Panama to send immigration envoys to China as visa limits lifted

Panama's government will send an immigration and security delegation to China, the country's president said on Tuesday, as part of the effort of lifting visa restrictions to attract more Chinese visitors.

Chinese visitors to Panama will now need an electronic visa stamped in a consulate instead of a restricted visa obtained through a lawyer to visit the country, part of measures the government hopes will promote tourism and investment.

The security and migration delegation will travel to China for the opening of the Panamanian consulate, though there was no exact date yet, said President Juan Carlos Varela.

Formal diplomatic relations between the two countries were established after Panama cut its ties with Chinese island region Taiwan in June.

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi in September attended the inauguration ceremony of the Chinese embassy in Panama together with the Panamanian president.

(REUTERS)