A woman from the province of Mayabeque has taken to social media to seek help in recovering her lost passport, which contains a visa, and was lost in Havana. "Please, my cousin lost her Cuban passport in Havana. Her name is Maipú De Armas Trujillo, and it has a visa," wrote user Solanch Alfonso Ortega in the Facebook group "MADRES CUBANAS POR UN MUNDO MEJOR (Grupo Oficial)." They also explained that they are offering a reward "in dollars" to anyone who returns it. To get in touch with the affected person, they shared the number (+53) 590 49 357.
No further details were provided about the loss of this important document. Several other Cubans have found themselves in similar situations after losing their passports or other identity documents while in Cuba.
In June 2023, Maikel Montero Olivares, residing in the United States, experienced moments of desperation when he lost his American residency card during his trip to Havana. Months earlier, Cuban Sara Neyra Martínez also turned to social media for help in recovering her passport and U.S. residency card after losing them at Havana Airport.
That same year, another Cuban, who had been approved for humanitarian parole by the U.S. government, had her visa-stamped passport stolen the day before she was set to travel to the country. "The day before [the flight], my house was robbed, and among the stolen items were documents, including my passport, so I couldn't travel," she said in a video sent to Univision 23 journalist Daniel Benítez.
Another case involved Rainiel Beltrán Quiñones, 38, who has been stranded in Cuba since May of this year after losing his Italian identification documents. The loss occurred in the province of Cienfuegos and included his Italian residency permit and identification card.
Common Issues Faced by Cubans with Lost Passports
Given the frequent occurrence of lost passports and other important documents among Cubans, here are some common questions and answers that may offer guidance and help.
What should I do if I lose my passport in Cuba?
If you lose your passport in Cuba, immediately report the loss to local authorities and your country's embassy or consulate. Utilize social media and local networks to seek help in recovering the lost document.
Can I offer a reward for my lost passport?
Yes, offering a reward can be a helpful incentive for the return of your lost passport. Ensure you communicate the reward clearly and provide contact details for anyone who may have found it.
How can I prevent losing my passport while traveling?
To prevent losing your passport, keep it in a secure place, such as a money belt or a locked hotel safe. Always be mindful of your surroundings and avoid leaving your passport unattended.