New ACS Message.
Jan 26th, 2008 by Don Ray
The following ACS message was posted on another site.
United States Embassy Panama
CONSULAR SECTION
CONSULAR INFORMATION SHEETS
E-MAIL: Panama-ACS@state.gov
ENTRY REQUIREMENTS FOR PANAMA
U.S. Citizens traveling by air to and from the Panama must present a valid passport when entering or re-entering the United States. Sea travelers must have a valid U.S. passport (or other original proof of U.S. citizenship, such as a certified U.S. birth certificate with a government-issued photo ID).
As of November 11, 2007, tourists are allowed to stay in Panama for 90 days. If they want to stay longer, an extension for up to 60 days (for a total of 150 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.
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, Boston, Chicago, Honolulu, Houston, Los Angeles, Miami, New Orleans, New York, Philadelphia, San Juan, San Diego, San Francisco or Tampa.
Entry by Land or Sea
As early as January 1, 2008, U.S. citizens traveling between the United States and Panama by land or sea (including ferries), may be required to present a valid U.S. passport or other documents as determined by the Department of Homeland Security. American citizens can visit travel.state.gov or call 1-877-4USA-PPT (1-877-487-2778) for information on applying for a passport.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 Panama Canal Authority at 011-507-272-1111 or consult the canal’s web page at http://www.pancanal.com.
Don,
This is good news for Panama & ‘tourists’ & extended stay visitors!
I was somewhat irked when the Ministry of Whatever hacked that 90 into 30…
Great news. For those of us in the moving down stage, it makes the logistics much easier. And for future visitors.
Speaking of moving….from someone who hasn’t moved in thirty years, it’s traumatic! Not bad. In fact, most exciting. But there are a thousand things to consider, from the biggest (deciding to come to Panama was easy) to the smallest. And selling a house while you’re still living in it is a test of patience.
Since the moving gods blessed us with a buyer in thirty days, we’re making progress. Now the finishing up, paring down, selling, etc. And we’ll be glad to be there! It’s cold here, even in San antonio.
Hi Mary.
Congratulations on your house sale and your pending move. If you have learned patience, then you are ready for Panama. Then you can move into your next set of patience training sessions.