Roberto Álvarez: document fraud still obstacle to Schengen visa exemption

Santo Domingo.- Foreign Minister Roberto Álvarez said the Dominican Republic is making progress toward securing visa-free access to the Schengen Area for short-term travel, although challenges related to document fraud remain a key obstacle in the process.

Speaking on the Gepiano Podcast, Álvarez explained that the introduction of the biometric passport was a crucial step in meeting European requirements. However, he noted that European authorities also evaluate factors such as document security, identity verification, and migration controls when considering visa exemptions.

According to the foreign minister, one of the main hurdles is the rate of fraudulent documents detected in immigration and consular procedures. He said the Dominican Republic remains above the threshold accepted by European authorities and is working to strengthen verification systems, improve identification processes, and reduce document forgery through coordinated efforts among government institutions.

Álvarez expressed confidence that the country will eventually achieve visa-free travel to the Schengen Area, describing it as a significant benefit for Dominicans traveling to Europe for tourism, business, education, and cultural exchanges. He added that the initiative forms part of broader efforts to strengthen the country’s international standing and expand mobility opportunities for its citizens.