The World Travel & Tourism Council’s (WTTC) annual research shows that the Travel & Tourism sector not only accounts for over 10% of global GDP but for one in ten jobs on the planet, and one in four new jobs created globally in the last five years. COVID-19 has dramatically altered life as we know it and the Travel & Tourism sector is uniquely exposed. As we consider the impact of the crises, we realize it could fundamentally alter the future of the Travel Agency business.

When we first heard about COVID-19 we made an effort to address cancellations, refunds and rebooking, in many instances for little or no charges. For months now, we’ve been thoroughly following the increasingly complex and ever-fluctuating atmosphere of entry restrictions, quarantine, testing, hygiene measures and government travel advice.

Core Travel is continually following the advice given by the World Health Organization and by governments, and we’re in touch with our partners to be aware of the new regulations and guidelines carried out in each country.

Our team is composed by advisors who know their clients and provide expert consultation and support, making travel easier, more enjoyable, and more accessible. We have been very fast and efficient on defining and implementing safety and hygiene protocols.

We know clients are anxious about travelling again and are looking to professional travel advisors for information on what is safe, what is open, which hotels have implemented enhanced hygiene measures, and they want an advocate there for them if something happens before, during or after their trip; here we are four you.

The safety measures in place at airports and arrival requirements will vary between countries.

COVID Regulations in Panama

SANITARY PROTOCOLS: PANAMA

Panama is open to international travelers, keeping the safety and health of tourists and locals our top priority.

Upon arrival in Panama:

  • Travelers will not have to present a negative COVID-19 test for entry as long as they can provide physical or digital proof of a complete vaccination scheme endorsed by the WHO, EMA and FDA, equal to or greater than 14 days after the last dose.
  • Non-vaccinated travelers will be required to present a negative COVID-19 PCR or antigen test taken no more than 72 hours prior to their arrival time in Panama.
    • If a test is not possible within that time frame, a COVID-19 rapid test will be conducted at the airport and the traveler will have to cover the costs of said test (USD $50).
    • If the results are positive, the traveler will be placed under mandatory 14-day quarantine in a hotel. The cost of the stay must be fully covered by the traveler.
  • ALL travelers are required to present their completed Electronic Health Affidavit (in physical or digital form) to their airline or carrier before boarding to Panama.
  • Non-vaccinated travelers arriving from or that have transited through High Risk countries in the last 15 days will be required to quarantine for 72 hours in a hotel, and the cost of the stay must be fully covered by the traveler. For more details and up-to-date High Risk country list, make sure to check out the Arriving from a High Risk Country?

About the stay in Panama:

  • A curfew at night time is in place in some provinces but all attractions are open during mobility hours. Curfew is in effect Monday through Sunday from 1:00 a.m. to 4:00 a.m. in the provinces of Colon and Panama Oeste.
  • If a specific outbreak occurs in one of the provinces through which the route (or circuit) is passing, it will be evaluated with the Ministry of Health on time and an alternative program will be offered.
  • International tourists arriving in Panama who need to transfer to their lodging accommodations outside of Panama City or during curfew hours will be able to do so as long as they provide valid airline ticket information and hotel reservations.
  • Travel agents, tour operators, and travel guides who are hosting international travelers will be allowed to provide transfers during curfew hours. They must have an authorization form from their employer as well as the airline tickets and times of arrival or departure of the tourists they are transferring.
  • Beaches, rivers, pools (in social areas as well as hotels) and parks are open for visitors.
  • Outdoor exercise and activities are permitted during mobility hours as long as they’re contactless and abiding to social distancing guidelines.
  • Touristic activities, cultural and creative attractions, libraries, movies and theaters, casinos and others will be enforcing the safety protocols and may be operating with lower capacity and restricted schedules.
  • Business meetings are allowed up to a maximum of 25 people.
  • All non-essential businesses are open for clients.
  • All restaurants are open. Restaurants may operate by reservation system in order to avoid crowding.

About the mask

Masks are required at all times, regardless of vaccination status, except for momentary removal for identification purposes, and we encourage all travelers to respect the social distance of 2 meters both indoors and outdoors.

 

Updated: October 15th, 2021

Protocols will be updated on an as-needed basis

COVID Regulations in Cuba

SANITARY PROTOCOLS: CUBA

Since November 15, 2021 Cuba is receiving all foreign visitors. But, for the care of the visitor and the native, we must follow a series of health protocols:

Upon arrival in Cuba:

  • Vaccinated Passengers must present a vaccination certificate. In the same way, the Digital or Printed QR code will be recognized.
  • All international vaccines will be recognized by the health authorities.
  • Passengers NOT vaccinated, must present a negative PCR test carried out 72 hours before arrival.
  • Children from 0 to 12 years old will not be asked for PCR.
  • Children from 13 to 18 years old, if they are not vaccinated, must present a negative PCR test carried out 72 hours before arrival.
  • PCR tests will be carried out randomly at the Airports.
  • Temperature control will be carried out at the Airport to rule out possible infected.
  • If, when performing a random test or PCR at the airport, a positive infection is detected: if you are a tourist, you go to a hotel-hospital, if you are a national traveler, you go to the national hospital network.
  • The luggage allowed per passenger will be subject to the conditions of the airline.
  • All passengers are recommended to travel with travel insurance with COVID-19 coverage.
  • Isolation or quarantine is removed

About the stay in Cuba:

  • Mobility restrictions between provinces will be lifted gradually as health indicators improve, an aspect that must be achieved as of November 15.
  • Hotels, restaurants, bars and other extra-hotel services such as; museums, theaters, natural parks, night activities, etc., will gradually open in compliance with the hygiene and safety protocol.
  • Excursions in cities and beach resorts should gradually open as health indicators improve; the new normal is restored, complying with the hygiene and safety protocol.
  • Nautical activities, diving, etc. will reactivate their services gradually.
  • If a tourist falls ill, the health personnel in each hotel facility will apply the protocol established for each case.
  • Medical care is and will be present in each hotel facility.
  • If a specific outbreak occurs in one of the provinces through which the route (or circuit) is passing, it will be evaluated with the Ministry of Health on time and an alternative program will be offered.

About the mask

  • In transportation such as Buses or Microbuses, the use of a mask is mandatory.
  • Mandatory use of the mask in closed common areas, transportation, restaurants, theaters, etc.
  • Inside and outside facilities of hotels.
  • It is mandatory for the tourism staff to use masks in all their work activities.

 

Updated: October 15th, 2021

Protocols will be updated on an as-needed basis.

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