Spanish Consulate in Algiers Requires Old Passport Copies, Threatening Visa Denials

BLS International has introduced a new document requirement for Spanish visa applicants in Algeria. The company issued a notice dated April 5, reported by Filmogaz.com.

The centre now asks for photocopies of every page of applicants’ previous passports. The rule covers all Schengen applications under the Spanish Consulate in Algiers jurisdiction.

Details of the requirement

BLS will mark files incomplete if those passport pages are missing. The notice warns that incomplete files will be “automatically rejected.” Applicants will not be able to add the missing pages later.

Many Algerian travellers hand in expired passports when they collect new biometric documents. Those applicants may no longer have the originals to photocopy.

Where the rule applies

The requirement was first tested at the Oran visa centre. It now extends to central and eastern provinces served by the consulate.

Possible rationale

Spanish officials have not issued a public explanation for the change. Mobility lawyers say the aim may be to trace past visa use and spot overstays.

They note the move coincides with the EU Entry/Exit System rollout. Observers also suspect the change targets appointment-brokering operations charging up to €300.

Advice for applicants and employers

Corporate mobility teams should alert assignees bound for Spain. Companies sending technicians or sales staff must act quickly to avoid delays.

• Search HR archives for scanned old passports.
• Request certified travel histories from Algeria’s border police.
• Allow up to 15 days for certified records to arrive.

Specialist visa services can assist when originals are unavailable. For example, VisaHQ monitors Spanish entry rules and helps compile substitute evidence.

Some providers can submit complete digital files directly to the consulate. That reduces the risk of an automatic rejection.

Wider implications

Failure to adapt could delay legitimate business travel and project start dates. Spanish consular teams may face more appeals and extra workload.

Other Spanish missions in North Africa are likely to watch the experiment closely. They may introduce similar documentation hurdles if the measure proves effective.

The development has been framed in some reports as Spanish Consulate in Algiers Requires Old Passport Copies, Threatening Visa Denials. Applicants should prepare accordingly.