Panama to send immigration envoys to China as visa limits lifted

PANAMA CITY (Reuters) - Panama's government will send an immigration and security delegation to China, the country's president said on Tuesday, as part of the lifting of visa restrictions for 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.

In June, Panama established diplomatic ties with China, breaking with self-ruled Taiwan in a major victory for Beijing, the second most important customer of its key shipping canal.

(Reporting by Elida Moreno; Editing by Michael Perry)

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