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The Panama Consulate in Cuba issued an urgent alert directed at Cuban citizens who wish to apply for tourist or transit visas, due to the increasing risk of scams related to the appointment process.
The diplomatic office warned on its social channels that there are no travel agencies or representatives authorized by the National Migration Service, nor by the consulate itself, to issue or manage visa appointments.
“Avoid being scammed”, warns the officially released statement. According to Panamanian authorities, the only valid way to submit an appointment request to the National Migration Service in Panama is through a duly accredited lawyer for this type of procedure.
To ensure the legality of the process, interested parties can verify if a lawyer is authorized (qualified) through the digital platform of the Judicial Body of Panama, available at the link: https://www.organojudicial.gob.pa/appsadd/abogado/s4abi.php.
Additionally, it is recommended to request the lawyer to present their official identification card, issued by the same judicial body.
This warning is especially relevant in light of the numerous reports of Cubans who have fallen victim to scams by alleged facilitators, who charge high fees for false services, thereby feeding the desperation of those seeking a way out through migration.
But reality hits differently
Although the warning aims to prevent deception, the reactions from Cubans were swift, with many expressing frustration and powerlessness in the face of a system they view as exclusionary and lacking transparency.
“If there were an easier mechanism from Cuba, if the process could be done at the Panama embassy in Cuba, the scammers would starve. But everything is made really difficult for Cubans!”, commented a user on social media.
“I work with a qualified lawyer, and since last year I have had pending appointments. The lawyer reactivates each month, and at Immigration, they do whatever they want. They say that the process doesn’t take more than a month, but we have been waiting for several months. They just say, ‘wait for the process’”, lamented a Panamanian manager of Cuban origin.
Another internet user was even more direct: "Why, if the Consulate knows what is happening and that these appointments are costing Cubans a lot of money, don't they go back to the previous system? Enter the portal and request the appointment if there is availability. Everything was legal. Now, with lawyers I don't know, facilitators I don't know, here come the scams. The poor are always the ones at a disadvantage."
The canal country maintains the requirement of a mandatory transit visa for Cubans, an active policy since 2022 that has increased costs and hindered passage through its territory.
Frequently Asked Questions about Scams and Visa Procedures for Cubans
How to avoid scams when applying for a Panamanian visa from Cuba?
To avoid falling victim to scams when applying for a Panamanian visa, the Consulate of Panama in Cuba warns that the only valid way to manage visa appointments is through a properly accredited lawyer. There are no travel agencies or authorized facilitators for this process. It is recommended to verify the qualifications of the lawyer through the digital platform of the Judicial Branch of Panama.
Why is Panama's visa application system criticized by Cubans?
Cubans criticize Panama's visa application system because they believe the process is exclusive and lacks transparency, making it difficult to obtain appointments and facilitating scams. Many suggest that a more accessible system from the Panamanian embassy in Cuba could alleviate these issues.
What consequences do Cubans face when using informal channels to send money from abroad?
The use of informal channels to send money from abroad can lead to economic risks and potential legal sanctions. These practices, although popular due to the lack of formal channels, do not provide security or legal backing, which can result in the loss of money or legal issues for both senders and recipients.
How does the lack of connectivity affect Cubans in their Spanish nationality procedures?
The new digital platform of the Spanish Consulate in Havana requires a good internet connection to complete nationality procedures, which poses a challenge for Cubans due to the limitations imposed by ETECSA. The lack of adequate connectivity can hinder access to appointments and the uploading of documents, becoming an additional barrier for applicants.
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