Panama again allows the arrival of international cruise ships
Posted on 2021-09-06
Panama again allows the arrival of international cruise ships
Posted on 2021-09-06
Panama has once again received international cruises after the Central American country’s Ministry of Health (Minsa) gave the go-ahead to the resumption of the activity, which had been paralyzed since March 2020.
The first ship to arrive was the Star Breeze of the US shipping company Windstar Cruises , which docked last Thursday, August 26, being commanded by the Panamanian captain Ricardo Pinzón.
Decree No. 829 came into force on August 24, repealing the previous restrictions active since the outbreak of the pandemic. Specifically, the operation of international passenger transport vessels such as “cruise ships, minicruises, deep draft vessels, yachts, megayachts, commercial yachts or any other maritime vessel” is once again allowed.
However, the health authorities emphasize that both passengers and crew who enter the country by sea will have to comply with the established rules, protocols and measures.
Currently, any person – national, resident or foreigner – who wants to enter Panama must meet the following criteria:
- The correct use of a mask and the completion of a travel health form are required.
- In case of not being vaccinated and coming from a low-risk country: present negative Covid-19 test. If the test is older, the traveler must undergo a rapid test, the cost of which must be paid.
- If you are not vaccinated and come from a high-risk country: present a negative Covid-19 test and keep a 72-hour preventive quarantine in authorized hotels, having to bear the cost.
- Being vaccinated with a complete schedule, having received the last dose 14 days before exonerates tests and quarantines.
In the 2018-2019 season, the last that could be completed normally, Panama received 200 cruises .
Source: Tourinews