5-year business visas introduced for nationals of 5 countries

IMPACT – MEDIUM

What is the change? Panama enacted a regulation Monday that allows nationals of China, Cuba, the Dominican Republic, India and Venezuela to apply for five-year, multiple-entry visas for business or tourist visits.

What does the change mean? Eligible nationals will not have to renew their business visas as often. Previously, multiple-entry visas were generally valid for two years.

• Implementation time frame: Immediate.
• Visas/permits affected: Business and tourist re-entry visas.
• Business impact: The longer validity period will ease travel for nationals of the five countries, especially for those who take frequent business trips and those traveling on short notice.
• Next steps: Eligible nationals may for apply for the visas either at a Panamanian consulate or in country at the National Immigration Service.

Analysis & Comments: The longer validity period provides a convenience for nationals of the five designated countries. Travelers are reminded that while the extended validity allows for multiple entries during the five-year period, each visit to Panama remains restricted to 30 days with a possible 60-day extension.

Source: Deloitte LLP. Deloitte LLP is a limited liability partnership registered in England and Wales with registered number OC303675 and its registered office at 1 New Street Square, London EC4A 3HQ, United Kingdom.