Venezuela reciprocates with visa requirement for Panamanians

IMPACT – MEDIUM

What is the change? Venezuela has imposed a visa requirement on Panamanian nationals traveling to Venezuela for tourism. The move was a reciprocal measure after Panama began requiring visas from Venezuelan nationals traveling to Panama.

What does the change mean? Panamanian nationals are now required to obtain a visa at an embassy or consulate prior to traveling to Venezuela. Panamanian nationals will no longer be able to rely on their visa-waived status and should plan travel accordingly.

• Implementation time frame: Immediate. The change took effect Oct. 16.
• Visas/permits affected: Tourist visas.
• Who is affected: Panamanian nationals traveling to Venezuela.
• Impact on processing times: Applying for a visa at a consulate can take several days or even weeks longer, depending on the particular consulate and current wait times.

Background: Venezuela’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Ministry of Interior and Justice issued a joint resolution this month, saying that Panamanian nationals would be subject to a visa requirement. The decision followed Panama’s imposition of a visa requirement on Venezuelan travelers, which began Oct. 1. The change will not impact Panamanian nationals who entered Venezuela on a visa waiver before the visa requirement took effect.

BAL Analysis: Panamanian nationals traveling to Venezuela for tourism should plan ahead and allow for the extra time they will need to obtain a visa.

This alert has been provided by the BAL Global Practice group and our network provider located in Venezuela. For additional information, please contact your BAL attorney.

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