Panama postpones entry into force of transit visa for Cubans

The Panamanian Embassy in this capital announced that for humanitarian reasons, the application of the decree establishing the transit visa for Cubans is postponed until March 15.

According to a communiqué issued by the diplomatic headquarters and published on its social media networks, the application of Executive Decree No. 19 will become effective March 15, extending by 72 hours the day initially scheduled.

The note added that people who have tickets from Wednesday, March 16, 2022, onwards and are not in a condition to apply for the transit visa in the indicated time may reschedule their flight and subsequently apply for their transit visa.

On Thursday, Panamanian  Copa Airlines announced that it had planned flexibilities for Cuban travelers who had to reschedule their flight due to the new transit visa requirements of the Isthmian nation.

This Thursday, people gathered in front of the Panamanian embassy in Havana to receive information after the country's government announced changes in the visa requirements for Cuban citizens.

The new migratory measure applies to those passing through the Central American country to other destinations or returning to the island. It only authorizes the person to stay in the international transit area of the air terminal to continue their trip.

It also establishes the obligation for the interested party to apply for it personally, at the cost of 50 dollars, before the Panamanian consulate in the country where they are, with a minimum term of 15 working days before the date of the trip.

To apply for this type of visa, the traveler must provide, among other documents, an application form, two passport photographs, a copy of the passport (valid for at least six months), and the proven area reservation or itinerary of continuity of the trip.

In addition, a copy of the identity document of the country of residence (also valid for at least six months) and proof of payment of the consular fees are required.

The Cuban authorities stated that they were in contact with the Panamanian Foreign Ministry to ensure that the interests of the nationals traveling to third countries through Panama are taken care of, respecting the sovereign decision of the authorities of the Isthmian country.