SAN LUIS POTOSÍ, Mexico.- The Government of Panama extended the validity of the decree that forces Cuban citizens to have transit visa if they travel or stopover in that Central American country.
The measure will be in force until July 2025as stated in Executive Decree No. 195 signed on October 25 by the president of Panama José Raúl Mulino.
Decreed in 2022, and briefly suspended in early July, the rule requires That all Cuban passengers and crew members in transit have a transit visa, issued by the Panamanian embassy in Havana. This permit will allow them to remain in the international transit zone for up to a maximum of 24 hours.
The visa processing must be staff at the consulate of Panama or through a person who acts as the applicant’s representative in the Panamanian National Immigration Service.
The procedure must be completed at least 30 days before the date of travel. To do this, you will have to complete a visa application form, attach two photographs, a copy of your passport valid for at least six months, a copy of your identity card and your reservation or travel itinerary. The transit visa costs $50.
However, as an exception, those who prove they have a work contract in the country of final destination with the registration stamps of the organization of said nation and that is legalized or apostilled will not have to apply for this type of visa.
Nor should those who travel to the Island and come from any country do so; those who have a valid tourist or residence visa from the Republic of Panama; those who hold a multiple visa granted by Canada, the United States, Australia, Japan and the countries of the European Union, as long as they have been previously used in these territories.
Those who have permanent residence in third countries and who travel back to them or have a valid visa to enter their final destination will not have to process it either.
Last year, the Government of Panama announced changes to its immigration policy, among which the reduction of the maximum length of stay for tourists from 90 to 15 days and an increase in the requirement of financial solvency stood out.
The measures included an increase from $500 to $1,000 in the amount necessary to show financial solvency at immigration entry points in Panama, changes that were part of a new policy to stop the massive arrival of migrants to that nation.
