Xref: world wstd.travel.advisories:537 Newsgroups: wstd.travel.advisories Path: world!compuserve.COM!76702.1202 From: 76702.1202@compuserve.COM (Wally Doerge) Subject: ALL: NEW TRAVEL INFO -- Panama Message-ID: <940819124642_76702.1202_CHN31-1@CompuServe.COM> Sender: daemon@world.std.com (World Mail) Organization: The World @ Software Tool & Die Distribution: wstd Date: Fri, 19 Aug 1994 12:46:42 GMT Approved: usenet@world.std.com Lines: 94 STATE DEPARTMENT TRAVEL INFORMATION - Panama ============================================================ Panama - Consular Information Sheet August 18, 1994 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 dollars 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 and are still missing 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 Yavza 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. On July 19, 1994, an ALAS domestic flight traveling between Colon and Paitilla airport in Panama City exploded in mid flight. Panamanian authorities have announced that the explosion was caused by a bomb carried aboard by a passenger. In the wake of the bombing, the Panamanian government agreed to take steps to enhance security at Panama's domestic airports. Travelers on flights using Panamanian airports other than Tocumen International may wish to consider this information when making travel plans. 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 medium 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 lost of 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, radio stations, and to contact the local police and the U.S. Embassy in Panama City or the consular agency in Cristobal 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 and 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 Consular Section of the U.S. Embassy in Panama is located on Panama Bay in Panama City, at Balboa Avenue and 40th street. The international mailing address is Apartado 6959, Panama 5, Republic of Panama. The U.S. mailing address is Unit 0945, APO AA 34002. The telephone number is (507) 27-1777. There is also a consular agency on Panama's Atlantic side in Cristobal, Colon Province at the street, Cristobal; telephone (507) 41-2440/2478; office hours Monday through Friday 9:00-12:00 and 1:00-3:00. No. 94-165 This replaces the Consular Information Sheet dated May 27, 1993, to update information on Areas of instability, Crime, and Embassy Location.