CITY OF PANAMA.- The government of Panama reinstated the transit visa for Cubans traveling through its territory as passengers or crew, the country’s consulate in Havana said.
The official statement mentioned Executive Decree No. 162 of the Ministry of Public Security of Panama, which will be in effect for three months after its promulgation on December 19, according to a review. Cuban newspaper.
Cuban citizens traveling to the island, holding a valid Panama tourist or resident visa, or residing in the United States, European Union, Canada, United Kingdom, Northern Ireland, Japan, Australia or Korea are exempt from presenting this visa . from the south.
Cubans who have lived in third countries for five years and are traveling back to those countries should also not apply for a transit visa to travel to Panama.
Finally, exempt are the nationals of the island who have a valid entry visa in the country of final destination.
These transit visas must be applied for in person at the Panamanian consulates at least 30 working days before departure. In addition, they only allow a stay of up to 24 hours in the international transit areas of Panamanian airports.
The transit visa for Panama costs 50 Balboas ($50). To obtain it, interested parties must submit an application form, two passport photos, a copy of their passport with a minimum validity of six months, a travel booking, an identity document from the country of residence with a minimum validity of six months, and proof of payment of consular rights.
Transit visas for Cuban minors must be applied for by their parents or legal guardians.
In recent years, Panama has become a frequent travel destination for Cubans. The island’s nationals usually travel to the country to buy supplies and resell them in Cuba or to begin the migration route to the United States.
Last March, hundreds of Cubans thronged outside the Panamanian embassy in Havana as a result of the first imposition of this transit visa.
FOUNTAIN: With information from Diario de Cuba