Tourist Visa To Panama For American Citizens

On the airplane traveling to Panama City you will be given an immigration form and a customs form. Typically only one customs form is needed per family, but all persons entering Panama will need an immigration form. Be sure to have both filled out before you enter the Immigration area in the Tocumen International Airport. Agents are usually busy and do not want to wait for you to fill it out. If you have questions about either form, you can ask a flight attendant or perhaps a person sitting near you on the plane for assistance. Also, check in the airline’s free magazine provided in the seatback pocket; there is typically a set of directions towards the back of the publication. The forms are in Spanish and English. They ask for basic information including your name, passport number, reason for travel, where you will be visiting in Panama, etc.

All persons arriving at Tocumen International Airport must pass through Immigration, as this is the first point of entry into the country when flying. Once arriving at the gate, follow the signs towards Immigration. You will take a set of stairs to a lower level and see the stations in front of you. Residents of Panama will line up to the far left in the line that does not wind through the partitions. As an international visitor, do not be tempted by this shorter line as the agents will make you move to the back of the visitor line when you reach the front. Before getting in the immigration line, be sure you have a completed tourist VISA in your hand. The tourist VISA costs $5 and has a metallic sticker in one of the corners. The VISA is typically good for 90 days for American visitors (at times it is 30 days). Often, if you arrive at the departure gate before boarding begins, you can purchase your VISA at the airport from where you depart to Panama. I have done this through Delta Airlines (departing from Atlanta, GA) and Continental Airlines (departing from Houston, TX). When I have traveled on American Airlines (departing from Miami, FL), they ask passengers to purchase the VISA in Panama City, Panama.

Important note!! If you do not purchase the VISA before arriving in Panama City, you will need to do so before you enter the immigration line. Look for an unmarked podium along one wall in the open area before the partitions for the immigration line. There may be a small sign in Spanish and English on the podium denoting that tourist VISAs are for sale, but this is incredibly easy to overlook. There is no sign on the wall or on the front of the podium. Be sure to purchase one for each person traveling with you, including small children. If you arrive at the Immigration agent without the VISA, they will send you back to get one and you may have to wait in line again. It is helpful if you share this information with other Americans in the line to expedite the process for everyone.

Recently added in June 2009 is a thermal imaging stop as you pass through the immigration line. This is to check for signs of H1N1 (swine) flu. The process is quick and painless. A poster near the agent with the imaging equipment explains the process.

Once you reach the Immigration agent they will ask for your passport, tourist VISA, and immigration form (the smaller of the two you filled out on the airplane). Hold on to the customs form for the time being. The agent will scan your passport and then ask you a series of questions, in fluent English or Spanish. Typical questions include: reason for your visit (tourist, business, military, student), length of stay (checking to see if you will stay longer than the 90 days permitted by the tourist VISA), and where you will be staying while in Panama. The agent will stamp your passport and the VISA and hand these back to you. Be sure to keep your VISA in a safe location as you will need this when leaving the country.

Next, proceed to the appropriate carousal to pick up your luggage. If the Immigration line was long an airport agent likely has removed all bags from the turnstile and they are on the floor nearby (often the bags will even be arranged according to type – duffel bags in one area, suitcases arranged from smallest to largest). Collect your luggage (carts are available) and proceed to the customs line across from the carousals. Here you will present your customs form (be sure that you have signed it). In June 2009 the form seemingly changed and the agent may ask you to fill out a different form at the table nearby. Once the agent approves your customs from, allow your bags to pass through the X-ray machine and collect them on the other side. Porters will be available to help you transport your bags, if desired. An appropriate tip is a couple of dollars, but may range to $5 if your party has a lot of luggage.

You have now completed the required process and can exit to meet your party (visitors exit to the right), get a taxi, or pick up your rental car (desks located to your left once you exit to the main lobby). If a tour company or hotel is meeting you, look for your name printed on a sign. Taxis leaving from the airport are all priced about $33.00 (may be $10/person if you have a group of 3 or larger). You also can cross the parking lot and wait for a Panamanian Diablo Rojo bus heading toward Panama (traveling to your left as your back is to the airport). Buses run only during daytime hours and will cost about $1, but is only suggested for the experienced travel with little luggage. The bus will take you to Albrook Bus Terminal in Panama City. Taxi drivers will drop you off at your desired hotel or other location.

Remember to have your forms completed and your tourist VISA in hand before entering the immigration line and your entrance into the Republic of Panama will be as efficient as possible!
Author: Julie Ray


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