Newsgroups: wstd.travel.advisories
From: 76702.1202@CompuServe.COM (Charlie Smith)
Subject: *NEW* TRAVEL INFORMATION -- Panama
Organization: The World @ Software Tool & Die
Distribution: wstd
Date: Mon, 2 Nov 1992 17:01:16 GMT
STATE DEPARTMENT TRAVEL INFORMATION - Panama
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Panama - Consular Information Sheet
 October 27, 1992

Embassy Location: The U.S. Embassy in Panama is located on Panama 
Bay at Balboa Avenue and 38th Street, across from the Balboa Statue. 
 The mailing address is Unit 0945, Apartado 6959 Panama 5, Republic 
of Panama, or APO AA 34002.  The telephone number is (507) 27-17-77. 
 There is also a consular agency on Panama's Atlantic side in 
Cristobal, Colon Province at the Panama Agencies building, Terminal 
& Pedro Prestan Streets, Cristobal: telephone (507) 41-2440/2478; 
office hours Monday through Friday 9:00 - 12:00 and 1:00 - 3:00.

Country Description:  Panama has a developing economy.  Outside the 
Panama City area, many tourist facilities vary in quality.

Entry Requirements:  Although use of a U.S. passport is 
recommended, U.S. citizens may enter Panama with proof of birth in 
the United States, (e.g. a certified copy of a U.S. birth 
certificate), an official picture I.D., (e.g. driver's license) and 
a tourist card purchased for $5.00 from an airline serving Panama.  
Naturalized U.S. citizens without U.S. passports are required to 
present naturalization certificates in addition to a picture id.  
U.S. citizens with U.S. passports may either purchase a tourist card 
>from the airline or obtain a tourist visa for no fee from a 
Panamanian embassy or consulate.  Further information can be 
obtained from the Embassy of Panama, 2862 McGill Terrace N.W., 
Washington D.C. 20008, telephone (202) 483-1407.

Areas of Instability:  There have been three hijackings of small 
passenger planes in 1992; no passengers have been harmed yet in 
these hijackings.  Occasional flare-ups of armed violence continue 
to occur in Panama.  In addition, there have been occasional and 
random bombings in public places.

Medical Facilities: Although Panama City has some very good medical 
facilities, medical facilities outside the capital are limited.  
Cholera is present in Panama.  Travelers who follow proper 
precautions are not generally at risk, however.  Doctors and 
hospitals often expect immediate cash payment for health services.  
U.S. medical insurance is not always valid outside the United 
States.  In some cases, supplemental medical insurance with specific 
overseas coverage has proved useful.  For additional health 
information, travelers can contact the Centers for Disease Control's 
international travelers hotline at (404) 332-4559.

Crime Information:  There is a high incidence of crime in the 
Panama City and Colon areas.  The Consular Section of the U.S. 
Embassy regularly receives reports from American tourists and 
business persons who have been victims of crimes ranging from armed 
robberies to muggings, purse-snatchings, and petty theft.  Useful 
information on guarding valuables and protecting personal security 
while traveling abroad is provided in the Department of State 
pamphlet, "A Safe Trip Abroad."  It is available from the 
Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office, 
Washington D.C. 20402.  While in Panama, it is also helpful to 
monitor U.S. Southern Command Network (SCN) television or radio 
stations for current information and advisories.

Drug Penalties:  Penalties for possession, use and trafficking in 
illegal drugs are strict, and convicted offenders can expect lengthy 
jail sentences and fines.

Tips for Travelers: The Department of State's pamphlet "Tips for 
Travelers to Central and South America" is available from the 
Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office, 
Washington, D.C. 20402.

Registration: Americans who register in the Consular Section of the 
U.S. Embassy can obtain updated information on travel and security 
within the country.

 No. 92-082