Travel Report for Panama

Country Profile for
Panama

TRAVEL REPORTS:

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TRAVEL REPORT

Last Updated: December 4, 2006 14:38 EST
Still Valid: December 8, 2006 22:01 EST

Panama

1.	INTRODUCTION
2.	ATTENTION
3.	SAFETY AND SECURITY
4.	LOCAL TRAVEL
5.	NATURAL DISASTERS AND CLIMATE
6.	LOCAL LAWS AND CUSTOMS
7.	ASSISTANCE FOR CANADIANS ABROAD
8.	ENTRY/EXIT REQUIREMENTS
9.	MONEY

10.	GENERAL INFORMATION
11.	TRAVEL MEDICINE PROGRAM
12.	ADDITIONAL HEALTH INFORMATION
13.	RETURNING TO CANADA
14.	INTERNATIONAL ADOPTIONS
15.	TRAVEL TIPS
16.	HEALTH AND TRAVEL INSURANCE
17.	FOR MORE INFORMATION
18.	ANNEX

1. INTRODUCTION

The level of Travel Warning in this report has not changed. Section 2 has been updated.

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2. ATTENTION

OFFICIAL WARNING: Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada advises against all travel to the region(s) specified below. (IDW5)

You are advised against all travel beyond Yaviza located in the Darien province. The danger zone begins at the end of the Pan American Highway (at Yaviza, about 230 km southeast of Panama City) and ends at the Colombian border. Because of the extremely volatile situation at the border with Colombia, this part of the Darien is a "Red Zone" under Panamanian regulations. The area also includes parts of Darien National Park and privately owned nature reserves and tourist resorts. Only Panamanian police and the local indigenous population frequent this area. There have been numerous cases of deaths and disappearances in the "Red Zone".

The border area between Panama and Colombia is also dangerous due to the presence of Colombian terrorist groups and drug traffickers.

Violent anti-government demonstrations and protest marches occasionally occur in Panama City, near the university or on main highways. Demonstrators, including university and high school students, labour union members and teachers, have in the past staged rallies at Panama City landmarks and public parks.

Because of the unpredictable nature of these demonstrations and the potential for violence, Canadians in or travelling to

Panama

should exercise caution, avoid large gatherings and demonstrations, and monitor local news reports.

OFFICIAL REGISTRATION RECOMMENDATION: Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada offers a registration service for Canadians travelling or residing abroad. Canadians who choose to travel to the region(s) specified despite this warning should register with the responsible Canadian government office in this country. Registration can be done on-line or by calling the responsible Canadian government office abroad to request a registration form. Canadians visiting other areas of the country for three months or more should also register. Canadians visiting for less than three months are strongly advised to: (a) leave a detailed travel itinerary and contact information with family or friends in Canada; (b) provide family with the emergency number for Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada (1 800 267-6788 or 613-944-6788); and (c) keep the phone number of the responsible Canadian government office on hand (see Section 7 below).

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3. SAFETY AND SECURITY

The security situation is stable. Petty theft is common in rural and urban areas, especially in Panama City's bus stations, on Avenida Central, in the Chorrillo area, and throughout tourist spots in the old section of town (Casco Viejo). Travellers should be especially vigilant at airports, bus terminals, and other public places. Do not walk alone after dark in Panama City, and stay within well-known tourist areas in the downtown core. Remain vigilant on roads around the Pacific entrance of the Panama Canal, on or near the Bridge of the Americas, and in the city and surrounding areas of Colón. Visitors are advised not to stop at the scenic viewpoint of the Madden Dam unless there is a police presence, due to the risk of mugging. There is a higher risk of crimes in the following areas: San Miguelito, Rio Abajo, El Chorillo, Ancon, Curundu, Veracruz Beach, Panama Viejo and the Madden Dam overlook. Do not display signs of affluence or carry large sums of cash. Ensure personal belongings, passports and other travel documents are secure at all times. Local police can be reached at 104 and the fire department at 103.

Boaters should be aware that Coiba Island, on the Pacific coast, is home to a penal colony, and is also known as a transportation corridor for narcotics, as is the southeastern coast of Comarca de San Blas, south of Punta Carreto.

Boaters should be aware that Coiba Island, on the Pacific coast, is known as a transportation corridor for narcotics, as is the southeastern coast of Comarca de San Blas, south of Punta Carreto.

Some beaches on both Pacific and Caribbean coasts can be dangerous, as there are strong currents and undertows. Drownings occur every year.

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4. LOCAL TRAVEL

Poor road conditions, dangerous driving habits, and poorly lit streets and vehicles are hazards. Keep windows closed and doors locked at all times. Vehicle insurance is not compulsory, and many Panamanians drive without it. In the event of an accident, do not move the vehicle until you are advised to do so by a police officer.

Taxis are the safest and quickest way to travel in urban centres. Taxis are not metered. Fares are calculated according to the number of "zones" crossed to get to a destination. Agree to a fare before departure.

Night construction on the Pan-American Highway is frequent. Be prepared for possible roadblocks.

Maintenance and crew standards of Panamanian airline carriers serving domestic routes may not meet Canadian and international standards. As well, many airfields to which domestic carriers fly are small, with rough, narrow runways, lacking even rudimentary safety equipment or standards.

An International Driving Permit (IDP) is recommended.

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5. NATURAL DISASTERS AND CLIMATE

The hurricane season extends from June to the end of November. You are advised to visit the Web site of the National Hurricane Center for information on weather conditions.

The rainy season extends from April to December. Occasional flooding can occur and make some city streets impassable. Travellers should keep informed of regional weather forecasts and plan accordingly.

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6. LOCAL LAWS AND CUSTOMS

You are subject to local laws. A serious violation may lead to a jail sentence. The sentence will be served in local prisons.

Canadians arrested or detained have the right to contact the responsible Canadian government office (embassy, high commission, etc.) listed in Section 7 below. Arresting officials have a responsibility to assist you in doing so. Canadian consular officials can provide a list of local lawyers upon request.

The Department publishes A Guide for Canadians Imprisoned Abroad, specifically targeted at incarcerated Canadians. Its prime objective is to inform Canadian detainees, their families, and friends about available assistance and advice.

Penalties for use or possession of illegal drugs are strict. Offenders can expect long jail sentences and heavy fines.

Under the Panamanian Penal Code, knowingly transmitting sexually transmitted diseases is a crime.

Minors under 18 years of age circulating alone late at night in Panama City may be detained by police until their parents can be contacted if the police judge that they are involved in suspiscious activities. They may be fined US$ 50.

Ask permission before taking photographs, particularly of children.

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7. ASSISTANCE FOR CANADIANS ABROAD

You can obtain consular assistance and further consular information at the following address:

Republic of Panama - PANAMA, Embassy of Canada
Address: World Trade Center, Calle 53E, Marbella, Galeria Comercial, Piso 1, Panama, Republic of Panama
Postal Address: Apartado 0832-2446, Republic of Panama
Tel.: (507) 264-9731, 7115
Fax: (507) 263-8083
E-mail: panam@international.gc.ca
Internet: http://www.panama.gc.ca

For emergency assistance after hours, call the Embassy of Canada in Panama City and follow the instructions. You may also make a collect call to the Department in Ottawa at 613-996-8885 or use the services offered by Canada Direct.

Canada Direct, offered by Canada's major telecommunications companies, provides travellers with toll-free and hassle-free access to the Canadian telephone network. The Canada Direct access number from Panama is 00-800-0119, where a Canadian operator is always available. For more information, call 1 800 561-8868 or visit the Canada Direct Web site.

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8. ENTRY/EXIT REQUIREMENTS

The following information on entry and exit requirements has been confirmed with authorities at the Embassy of the Republic of Panama and, to the best of our knowledge, was valid on April 7, 2006. However, entry and exit requirements are subject to change.

It is the sole prerogative of each country to determine who is allowed to enter. All countries have special requirements for persons intending to reside for extended periods (usually more than 90 days) or who plan to work, study, or engage in non-tourist activities. To obtain information on specific entry requirements, contact the nearest diplomatic or consular office of the country or countries to be visited. Violations of entry and exit requirements may result in serious penalties.

Foreign Affairs

Canada

’s Office of Protocol provides contact details for the Embassy of the Republic of Panama and its consulates, where you can obtain further information on entry and exit requirements.

A valid Canadian passport is required for Canadians intending to visit

Panama

. The passport must be valid for at least six months beyond the date of your expected departure from the country. Canadians must also be in possession of a tourist card.

Tourist Card: Required (available upon arrival)
Business Visa: Required
Student Visa: Required

Tourist cards are the most common entry document for short stays (valid for 90 days) and may be purchased in advance from your travel agent or airline, or upon arrival at a land border or at Tocumen International Airport in Panama City.

Visitors to

Panama

are required to have the equivalent of US$500 or a credit card, plus a return or onward ticket.Proof of yellow fever immunization may be required for travellers arriving from an infected area.

A US$20 airport tax (cash only) is charged upon departure.
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Selling, altering, or allowing another person to use your passport is a criminal offence. It could lead to the laying of charges and imprisonment if convicted. It could also lead to the denial of future passport services.

Special and diplomatic passport holders should verify visa requirements for this and other countries, as they may differ from those that apply to regular passport holders.

Any adult travelling with children may be required to show evidence of parental/custodial and/or access rights. Foreign and Canadian authorities may also require evidence that the adult has the consent of the parents, legal guardian, and/or the court to travel with the children. Some countries may not permit children to enter or, in some cases, leave the country without proper documentation such as a letter of consent or a court order.

Canadians who wish to stay beyond three months (the validity of a tourist card) will be required to provide a "Carta de Responsabilidad", or letter of obligation, from a resident or citizen of Panama who will take responsibility for the visitor's stay. The resident or citizen will also be required to provide a "letter of solvency" and a copy of his or her "cedula". The Canadian must submit these to the Immigration Department along with a copy of his or her passport, two photographs, and a copy of his or her return or onward airline ticket. The processing fee is US$16. The Immigration Department will decide on the length of the extension. Please note that this service is not available at the airport or at land borders, and that the process must be begun three to five working days prior to the original departure date.

Canadians entering Panama with a vehicle will have that fact marked in their passport and will not be allowed to depart the country without the vehicle. It is not possible to drive a vehicle overland to Colombia. To ship a car to a South American port (e.g., in Ecuador), Canadians are required to present a "carnet de passage en douane," which is best purchased in Canada before departure from the Canada Automobile Association (CAA). In order to leave the country temporarily without the vehicle, you will be required to store the vehicle at a customs-sanctioned lot.

Canadians arriving through the canal by privately owned boats should contact the Embassy of Canada in Panama City for specific entry requirements.

Although same-sex marriages are legal in Canada, many countries do not recognize them. Attempting to enter as a same-sex married couple may result in refusal by local officials. For more information, contact the foreign government office accredited to Canada.

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9. MONEY

While Panama mints its own coins (centavos), it uses the U.S. dollar as its currency. The U.S. dollar is referred to as the "balboa" (B) instead of the dollar. Because of problems with counterfeit $50 and $100 bills, travellers are encouraged to carry small denominations of U.S. dollars/balboa. Canadian currency and traveller's cheques are not accepted anywhere in the country. Canadian currency and traveller's cheques are not widely accepted worldwide. Check with your bank for information on ATM services in other countries. You can also check the VISA ATM locator page or the MasterCard ATM locator page for the addresses of ATMs around the world. Your bank can advise if you need a new personal identification number (PIN) for overseas access to your account. Credit cards and debit cards should be used with caution due to the potential for fraud and other criminal activity. ATMs should be used during business hours inside a bank, supermarket, or large commercial building. Leave copies of your card numbers with a family member in case of emergency.

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10. GENERAL INFORMATION

Panama (capital: Panama City) is located in Central America and bordered by Colombia, Costa Rica, the Pacific Ocean and the Caribbean Sea. Spanish is the official language. English is widely spoken by the banking and international business and tourism communities, but not by the general population.

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11. TRAVEL MEDICINE PROGRAM

The Public Health Agency of Canada and the World Health Organization (WHO) report on disease outbreaks that occur throughout the world. For the latest travel health advisories and related information, visit the Public Health Agency of Canada’s Travel Medicine Program Web site.

The Public Health Agency of Canada strongly recommends that your travel plans include contacting a travel medicine clinic or physician six to eight weeks before departure. Based on your individual risk assessment, a health care professional can determine your need for immunizations and/or preventive medication and advise you on precautions to avoid disease. Travellers are reminded to ensure that their routine (childhood) immunizations (e.g., tetanus, diphtheria, polio, and measles) are up to date.

Standards of medical care may differ from those in Canada. Treatment may be expensive, and payment in advance may be required. Travellers are advised to arrange for medical insurance prior to departure. Prescription medications should be kept in the original container and packed in carry-on luggage.

The Public Health Agency of Canada also recommends that travellers who become sick or feel unwell on their return to Canada seek a medical assessment with their personal physician. Travellers should inform their physician that they have been travelling or living outside of Canada.

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12. ADDITIONAL HEALTH INFORMATION

Panama City has very good private hospitals and clinics, whereas the public hospitals and clinics do not offer services comparable to Canadian facilities. Medical facilities outside Panama City are limited. Expect to pay for medical services at the time of the visit.

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13. RETURNING TO CANADA

Please consult the Current Issue on returning to Canada.

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14. INTERNATIONAL ADOPTIONS

Provincial and territorial authorities in Canada are responsible for authorizing international adoptions. If you are thinking of adopting a child from another country, you must first obtain information about the adoption regulations of the province or territory in which the child will reside. While adoption is a provincial/territorial responsibility, Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) is responsible for allowing an adopted child entry into Canada. Entry can be refused if the child does not hold the appropriate immigrant visa. A visa may be denied, even if the adoption has already been completed. For more information contact CIC at 1 888 242-2100 (in Canada only), check the CIC Web site or contact your provincial or territorial government.

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15. TRAVEL TIPS

Please consult our Traveller's Checklist.

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16. HEALTH AND TRAVEL INSURANCE

Do not rely on your provincial health plan to cover all expenses if you get sick or are injured while abroad. It may cover nothing or only a portion of the costs. Understand the terms of your supplementary insurance policy. Some credit cards offer their holders health and travel insurance. Do not assume the card alone provides adequate coverage. Carry details of your insurance with you. Also, tell your travel agent, a friend or relative, and/or travelling companion how to contact your insurer. Get a detailed invoice from the doctor or hospital before you return to Canada. Always submit original receipts for any medical services or prescriptions received abroad. Most insurance companies will not accept copies or faxes.

Cancelling a scheduled trip abroad could cost you money. Before cancelling a scheduled trip, you should discuss the matter with your travel agent, your travel insurer, or the airline. The decision to travel is the sole responsibility of the traveller.

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17. FOR MORE INFORMATION

N/A

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18. ANNEX

N/A

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