointment process.
Combating Fraud and Delays
The move follows a warning issued by FACUA – Consumers in Action, a Spanish non-governmental organization that advocates against corporate and government abuses. FACUA raised alarms after receiving numerous complaints from Cuban citizens unable to secure appointments through official channels. These challenges have led to the rise of a black market where intermediaries charge applicants up to €500 to book a visa appointment that should be free of charge.
FACUA reported that these intermediaries are manipulating the existing system, monopolizing appointment slots, and reselling them to desperate applicants. This practice has disproportionately impacted genuine visa seekers, many of whom are forced to wait months or pay exorbitant prices for a chance to apply.
In a formal response, Martí acknowledged the deficiencies in the current system and confirmed that a new digital platform is under active development. He stated that the upgrade would aim to eliminate appointment hoarding, increase fairness in the allocation process, and prevent illegal profiteering.
Ensuring Fair Access for Cuban Applicants
Cuba represents a significant segment of Spanish visa applicants. According to 2024 data published by SchengenVisaInfo, Cuban nationals filed 28,261 visa applications to Spain. Of these, 22,642 visas were granted, while 3,258 applications were rejected. The high demand, coupled with systemic bottlenecks, has made the current appointment system vulnerable to abuse.
Spain's new plan seeks to restore trust in the process and reinforce the principles of fairness and accessibility. The Foreign Ministry’s upcoming platform will implement stricter security protocols and improved scheduling mechanics to ensure that appointments are fairly distributed and accessible only through official channels.
Free Appointments, Not For Sale
Spanish authorities reiterate that Schengen visa appointments are free of charge when scheduled via official websites or consulates. Applicants are required to pay only the standard visa processing fee, which covers administrative handling. Any solicitation of payment beyond this — particularly for appointment booking — is considered illegal and subject to investigation.
FACUA has welcomed the government’s response, emphasizing the urgent need to prevent vulnerable individuals from being further exploited. The organization continues to monitor the situation and has pledged to support efforts aimed at holding intermediaries accountable.
Looking Ahead
While an official date for the rollout has yet to be announced, the Ministry’s swift acknowledgment and action indicate that the matter is being treated as a high priority. The new appointment system is expected to debut in the coming weeks, offering much-needed relief to thousands of Cuban applicants and reinforcing the integrity of Spain’s visa process.
Spain’s diplomatic mission in Havana is also expected to release further guidance and updates to ensure that all applicants are well-informed about the new system and procedures.
As the digital upgrade nears completion, Spanish authorities encourage all prospective visa applicants to rely exclusively on official government sources and to report any suspected fraudulent activity to consular services or relevant watchdog organizations.
