Wayzata World Factbook 1995/World Factbook - 1995 Edition - Wayzata Technology (1995).iso/mac/text/Build/tvltxt/PANAMA.TVL

Text File | 1994-12-07 | 5KB | 95 lines

Panama - Consular Information Sheet
September 2, 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 [phone].

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 [phone].

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 or theft of a U.S. passport abroad
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 are strict, and convicted offenders can expect
lengthy jail sentences and fines.

Civil Aviation Oversight:  In January 1992, the U.S. Federal Aviation
Administration assessed Panama's civil aviation authority as in compliance
with international aviation safety oversight standards for Panamanian
carriers operating to and from the U.S.  The same level of safety oversight
would typically be applied to operations to other destinations.  For further
information, travelers may contact the Department of Transportation at 1-800-
322-7873.

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 [phone]; office hours Monday through Friday 9:00-12:00
and 1:00-3:00.

No. 94-188

This replaces the Consular Information Sheet dated August 18, 1994, to add
information on aviation oversight.