Newsgroups: wstd.travel.advisories
From: 76702.1202@CompuServe.COM (Wally Doerge)
Subject: NEW TRAVEL INFO -- Panama
Organization: The World @ Software Tool & Die
Distribution: wstd
Date: Thu, 3 Jun 1993 15:10:21 GMT
STATE DEPARTMENT TRAVEL INFORMATION - Panama
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Panama - Consular Information Sheet
 May 27, 1993

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

Entry Requirements:  U.S. citizens may enter Panama with a passport 
or 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 I.D.  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:  U.S. citizen missionaries were kidnapped 
>from an Indian village in the Darien jungle area bordering Colombia 
in early 1993.  There is no Panamanian police presence in much of 
the Darien area, which is known to be frequented by Colombian 
guerrillas, smugglers and illegal aliens.  Travel south of Yaviza to 
the Colombia border is only possible by foot and is risky for 
individual travelers or small groups.  Occasional flare-ups of armed 
violence continue to occur in metropolitan areas of 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.  The loss or theft 
of a U.S. passport should be reported immediately to the local 
police and the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate.  Useful 
information on guarding valuables and protecting personal security 
while traveling abroad is provided in the Department of State 
pamphlet, "A Safe Trip Abroad."  This publication, as well as 
others, such as "Tips for Travelers to Central and South America," 
are 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:  U.S. citizens are subject to the laws of the 
country in which they are traveling.  Penalties in Panama for 
possession, use and trafficking in illegal drugs are strict, and 
convicted offenders can expect lengthy jail sentences and fines.

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

Embassy Location: The U.S. Embassy in Panama is located on Panama 
Bay in Panama City, 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 are Monday through Friday 9:00 - 12:00 p.m. and 1:00 - 
3:00 p.m.

No. 93-148

This replaces the Consular Information Sheet dated October 27, 1992 
to note the kidnapping of missionaries in the Darien region and to 
add information on reporting the loss or theft abroad of a U.S. 
passport.