The Captaincy of Palma requires you to have an appointment even though the ministry says you don't.

A citizen from Mallorca has put his foot down. He has filed a complaint with the Ministry of Transport and the Ombudsman that the Maritime Captaincy of Palma prevents him from entering the registry without an appointment. The Ministry replied that an appointment is not mandatory, only recommended. But he went without one and was denied entry. So theory and practice do not match. Does that ring a bell?

The affected person — he works in the nautical sector — has tried several times to carry out in-person procedures. At the door, a clearly visible sign says that for in-person service, an appointment is 'essential'. He maintains that this violates his right to access a public registry. And he has not kept quiet: he has filed complaints in 2024 and 2025.

The Directorate General of the Merchant Marine responded: prior appointment is not mandatory, only an organizational measure. They add that it should not be understood as a limitation. But in practice — and the citizen has experienced it — they have prevented his access. The Ministry apologized for the inconvenience. You see, apologies do not give him back his lost time.

This case is not unique. In fact, many administrations impose prior appointments de facto, even if the law says otherwise. Elderly people or those with technological difficulties are left out. The citizen requests the elimination of the system because it is contrary to the Law of Common Administrative Procedure. And he is right.

So if you find yourself in a similar situation at any registry or window, be clear that you have the right to be attended without an appointment, even if they give you trouble. You can file a formal complaint. The fight of this Mallorcan shows that sometimes reason is on your side. Take action.

If you have difficulties with your appointment or procedure, write to us on Telegram: https://t.me/cita_extranjeria