Panama

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Panamanian Tourist Visas are currently under review for change from 30 days to 90 days. There is some confusion over this because originally tourist visas were good for 90 days, and in 2007 they changed to 30 days. A short time later, this law was reversed back to 90 days, with an effective date of August 2008. This means that border officials may grant 30 days, or they may grant 90 days. If you receive a 30 day visa, and want to stay longer, go to an Immigration Office at least 1 week before your visa expires and get an extension for 60 days longer.

Web Site for Panamanian Immigration in English http://www.migracion.gob.pa/eng/index.php

Web Site for Panamanian Government

http://www.panama1.com/gobierno.php

Web Site for Panamanian Public Registry (Property)

www.registro-publico.gob.pa

Web Site for Panamanian State Department

http://www.mire.gob.pa/

Click Here for Visa information Document

Click Here for Pensionado Benefit Document

Immigration Office – Panama City: 507-1800

Driver's License

First time license applications:

If you are a permanent resident with a Pensionado Visa then a license with four year validity will be issued to you. Those who have come to the land of Panama on a visit may drive for the maximum time span of three months with the official driver's license of the country to which they belong.

Documentation required:

Your Permanent Residency Card, and a photocopy of it;
Your foreign driver's license (with a copy duly authenticated by your Consulate here in Panama);
$40.25;
Glucose Test (from a medical lab, showing that your blood sugar levels are not outside the standard range);
Auditory and Visual examinations made at the Licence department
Medical test (if 70 years or oler).

The Glucose Test can be done at any medical Laboratory. It should probably be done first thing in the morning, before you have had anything to eat, since you will not wish to have high sugar levels.

License Renewed

Documentation required:

To get a license renewed you must have one of the cedulas with a hologram on the front and a bar code on the back, so if you have one of the old cedulas you must get your cedula renewed before you can get your license.

Glucose Test (from a medical lab, showing that your blood sugar levels are not outside the standard range);
Auditory and visual examinations made at the License department
Medical test (if 70 years or older)

Cost $40.25

The Driver’s License bureau is located in the Chiriqui Mall. To obtain a driver’s license, you must first go to a lab and get a blood test for Diabetes. You must carry ALL paperwork in the car at all times (registration, insurance and the current driving laws book). You can purchase the driving laws book at the pharmacy at the front corner of Chiriqui Mall.