According to Decree No 11 of January 10, published in the Official Gazette signed by the President of the Republic, Laurentino Cortizo, and the Minister of Security, Juan Manuel Pino, Cuban citizens traveling to the island are exempted from this restriction.

Also citizens holding a valid tourist visa, residents in Panama, or those holding multiple visas with a validity of not less than six months at the time of transit.

Likewise, those who have permanent residence in third countries and travel back to these, have an entry visa in force of the country of final destination or those who prove to have a work contract in the country of destination, the text specifies.

Decree No.162 of December 19, 2022, which established this measure for Cuban citizens, indicated that the holder is only authorized to remain in the international transit area of the airport for 24 hours, based on the TVN news channel.

The request for this type of visa, the note adds, must be made personally at the Panamanian consulate of the country in which you are or through a legal representative at the headquarters of the National Migration Service (SNM).

This measure that has been extended on the obligatory nature of transit visas for Cubans making a stopover in Panama

Regarding destination to other countries was questioned at the time by trade union and social organizations in Panama.

In declarations to Prensa Latina, the president of the Martiana Association of Cubans Residing in Panama, Humberto Perez, indicated that the Executive should eliminate certain restrictions that only affect the Cuban family.

Also the National Workers Central of Panama (CNTP) delivered a letter to the Chancellery requesting the Government to rectify the measure with successive modifications, but with the same essence.

For the trade union organization, the measure is not consistent with a foreign policy based on reciprocity and Latin American integration among brotherly peoples.

jrr/arm/mem/ga