Petr Piruncik: Czech visa centers provide visas starting in June

ArmInfo.  Starting in June, the Czech Embassy in Armenia will manage visa centers in Armenia through TLScontac. This was announced by Petr Piruncik, Ambassador of the Czech Republic to Armenia.

"We have signed a contract with an external provider of visa services  .Starting in June, the Czech Republic will operate visa application  centers in Armenia through TLScontac. This step will make the  application process for Schengen visas more accessible and  user-friendly. With increased capacity, more applicants will be able  to submit their applications in a timely manner . Applicants can also  expect more flexible appointment options  and improved customer  support  throughout the process. The goal is to simplify procedures  while maintaining the integrity and security of the visa system. We  are fully aware that Schengen visas are a highly important and often  complex issue for many people. While outsourcing visa services  doesn't solve every challenge, it is a practical step forward. We are  committed to not standing still, but to making tangible improvements  that allow as many genuine travelers as possible to visit the Czech  Republic. We look forward to welcoming you." 

Armenian citizens are increasingly complaining about the difficulty  of obtaining visa application slots at European embassies or visa  centers. Citizens also complain about having to purchase available  time slots at embassies at exorbitant prices from intermediaries.  Furthermore, many are often denied entry visas for unclear reasons.  Consequently, despite the agreement reached during the first phase of  visa facilitation between Armenia and the EU in 2012 (which entered  into force in 2014), which stipulated that Armenian citizens would be  granted visas for 30 euros, citizens are in fact forced to pay  significantly more for visas.  This is happening, in part, because,  following these agreements, many embassies began using visa centers,  which in turn set their own service fees.