In order to enter Panama, participants are requested to ensure that they are in possession of a valid passport recognized by the Government of Panama and to obtain, as appropriate, the necessary visa from the embassy of Panama in the country of departure, or the nearest embassy or consulate of Panama. Participants are advised to apply directly at the nearest embassy or consulate of Panama and not to use the services of any intermediary agent.
A summary of information concerning immigration and visas, including a list of countries whose citizens do not need a visa to enter Panama and those countries whose citizens need a visa (authorized and stamped) to enter Panama, the required documents, and the application form, will be available at the host country website for COP10 and MOP3.
Depending on the verification and completion of documents:
- The approval process may take up to 60 business days for authorized visas; and
- the approval process may take up to 30 business days for stamped visas.
Detailed information or specific questions on visa requirements can be obtained from the diplomatic or consular headquarters of Panama or from the official website of the National Migration Service of the Ministry of Public Security of Panama: https://www.migracion.gob.pa/
Participants from countries that have a special visa agreement with Panama may be exempted from the visa requirement and may, therefore, stay in Panama without a visa for a certain period of time, depending on the type of agreement that exists between their country and Panama. More information on visa exemptions can be found on the host country website for COP10 and MOP3. Visa-related enquiries may be addressed to the designated focal point in Panama by email at: [email protected].
Attached Documents
In order to facilitate the accommodation of delegates, Panama has pre-booked rooms in several hotels at negotiated rates (see Annex 2). Participants wishing to use these advance reservations will need to complete their reservation request by 16 September 2023 directly with the selected hotels, following the booking process detailed in Annex 2. The host country website for COP10 and MOP3 provides further information on each hotel, including rates and conditions for changing and cancelling reservations.
Hotel reservation bookings from participants to COP10 and MOP3 will be processed directly by the selected hotels on a first-come, first-served basis.
Delegates are responsible for making their own hotel reservations and for checking the conditions for cancellation and modification applied by each establishment. Delegates will also be responsible for paying for their rooms.
Tocumen International Airport is 20.9 km from the centre of Panama City and 26 km from the Panama Convention Center.
Panama Pacifico International Airport is 15 km from the centre of Panama City and 10 km from the Panama Convention Center.
Dedicated immigration-lane facilitiesDedicated immigration-lane facilities will be provided by Panama for all delegates arriving at Tocumen International and Panama Pacifico International airports. At the arrival terminal, delegates are encouraged to follow the COP10/MOP3 signage.
TransportA COP10/MOP3 Reception Desk will be operating at the arrival terminal of Tocumen International Airport (after passport, immigration and customs control) from Friday, 17 November, to Monday, 20 November 2023 (inclusive) and from Friday, 24 November, to Monday, 27 November 2023 (inclusive), to assist participants in transferring to their hotels.
Delegates who will be arriving at Panama Pacifico International Airport are required to inform the designated focal point by email at [email protected] with their name, flight number, date and time of their arrival in order for transportation to be arranged.
The local organizing committee will be providing transfer from the Tocumen International Airport to the hotels and viceversa, on november 17, 18, 19, 20, 25, 26, 27, 30 and december 01. The days before or after the indicated dates, participants must takes alternative transportation to those of the organization.
The UBER platform cn be used in the country like any other and there are taxi services at the airport.
Upon arrival at the Tocumen International Airport, security personal will be boarding you for your transfer to the inmigration and custom area and making it easier for you to pass through these areas.
The transfer schedule from the hotels to the Panama Convention Center will be published later. It is important to know that they will begin on hour before the hoursstipulated for each meeting.
People who have not sent the information of the day of arrival and time to the COP/MOP to the Panama organizing committee, please fill out this link: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfrDd0SryenhBY4COTyQ4Qv_5M2So9JIHg4xHW8tHiZ6XvV9w/viewform?usp=sf_link
If you have problems accessing the link, you can fill out this form and send it by email [email protected]
The Information Desk will be located on the ground floor of the Panama Convention Center and will provide information on a range of topics to participants. The Information Desk can also refer participants to other services, including travel, postal services, medical care and communications. Lost property can be turned in or reclaimed at the Information Desk.
Travel agencyParticipants are advised to confirm their return travel arrangements. The Travel Desk, located on the ground floor of the Panama Convention Center, will assist participants in confirming their tickets and other local services (shuttle service, etc.).
Wireless internetThe Panama Convention Center has free wireless internet service (Wi-Fi) as do all the hotels selected to host the participants of the Tenth session of the Conference of the Parties (COP10) to the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (WHO FCTC) and the Third session of the Meeting of the Parties (MOP3) to the Protocol to Eliminate Illicit Trade in Tobacco Products.
Business CenterComputers with internet access, email and word-processing software will be available for delegates on the ground floor of the Panama Convention Center.
Potable waterThe Panama Convention Center has water fountains in all areas of the facility. To facilitate the supply of water to all participants, water dispensers will be placed in the various rooms. Participants will be able to fill the bottle provided in the conference bag given to them at the time of registration. For information, the tap water in all cities of the country is also safe for consumption.
Medical servicesAn emergency medical service will be available at the Panama Convention Center during the Conference from 7:00 to 18:00 on days without evening sessions, and until 23:00 should evening sessions be held.
Delegates requiring urgent medical attention outside of the Panama Convention Center are advised to call 911 or CRUEM (Centro Regulador de Urgencias y Emergencias Médicas) at: (+507) 512-9219 or (+507) 6330-5577.
Tranquillity RoomA Tranquillity Room for meditation/prayer is available at the Panama Convention Center for participants who wish to pray, meditate or just find a quiet space to relax.
CurrencyIn Panama the unit of currency is the balboa, but the US dollar circulates freely and officially. One balboa is equivalent to US$ 1. Foreign currency can be exchanged in the arrival hall of the Tocumen and Panama Pacifico international airports.
Many ATMs can be found in the city centre, where all the selected hotels are located. However, it is advisable to carry cash, travellers' cheques or credit cards as a precaution.
Catering facilitiesLunch will be provided by the host country from Monday, 20 November, to Saturday, 25 November, inclusive for participants at COP10, and from Monday, 27 November, to Thursday, 30 November, inclusive, for participants at MOP3. A coffee shop will be available at the Panama Convention Center.
There are specific vaccination requirements for entry into Panama. For more information, participants are advised to consult the WHO website on international travel and health at http://www.who.int/ith/vaccines/en/.
Protective Measures against COVID-19
Continued handwashing with soap and water, or the use of alcohol or alcohol gel, is recommended.
In view of the large number of delegates and participants from all over the world, it is recommended that face masks be worn while in the enclosed areas of the Panama Convention Center. Hand sanitizers and masks will be provided to participants at the time of delivery of the conference bag.
Should a participant experience COVID-19 related symptoms (including fever, chills, continuous cough, new loss of taste or smell, fatigue, difficulty breathing), they are invited to take a COVID-19 rapid test. In case of a positive result, a delegate should not come to the Panama Convention Centre and notify the organizers at: [email protected].
To date, there are no special COVID-19-related requirements for entry into Panama; however, it is recommended to be alert to new information that may arise due to changes related to the development of the pandemic.
Weather and time
The official time zone in Panama is Eastern Standard Time (GMT -5).
Throughout the year, the climate in Panama is tropical, as the isthmus is located in the Intertropical Zone. The coolest month of the year in Panama is November, with an average minimum temperature of 24 °C and a maximum of 30 °C, with an annual average relative humidity of 75.7%. Indoor environments, including the Panama Convention Center, have air-conditioning systems with temperatures averaging 23 ºC.
The rainy season in Panama begins in May and lasts approximately until November, with October and November being the wettest months. The host country will provide participants with an umbrella when they collect their conference badge.
For outdoor activities, it is recommended to wear light, comfortable clothing, a hat and sunscreen lotion.
Electricity
Electrical current is 110 volts at 60 Hz. It may be necessary to use an adapter. There are two associated plug types, types A and B. Plug type A is the plug which has two flat parallel pins, and plug type B is the plug which has two flat parallel pins and a grounding pin.
If the voltage in their country is between 100V and 127V (as it is in Canada, most South American countries and the United States of America), participants can use their equipment. If the appliances are only made for 220V–250V (as in Australia, most of Asia and Europe), they may need a voltage converter or a voltage converter with a type A or B adapter.
Shopping
At the Panama Convention Center, some stalls will be set up for the exhibition and sale of national handicrafts during the days of the sessions of COP10 and MOP3.
Participants may access by their own means of transport to various shopping centres located in the vicinity of the selected hotels, with opening hours from Monday to Saturday from 10:00 to 21:00 and on Sundays from 11:00 to 21:00. The nearest shopping centres are: Multiplaza, Multicentro, Albrook Mall and Soho Mall.
Value-added tax (VAT)
ITBMS (VAT) is levied at a rate of 7% on most goods and services, with some exceptions, and is not included in retail prices.
Safety and security
- Panama City, in general, is considered a safe city. However, participants are advised to take the usual precautionary measures when moving around the city. In particular:
- Be vigilant: keep an eye on luggage and handbags.
- Ask the hotel Reception Desk if they have safety deposit boxes for guest use.
- Always carry the name and address of the hotel with you, preferably in Spanish. They can be useful in case you need to take a taxi, Uber or Indrive.
- In the event of any unforeseen circumstances or if you need assistance, contact emergency services by calling 911 or the Health Emergency Centre (CRUEM) at (+507) 512-9219 - (+507) 6330-5577.
Please note that neither the World Health Organization (WHO) nor the host country will be responsible for the loss of personal belongings left unattended during the sessions.