Another Clarification on the Tourist Visa Issue
By DON WINNER for Panama-Guide.com - According to Lic. Karen Zamora, the Chief of Investigations for Panama's National Direction of Immigration;
- "Señor Winner: No existe ninguna disposición legal que diga que la salida de los extranjeros por 72 horas debe ser a su país de origen. La Dirección Nacional de Migración no ha dado ninguna indicación contraria a la que siempre ha existido. No debe existir ningún inconveniente en que el pueda entrar a Panamá, siempre y cuando cumpla con los requisitos de ingreso al país. Karen"
- Which Means: "Mr. Winner: There is no legal disposition that says that the departure of foreigners for 72 hours should be to their country of origin. The National Direction of Immigration has not given any indication contrary to what has always existed. He should not have any problems entering Panama, as long as he is in compliance with the requisites for entering the country. Karen." (more)
Here It Comes: I heard a story this morning that someone had left Panama and did the 72 hour hop to Costa Rica to reset their tourist visa, and when they tried to reenter the country they were denied. I asked the question based on the "country of origin" rumor. According to Immigration (today) the Costa Rica hop thing will still work, for now. But the message from Immigration has been consistent and clear since the "tourist visa crisis of 2007" started - get legal. They don't want you to continue to live as a gypsy. Sooner or later they are going to shut it down. Word up...
Copyright 2007 by Don Winner for Panama-Guide.com. As usual, go ahead and use whatever you want as long as you credit the source. Salud.
