Santa Cruz Issues Travel Certificates to Resolve Resident Subsidy Confusion

The Santa Cruz City Council is stepping in to help residents struggling with travel subsidies, as confusion over government regulations has left many in a difficult position. The Council has begun issuing special travel certificates for foreign residents who are currently unable to prove their eligibility for air and sea travel discounts due to administrative gaps.

The issue stems from a mismatch between Ministry of Transport requirements and the documentation provided by the Immigration Office. Specifically, residents with family reunification permits hold Foreigner Identity Cards (TIE) that do not explicitly state they are "family members of a Union citizen." Because the Ministry requires this specific wording to approve the subsidy, transport companies are often unsure how to proceed, leaving travelers at risk of being denied discounts or facing unexpected charges.

So far, the City Council has issued nearly 40 of these certificates, though they include a disclaimer noting that the Council cannot guarantee the discount will be honored. Mayor José Manuel Bermúdez is concerned about the upcoming Christmas travel rush and has urged the central government to provide an urgent, clear solution. He is calling for the Ministry to either update the TIE cards or allow residents to use their official immigration approval letters to prove their status.

Local officials have been seeking clarification on this issue for months. Mayor Bermúdez argues that the current lack of guidance is unfair to families and creates unnecessary administrative strain. He is pushing for a standardized approach that ensures non-EU residents can exercise their right to travel without being blocked by bureaucratic red tape.