US CITIZEN ENTRY REQUIREMENTS FOR PANAMA
Jun 13th, 2007 by Don Ray
The other day when I received the latest ACS warnings, I decided to send an email to the US Embassy in Panama asking if they had new information on Panama’s Visa change and pending vaccination requirements.
I just received the following email which includes my original request:
From: Panama, ACS
To: donray@chiriquichatter.net
Subject: RE: Panama Visa and Vaccination requirements
Date: Wed, 13 Jun 2007 16:13:38 -0500
Dear Mr. Williams:
Thank you for contacting us.Attached is updated information regarding entry requirements for Panama and tourist visa.
Regarding to new vaccinations requirements this issue is under study by the Government of Panama. Apparently these new requirements will depend on the last country visited by the traveler.
Sincerely,
ML
ACS—–Original Message—–
From: Don Ray Williams
Sent: Friday, June 08, 2007 4:49 PM
To: Panama, ACS
Subject: Panama Visa and Vaccination requirementsI am getting a lot of questions as are all the local Panama Yahoo groups and other websites related to Panama’s changes in their Tourist Visa and pending legislation related to vaccinations.
If you have information related to either of those items, all US citizens living in Panama would like to know it.
Thank you,
Don Ray Williams
The following was the attachment which is what the US Embassy understands to be the Entry Requirements For Panama for US citizens:
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CONS
United States Embassy Panama
CONSULAR SECTION
CONSULAR INFORMATION SHEETS
E-MAIL: Panama-ACS@state.gov
ENTRY REQUIREMENTS FOR PANAMA
(On December 31, 2006, the U.S. Government will begin to phase in new passport requirements for U.S. citizens traveling in the Western Hemisphere. By December 31, 2008, all U.S. citizens will be expected to depart and enter the United States on a valid passport or other authorized document establishing identity and U.S. citizenship).
U.S. citizens are encouraged to obtain a U.S. passport before traveling to Panama. Although entry into Panama is permitted with any proof of U.S. citizenship (such as a certified birth certificate or a Naturalization Certificate) and official photo identification (such as a driver’s license), travelers may experience difficulties entering and/or exiting Panama when not in possession of a valid U.S. passport. Panamanian law requires that travelers must either purchase a tourist card from the airline serving Panama or obtain a visa from a Panamanian embassy or consulate before traveling to Panama. Further information may be obtained from the Embassy of Panama, 2862 McGill Terrace, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20009, tel. (202) 483-1407, or the Panamanian consulates in Atlanta, Chicago, Houston, Los Angeles, Miami, New Orleans, New York, Philadelphia or Tampa.
As of May 25, 2007, tourists are allowed to stay in Panama for 30 days. If they want to stay longer, an extension for up to 60 days (for a total of 90 days in country) from the Panamanian Migration Office is required. Please note that the approval of the extension falls under the Panamanian Immigration Office’s discretion.
In an effort to prevent international child abduction, many governments have initiated procedures at entry/exit points. These often include requiring documentary evidence of relationship and permission for the child’s travel from the parent(s) or legal guardian not present. Having such documentation on hand, even if not required, may facilitate entry/departure.U.S. citizens transiting the Panama Canal as passengers do not need to obtain visas, report to customs, or pay any fees. U.S. citizens piloting private craft through the canal should contact the U.S. Embassy in Panama City for current details on required procedures.
American Citizen Services
Tel: (507) 207-7030 / Fax: (507) 207-7303
I have it strictly off the record (with tongue firmly in cheek) that the U.S. is preparing a “one Columbia” foreign policy, similar to the “one China” policy it has followed since the late Forties. Just as the U.S. helped set up the Nationalist government on Taiwan but never recognized that it was separate from the rest of China, so the U.S. set up the Panama government but is now preparing to hint that it may still be part of Columbia. While secret negotiations about this have gone on for some time among the U.S., Panama and Columbia, the recent changes by Panama vis-a-vis its tourist visa indicates a cooling of Panama’s passion for the American presence and dollar.
In fact, as I understand it, the balboa may soon become attached to the Mexican peso, rather than the U.S. dollar, at a value of ten pesos per balboa. Mexico is expected to flood Panama with one, ten and one hundred peso coins and bills to facilitate a quick transition. Panama may then declare U.S. currency to be contraband and will confiscate all that it can discover. The recent changes in police investigatory authority apparently may have been in preparation for this change and may make Panama one of the wealthier locales in the western hemisphere.
When the administration let’s the new policy out, probably through Presidential misspeak, the oligarchy of Columbia has promised to triple its shipments of illicit product to the U.S. in ever purer quality. This is in line with the administration’s change in policy to allow those looking for a good time to receive it in spades–something of a stealthy preemptive strike against drug users. Along with this the Federal government is apparently preparing to bury OD victims in mass graves in Arlington National cemetery, not with the usual honor guard and trappings, but after midnight and with bulldozers.
The long term intent of these undertakings, as I understand it, is to deplete the demand for drugs in the U.S. by eliminating the end-users. Thus, in just a few months Columbia will settle down and become a hard-working capitalistic democracy, much like the U.S. and Iraq-of-the-future. As FARC and the like discover that the northern area of Columbia is settling down, they will strive to create a free trade zone in the border area between Panama and Columbian, probably in the area of La Palma. This move is expected to be supported by Venezuela, Brazil, Argentina, Bolivia, Chile, Ecuador and possibly Peru. The new wealthier southern horizons are also expected to begin drawing away much of the U.S.’s illegal immigrant population, solving a sticky political problem for the folks in Washington. Pretty much everyone is expected to live happily ever after, at least according to my Administration sources.