Canadians in Panama - Visa rules?

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  • Scat in the Hat
    Confirmed User
    • May 2004
    • 222

    #1

    Canadians in Panama - Visa rules?

    Hey GFY,

    I know there are more than a few webmasters either living in Panama or spending a lot of time there. I'm about to book a 3 month plane ticket this winter, and have been holding off until I get a clear answer on the Visa rules.

    I spent almost three months there last winter, was detained by migration just over 80 days of being there. The only reason being I didnt have my passport on me, other than that all was cool.

    Now I just received an email from the Panamanian Embassy in Canada saying that stamped Visa is good for 30 days then I'd have to apply for a 60 day extension.

    I had a Panamanian friend of mine call Panama Migracion and they told him it was 90 days upon entry...

    WTF????

    I planned to actually stay upwards of six months this time around, border hopping before the 90 days was up. At which point I would extend the plane ticket, or I may just book a six month from the get-go... anywho.....

    I need to book a ticket asap as prices are going up due to high season. Can someone please enlighten me on this matter?

    Thanks in advance!
  • TeenSluts
    Confirmed User
    • Mar 2006
    • 1966

    #2
    the experts of gfy will be with you shortly

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    • Scat in the Hat
      Confirmed User
      • May 2004
      • 222

      #3
      Originally posted by TeenSluts
      the experts of gfy will be with you shortly
      thank you kind sir

      Comment

      • lagcam
        Confirmed User
        • Jul 2007
        • 2890

        #4
        I would assume that the Embassy knew what they were talking about and hope to be pleasantly surprised on arrival.
        Working Cam site for sale - NOT affiliate.

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        • Scat in the Hat
          Confirmed User
          • May 2004
          • 222

          #5
          Originally posted by lagcam
          I would assume that the Embassy knew what they were talking about and hope to be pleasantly surprised on arrival.
          Well I would be under the assumption the their department of immigration would have the final say. What I'm thinking of doing is just booking a 6 month plane ticket, and having a pre-booked bus ticket to Costa Rica within 30 days to show as I enter through the airport (only $25) and then just deal with it when I get there. Just trying to book a ticket ASAP as prices seem to be going up by the day.

          Actually my Panamanian friend called both the Panama Immigration department and the Embassy of Canada in Panama and both said 90 days upon entry. The Panama embassy in Canada said 30 days.

          Comment

          • Owner
            Confirmed User
            • Nov 2006
            • 905

            #6
            I have a nephew that is 9 if you need a coke mule.

            Comment

            • lagcam
              Confirmed User
              • Jul 2007
              • 2890

              #7
              So when time is of the essence and you have conflicting information, assume the worst case scenario is correct, and plan for that.
              Working Cam site for sale - NOT affiliate.

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              • Scat in the Hat
                Confirmed User
                • May 2004
                • 222

                #8
                Originally posted by lagcam
                So when time is of the essence and you have conflicting information, assume the worst case scenario is correct, and plan for that.
                I'm definitely working on it..

                Originally posted by Scat in the Hat
                What I'm thinking of doing is just booking a 6 month plane ticket, and having a pre-booked bus ticket to Costa Rica within 30 days to show as I enter through the airport (only $25) and just tell them I'm staying for 30 days, and then just deal with the rest when I get there.
                I just hoped someone here would have some recent first hand experience to guide me in the right direction.

                Comment

                • Scat in the Hat
                  Confirmed User
                  • May 2004
                  • 222

                  #9
                  I appreciate your insight lagcam

                  Comment

                  • Scat in the Hat
                    Confirmed User
                    • May 2004
                    • 222

                    #10
                    quick bump... still cant find a straight answer. Is border hopping to Costa Rica every three months still possible for Canadians?

                    Comment

                    • xxweekxx
                      Confirmed User
                      • Oct 2002
                      • 6780

                      #11
                      i live in panama.. im a usa citizen.. but have tons of canadian friends here, you get 90 days upon entry.. (just gotta buy a $5 tourist card)

                      after 90 days just hop to costa rica for 72hrs (or pay someone at the border and they roll stamp back/forward so you dont have to stay 72hrs)... and u get a new 90 day..

                      BTW why move to panama? im bored here.. what do you do for fun here..
                      _________________
                      I am the best

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                      • mona
                        Registered User
                        • Feb 2008
                        • 1940

                        #12
                        Originally posted by xxweekxx
                        i live in panama.. im a usa citizen.. but have tons of canadian friends here, you get 90 days upon entry.. (just gotta buy a $5 tourist card)

                        after 90 days just hop to costa rica for 72hrs (or pay someone at the border and they roll stamp back/forward so you dont have to stay 72hrs)... and u get a new 90 day..

                        BTW why move to panama? im bored here.. what do you do for fun here..
                        Panama is often TOO much fun

                        Yeah, you MUST carry your passport (and tourist card).

                        Although people say "don't, take a copy", you have to in Panama (copies don't fly because they need to see your date of entry). I'm a permanent resident and carry mine everywhere (I'm American).

                        You get 90 days as a tourist. You can extend that another three months by going to immigration. You can also "go to Costa Rica" and pay someone to just stamp it so you don't have to stay if you don't want to...

                        Comment

                        • mona
                          Registered User
                          • Feb 2008
                          • 1940

                          #13
                          Originally posted by Scat in the Hat
                          The Panama embassy in Canada said 30 days.
                          They're idiots and wrong

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                          • xxweekxx
                            Confirmed User
                            • Oct 2002
                            • 6780

                            #14
                            Panama has its merits (cheap drinks,food, girls, can bribe cops, ok weather), but it gets old fast.. people do same shit everyday.. kinda miss days people had hobbies like skiing, kayaking, etc.. ill say 80% of my american friends here are here because they have nothing going on in the states... if given an option they would move back to USA...

                            If you are unemployed you might as well come to panama and teach english and get by, but if you have a lot of money(think $xx,xxx a month) then there are other countries with better quality of life...
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