Oran visa centre sorts Spain applicants into four categories

Since 1 January, the BLS International (BLS) centre in Oran has sorted people applying for Schengen visas for Spain into four categories, ObservAlgerie reported.

According to BLS, applicants must pick the category that matches their visa history. A wrong choice can lead to refusal of entry to the centre, with no refund of the fees paid.

Four categories at BLS Oran

According to BLS, the 'Oran 1' category covers people who have never held a Spanish Schengen visa, or whose last Spanish visa was issued before 1 January 2021. Holders of Schengen visas issued by other countries must also choose this category.

The 'Oran 2' category covers people who have held a Spanish visa valid for less than six months since 1 January 2021.

'Oran 3' covers visas valid for six months to less than two years, and 'Oran 4' covers visas valid for at least two years.

Some applicants can file without a prior appointment. This applies to people who have held a Spanish Schengen visa valid for at least two years since 1 January 2022.

Parents of Spanish citizens living in Spain, and some of their in-laws, can also use this procedure if they provide the required papers. The same applies to some Algerian university staff, including teachers, researchers and doctoral students invited to Spain for a short professional stay.

ObservAlgerie reported that the appointment exemption does not automatically extend to family members of these applicants, who may have to book their own slot.

Extra papers from February

From 1 February, applicants in the 'Oran 2', 'Oran 3' and 'Oran 4' categories must provide extra documents when their last Spanish visa is not in their current passport.

The measure follows a notice from the Spanish consulate general in Oran, published on 31 January.

Applicants must present a full copy of their old passport, including the visa that justifies their appointment category.

Missing documents can lead to refusal of the file. The papers must therefore be checked before applicants go to the BLS centre.

Residence visas and family reunion

The rules in this section apply only to national visas, not to Schengen short-stay visas, ObservAlgerie reported.

Since 15 March, applications for residence visas without paid work and for self-employed residence must be filed with BLS Oran after an online appointment.

For residence visas without paid work, some documents, including the medical certificate, criminal record and civil status papers, must be legalised before filing.

Family reunion applications under the general system must be sent directly to the Spanish consulate general in Oran. Appointments are requested by email at cog.oran.res@maec.es.