Security Message for U.S. Citizens: Ongoing protests in Panama with possible violence

Posted on October 26, 2012 by Don Ray

This is the latest message from the ACS.

This Emergency message is to alert U.S. citizens residing and traveling in Panama that throughout the morning of October 26^th, various groups have held protests at multiple locations throughout Panama City. While earlier in the day the protests were generally nonviolent the news is reporting that they have turned violent in several locations in Panama City and Colon, including at the National Assembly and Electoral Tribunal. There are reports of spreading vandalism including in Plaza 5 de Mayo and Calidonia. Accordingly, the Embassy’s security office is urging all U.S. government personnel to avoid the area around Plaza 5 de Mayo/National Assembly/Calidonia.

The city of Colon also continues to experience violent protest activity and should be avoided as well. U.S. citizens in Colon should remain indoors, monitor local media, and avoid protests and demonstrations if they must move about the city.

Please monitor media reporting for news of continued road closures and disruptions, and particularly for incidents of violence.

For updated information on the security situation in Panama, please contact the American Citizen Services Unit of the Consular Section of the U.S. Embassy at (011)-507-317-5030. The Consular Section of the U.S. Embassy is located in Clayton, Building 783, in the Clayton section of Panama.

The Embassy web site is http://panama.usembassy.gov/ and e-mails should be addressed to Panama-ACS@state.gov. The after-hours and emergency phone number is (011)-507-317-5000.

For up-to-date information on security, Americans traveling abroad should regularly monitor the Department’s Internet web site at http://travel.state.gov.

Further information on safety and security can also be obtained by calling 1-888-407-4747 toll-free in the United States and Canada or on a regular toll line at 1-202-501-4444. These numbers are available from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays).

U.S. citizens who travel to or reside in Panama are encouraged to enroll in the State Department’s Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP). By enrolling, you make it easier for the U.S. Embassy to contact you in case of an emergency.

Security Message for U.S. Citizens: Ongoing protests in Panama

Posted on October 22, 2012 by Don Ray

A number of groups are calling for protests in Panama City and elsewhere in the country. Protests may lead to road and highway closures, disruption of traffic, and possible violence. There are reports that the road linking Panama City to Colon has been closed. The U.S. Embassy urges American citizens to monitor local media and adjust travel plans accordingly. U.S. citizens are cautioned to avoid large crowds and gatherings, and to exercise heightened security awareness.For updated information on the security situation in Panama, please contact the American Citizen Services Unit of the Consular Section of the U.S. Embassy at (011)-507-317-5030. The Consular Section of the U.S. Embassy is located in Clayton, Building 783, in the Clayton section of Panama.

The Embassy web site is http://panama.usembassy.gov/ and e-mails should be addressed to Panama-ACS@state.gov. The after-hours and emergency phone number is (011)-507-317-5000.

For up-to-date information on security, Americans traveling abroad should regularly monitor the Department’s Internet web site at http://travel.state.gov.

Further information on safety and security can also be obtained by calling 1-888-407-4747 toll-free in the United States and Canada or on a regular toll line at 1-202-501-4444. These numbers are available from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays).

U.S. citizens who travel to or reside in Panama are encouraged to enroll in the State Department’s Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP). By enrolling, you make it easier for the U.S. Embassy to contact you in case of an emergency.

Security Message for U.S. Citizens:

Posted on October 19, 2012 by Don Ray

The following security message was released by the U.S. Embassy in Panama City.

This Emergency Message is to alert U.S. citizens residing and traveling in Panama to violent protests currently taking place in Colon. Panamanian media is broadcasting scenes of violent protests. Several roads appear to be blocked and protesters are setting fire to objects to further block the road. Anti-riot police are dispensing tear gas in response to the protesters. Strongly consider avoiding travel to or within Colon at this time. If you must travel to or in Colon, monitor local media, obey instructions of local authorities, and adjust your plans accordingly.

For updated information on the security situation in Panama, please contact the American Citizen Services Unit of the Consular Section of the U.S. Embassy at (011)-507-317-5030. The Consular Section of the U.S. Embassy is located in Clayton, Building 783, in the Clayton section of Panama. The Embassy web site is http://panama.usembassy.gov/ and e-mails should be addressed to Panama-ACS@state.gov. The after-hours and emergency phone number is (011)-507-317-5000.

For up-to-date information on security, Americans traveling abroad should regularly monitor the Department’s Internet web site at http://travel.state.gov. Further information on safety and security can also be obtained by calling 1-888-407-4747 toll-free in the United States and Canada or on a regular toll line at 1-202-501-4444. These numbers are available from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays).

U.S. citizens who travel to or reside in Panama are encouraged to enroll in the State Department’s Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP). By enrolling, you make it easier for the U.S. Embassy to contact you in case of an emergency.

MESSAGE FOR U.S. CITIZENS – Completing and Returning Absentee Ballots

Posted on October 19, 2012 by Don Ray

Information updated October 19, 2012

U.S. Embassy Panama City, Panama

Message for U.S. Citizens

Completing and Returning Absentee Ballots

16 October 2012

Absentee ballots have already been delivered to overseas voters. Every U.S. citizen who requested an absentee ballot and selected the fax or email delivery option should have it by now. Please vote and take steps to return your voted ballot promptly so your vote will count. See the instructions below.

Returning your ballot by mail. Place your voted ballot in a U.S. postage-paid envelope containing the address of your local election officials. Drop it off at the Embassy, and we’ll send it back home for you without the need to pay international postage. If you can’t visit the Embassy in person, ask a friend or colleague drop it off for you. If it’s easier for you to use Panama’s postal system, be sure to affix sufficient international postage, and allow sufficient time for international mail delivery. If time is tight, you may want to use a private courier service (e.g., FedEx, UPS, or DHL) to meet your state’s ballot receipt deadline.

You can bring your sealed and stamped envelopes to two different places within the Embassy:

If your sealed and stamped ballot envelope already has the US mailing address on the front, you may simply come in the main entry, show the entry guard your ballot envelope, drive your car to the upper level guard entry point (commonly referred to as the Service CAC), show the guard there your envelope, and someone from the Diplomatic Pouch and Mail Unit (DPMU) will accept your ballot.

This option is available Monday through Thursday from 8:00 am – 4:30 pm, and Fridays from 8:00 am – 11:30 am.

Or

If you do not know the US mailing address to put on the front of your sealed and stamped envelope, bring it to the American Citizens Services Unit, located within the Consular section, and we will assist you.

We are open Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday from 8:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and 1:30 p.m. to 3:00 p.m., Wednesday from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon, and Friday from 8:00a.m. to 10:00 a.m.. You do not need to make an appointment on line in advance to do this, but you will have to take a ticket as you enter the Embassy and wait your turn for assistance with those who do have appointments. We will try to make the wait as short as possible.

Returning your ballot by email, fax, or upload. Some states allow these options, but may also require you to still mail in the signed paper ballot. Learn more at the Federal Voting Assistance Program’s website at www.FVAP.gov.

Haven’t received your ballot yet? Use the emergency write-in ballot. U.S. citizens who requested an absentee ballot but haven’t received it should go to www.FVAP.gov to complete a Federal Write-in Absentee Ballot. Follow the above guidance for returning your ballot. If you later receive your regular absentee ballot, vote and return it immediately. Local election officials will count just one ballot per voter, and will use the regular ballot if received by your state’s ballot receipt deadline.

Forgot to register or request an absentee ballot? Act immediately! There are three options.

Option #1: Register and request a ballot today using the federal post card application at www.FVAP.gov. Select the electronic ballot delivery option, include your email address (and fax number) and send it to local election officials in your state. Almost every state lets you submit it by email or fax. Once your application is processed they will send you your ballot via fax or email depending on your state. Vote as soon as you receive the blank ballot. Registration deadlines vary and some are as early as October 7, so check your state’s requirements carefully.

Option#2: Follow the instructions in Option #1, but also complete and send in a Federal Write-in Ballot at the same time to make sure your vote is counted. This option may be the best one for first-time voters if your state requires you to submit your Federal Post Card Application by mail. Vote and submit your regular absentee ballot if/when it arrives. Local election officials will count just one ballot per voter, and will use the regular ballot if it’s received by the ballot receipt deadline.

Option #3: Voters from the following states can use the Federal Write-in Absentee Ballot as a combined voter registration form, absentee ballot request, and absentee ballot: Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, Delaware, District of Columbia, Georgia, Hawaii, Iowa, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Mississippi, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Mexico, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Virginia, and Washington. (NOTE: This form must reach your local election officials by your state’s absentee ballot request deadline or voter registration deadline, whichever is first.)

Returning your Federal Write-in Absentee Ballot by mail. Follow the guidance above for returning your ballot by mail.

Returning your Federal Write-in Absentee Ballot by email or fax. The following states allow voters to email or fax their signed, voted Federal Write-in Absentee Ballots back to local election officials: Arizona, California (fax only), Colorado, Delaware, District of Columbia, Florida, Indiana, Kansas, Massachusetts, Mississippi, Montana, Nevada, North Carolina, North Dakota, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Utah, Washington, and West Virginia. (NOTE: see instructions at www.FVAP.gov for faxing or emailing your voted ballot.)

Have Questions? Please contact Embassy Panama’s Voting Assistance Officer at 317-5000, or at votepanama@state.gov.

Confirm your registration and ballot delivery online. Learn more at the Federal Voting Assistance Program’s (FVAP) website at www.FVAP.gov.

Message for US Citizens – US Ambassador to hold Town Hall in Panama City

Posted on October 12, 2012 by Don Ray

Here is a request I just received from the U.S. Embassy. If you click on the “ATTACHED INVITATION” you will download a PDF file which is the invitation with an active link that can be used to register.

Dear Wardens,

Please distribute the attached message inviting all American citizens in
your area to a Town Hall 26 Oct 2012, at the Ambassador’s residence in
La Cresta in downtown Panama City.

Thank you.

American Citizen Services
(507) 317-5000

Panama-ACS@state.gov

ATTACHED INVITATION

U.S. Embassy Request

Posted on October 4, 2012 by Don Ray

“The US Embassy is attempting to reach Mr. Michael Dean Smith, and would appreciate if persons in contact with him could inform him the Embassy can be reached at 317-5000”

Security Message To Us Citizens

Posted on September 14, 2012 by Don Ray

Here is the latest message from the American Citizens Services Unit of the U.S. Embassy in Panama City.

Due to the September 11th anniversary and ongoing incidents of violence worldwide, U.S. citizens are reminded to maintain a high level of vigilance and to take appropriate steps to increase their security awareness. On September 14, the U.S. Embassy received a report of a U.S. citizen being threatened in Panama City.

Read the Department of State’s most recent Worldwide Caution http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/pa/pa_4787.html

Should you become aware of a threat to U.S Citizens here in Panama, please immediately notify the Panamanian National Police and call the Embassy at 317-5200.

For the latest security information, Americans traveling abroad should regularly monitor the Department’s Internet web site at http://travel.state.gov where the current Travel Warnings and Public Announcements, including the Worldwide Caution Public Announcement, can be found. Up-to-date information on safety and security can also be obtained by calling 1-888-407-4747 toll free in the U.S. or for callers outside the U.S. and Canada, a regular toll-line at 1-202-501-4444. These numbers are available from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays).

For updated information on the security situation in Panama, please contact the American Citizen Services Unit of the U.S. Embassy at 317-5030. The Consular Section of the U.S. Embassy is located in Clayton, Building 783, in the Clayton section of Panama. The Consular Section fax is 317-5303. The Embassy web site is http://panama.usembassy.gov/ and e-mails should be addressed to Panama-ACS@state.gov. After hours and emergency phone number: 317-5000 or 317-5200.

Voting Services During Outreaches

Posted on September 4, 2012 by Don Ray

I received the following related to the upcoming Embassy Outreach visits.

Hi dear Wardens in Chiriqui and Bocas del Toro,

Hope this email finds you well.

Voting season is here, and we appreciate that you inform the citizens in your area that we welcome their requests for ballots or voted ballots during the outreach; we will be glad to mail their ballots to the U.S. when we get back to the office. The ballots should be in a sealed and stamped envelope. The site for information and forms request is: http://www.travel.state.gov/travel/living/overseas_voting/overseas_voting_4754.html

We will also have forms available during the outreach, in case the citizen had difficulties in downloading and printing the voting forms.

Saludos,

Tania Escala

CONS-ACS

U.S. Ambassador Farrar visits Bocas del Toro

Posted on August 31, 2012 by Don Ray

I received the following message from the U.S. Embassy related to an up coming visit to Bocas del Toro

Attention U.S. citizens
U.S. Ambassador Farrar visits
Bocas del Toro
On Thursday, September 13, 2012

Itinerary (Both at Hotel Angela):
09:00 a.m. – Town Hall Meeting with U.S. Ambassador Farrar and U.S.
citizens in Bocas del Toro

10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.– Consular Services (see list of services below)

The U.S. Embassy is pleased to announce that Ambassador Farrar will hold a Town Hall meeting for American citizens in Bocas del Toro on Thursday, September 13, 2012, at 9:00 a.m. in the Hotel Angela.

*************************************************************

An American Consul from the United States will also visit Bocas del Toro on that day to provide consular services to American citizens in the area during the following schedule: Thursday, September 13, 2012 – Bocas del Toro, Hotel Angela from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p. m.

1. Applications for U.S. passports.
2. Notarizations.
3. Registrations.
4. Voting registrations.
5. Applications for Consular Reports of Birth Abroad (CRBA): for this service, only the child’s passport application, fee, and child’s photo will be accepted. A later appointment to submit the complete documentation in the Consular Section in Panama City should be scheduled by US Citizen parent transmitting the citizenship to the child.

No visa services will be provided. Services will be provided on first come – first serve basis.

IMPORTANT NOTICE
1. Please bring photocopies of all documents to be submitted.
2. Please bring the exact cash amount to pay for the service.
3. Please bring the completed form. Please access the following link for information on fees, and forms you need to download, complete and bring: http://panama.usembassy.gov/service.html

Thank you.
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U.S. Vice Consul visits to David and Boquete in September