Visa

RSC · 05-27-2008

Hello all,
I'm in Panama for three months (began May 5th - ending July 25th) interning without pay. My understanding was that I'm okay with the $5 "tourist card" I was given when I arrived in Panama. However, other people are telling me that I'm definitely going to need to get a visa for the remaining two months. The tourist card basically says that it's a 30-day card, with possible extensions to 60 or 90 days. Anyone have any idea how all this works? Is there a huge penalty if I get caught without a visa (i.e. Jail or enormous fine)? Any help is greatly appreciated. My thanks in advance.

MRWOOHOO · 05-27-2008

I know for US citizens it is 90 days automatic currently (unless something changed?) It maybe different for other nationalities? Meet with and attorney for free advice. If you want a name I can give a recommendation and other people on this forum can as well. Probably worse case would be they kick you out of the country and you are not allowed back in.

soltero · 05-27-2008

It is 90 days for most nationalities, including US and Canada. The reason the card says 30 days is they're still using up their printed supply from the 9-month period last year when they shortened the "automatic" period from 90 days to 30 days.

To look up Panama's requirements for all countries, go here: http://migracion.gob.pa/eng/servicio.php?cont=paisvisa

Laura · 05-27-2008

Thanks for the link, soltero! It does state clearly -for each country- if and what kind of visa you need (or tourist card), but it doesn't mention anything on 30 or 90 days for each country. So do I understand correctly that all people can now stay for 90 days?

soltero · 05-28-2008

I *know* it is 90 days for citizens of the US, Canada, the UK and Australia. I *believe* it is the same for citizens of other countries, but I can't swear to it. The primary issue is that there are something like 140 countries that require only the tourist card ($5) or nothing at all; the others require a formal visa. I *think* the tourist card is 90 days for everyone; the formal visas, I don't know the term.