HAVANA, Cuba (CMC) – Panama has implemented a new visa granting method for Cubans that will enable them to apply for multiple entry visas to central American nations.

The new method establishes the granting of three-year entry and exit visas at the decision of the Panamanian consul here.

This follows the signing of an executive decree by President Juan Carlos Varela.

Two officials accredited at the Panamanian embassy in Havana will represent the National Security Council and the National Emigration Service as they will be in charge of analyzing records and applications.

The presidential decision puts down a previous proceeding that established the consideration by the National Security Council of Panama of each Cuban citizen wishing to enter Panama in order to grant a single entry permit in a process that would take several months.

According to Varela, the new method will be applied to nationals from the Dominican Republic and will facilitate trips to tourists and passengers coming from the two nations.