The mandatory US 18 dollar per head travelers' insurance came into effect one week ago - and when we visited the airport last week - travelers did not seem all that inconvenienced or bothered. But, on Saturday's - everything at that airport changes - that's because almost 20 flights arrive on that day - and there are regularly long lines for immigration and covid screening.
And now, there's one more line for travelers who have to purchase mandatory insurance. Reports say some travelers were delayed for hours - and after arriving in the afternoon - did not get to their hotels until nightfall. COPA passengers reportedly cleared the airport 6 hours after landing.
A part of th problem is that four flights arrived at the same time - leading to the long lines for health and immigration but less so for health insurance - we are told by some.
Whatever the cause, the entire experience is souring the visit for travelers, and stakeholders are urging hotels to get the information to their guests that the insurance can and should be purchased online before travel.
