Thread: Confirmation of 180 day tourist visa?

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Originally Martinelli signed an Executive Order to change the Visa from 90 days to 180,BUT Apparently an Executive Order can not modify a Law passed by the Assembly of the former President.
Bottom line its a crap shoot until they get this mess figured out.

(Note: Your experiences may differ from mine)
Ok, so I rolled the dice and on Monday strolled through customs in Paso Canoas and into Costa Rica after being in Panama for 160 days. I had ABSOLUTELY no problems and did not need assistance whatsoever. Not sure what the law is supposed to be in Panama but my experience tells me they Panama is allowing 180 days. On return into Panama I was granted access and another 180 days. Now it does seem like customs is tightening up the border a little since Costa Rica and Nicaragua are having some problems. Another thing that Panama customs is doing is checking walk-in bags but otherwise all seems to be ok.

We were there on Monday too. This time the agent told us 180 days too, but I sure wish it was posted somewhere official, it still scares the crap out of me to try without absolute proof.....

I totally agree. I was waiting for immigration to look at me and say "you overstayed and were going to deport you".

So they finally did something that is pro ex-pat (a great source of income and development for Panama). Taxes on new buildings, encouraging corruption, increased reporting to the IRS and increased pensionado requirements wasn't helping. Now if US insurance companies would allow treatment in Panama hospitals - they could put a full-time auditor in one hospital in PC to avoid fraud.

Actually I have heard of US insurance companies paying for procedures overseas. The 180 day visa stay is pretty huge and a positive step for Panama. Now let's see how long it lasts.

Does anyone know how this affects those that have traveled into Panama with a US vehicle?

I rode into Panama on my moto and was given 30 days for both tourist and vehicle permit. Now I need to add 2 months of insurance and get an extension for the vehicle and myself. I'm wondering If I can add 5 months of insurance and get an extention for both?

I'll probably start with 2 extra months - and when thoses are up - see if I can extend for another 3 months. Sure wish there was consistant info on this!

Originally Posted by snohobo

Sure wish there was consistant info on this!

Yep, that or anything else.

so, has there been any confirmation of this??

I called immigration and they said 6 months for US, Canada and Aussie passport holders. Though when I was pulled over at a checkpoint the cop told me it was 3 months.

YMMV

[QUOTE=snohobo;65603]I called immigration and they said 6 months for US, Canada and Aussie passport holders. Though when I was pulled over at a checkpoint the cop told me it was 3 months.

I've heard that Martinella tried to revise the visa's to 180 days but it needs to go thru the proper process but in the interum, they are honouring the 180 days.

But don't forget....if you drive on your country's drivers license, it has to be reset every 90 days. So far we just run over the border for lunch, but that may change too. And one other thing. If you drove your own car to the border, you don't need a return ticket. It is even posted right there!

how bout for EU citizens? i would imagine germans get the same treatment as americans and auusies (and brits?)
as for the driving...what if you rent a car in costa rica and drive in?? (is that even possible?) sorry if this is the wrong thread for these questions

the dutch can stay 180 days, also called migration.

Originally Posted by petergus

how bout for EU citizens? i would imagine germans get the same treatment as americans and auusies (and brits?)
as for the driving...what if you rent a car in costa rica and drive in?? (is that even possible?) sorry if this is the wrong thread for these questions

i do not think you can take a rental across the border

Hi.I just came in yesterday from my 3day out of country trip for my tourist visa(doing it for 7 years now)Paso Canoas your good for 180 days I did have to show itinerary(fake of course) but I have them write 180 in the stamp in my passport.Never had a problem.

Originally Posted by Dannoc

Hi.I just came in yesterday from my 3day out of country trip for my tourist visa(doing it for 7 years now)Paso Canoas your good for 180 days I did have to show itinerary(fake of course) but I have them write 180 in the stamp in my passport.Never had a problem.

how did you come in? (seeing the above post i assume you have to have your own car (can buy car on a tourist visa?! nice!) or take a bus. or fly of course.)

what sort of fake itineraries have people used? you mean like where you will be travelling in the country? does they ever want to see hotel reservations or something like that?

ive heard buying a bus ticket out on the internet and printing that off works?

Originally Posted by petergus

how did you come in? (seeing the above post i assume you have to have your own car (can buy car on a tourist visa?! nice!) or take a bus. or fly of course.)

what sort of fake itineraries have people used? you mean like where you will be travelling in the country? does they ever want to see hotel reservations or something like that?

ive heard buying a bus ticket out on the internet and printing that off works?

I just go to American Airlines on the internet select a flight and print it out it looks like you purchased a ticket but you dont.It has worked for me for 7 years but allways at paso canoas

When we are at Rio Sereno last week we met a guy who had come through at Paso Canoas the week before. He had seen a guy handcuffed and thrown in jail for showing a false itinerary. The border officials checked to see if he had a seat on the flight and he didn't.

Originally Posted by becky7474

When we are at Rio Sereno last week we met a guy who had come through at Paso Canoas the week before. He had seen a guy handcuffed and thrown in jail for showing a false itinerary. The border officials checked to see if he had a seat on the flight and he didn't.

It happens.They did question mine one time but I showed them a visa card and explained I would purchase the ticket when I knew the date I would fly.It is a Roll of the dice with imigration if they want to help you or screw you.To be on the safe side spend the 15.00 on a bus ticket.Play dumb and dont speak spanish.