Panama

[SEDONA]

The International Living web site (30 May, 2007) is saying that visitors to Panama will no longer be issued a 90 day tourist visa. The maximum tourist visa issued will be for 30 days with one 30 day extension.
The info does not elaborate on if leaving the country and returning, allows for the 60 days to begin anew. Apparently illegal immigration is the cause for the change.

[Cap'n Jib]

There are rumors and rumblings as to things reverting back to the 90 days visa. Certain members of the legislature have stated that they will bring the matter up again. Naturally these are vested interest and specifically real estate.

This is the typical problem where by elected officials think, believe, hope or pray that a law they pass will have the intended affect on a perceived problem. Fat chance!

In this particular case, the law was passed to stop the flow of Colombians into Panama. Some come in illegally, others stay illegally, and the extremely rich Colombians buy their way in. The silly lawmakers thought that the new law would make illegal individuals return home to Colombia. The criminal element is getting stronger in Panama and it is mostly(?) made up of displaced Colombian criminals who ran afoul of the AUC, FARC and Colombian government.

In some sense this makes the option of moving to Panama less desirable because of the 30 day visa and an extension IS NOT guaranteed at this time.

[LastLion]

Originally Posted by Cap'n Jib

In this particular case, the law was passed to stop the flow of Colombians into Panama. Some come in illegally, others stay illegally, and the extremely rich Colombians buy their way in. The silly lawmakers thought that the new law would make illegal individuals return home to Colombia. The criminal element is getting stronger in Panama and it is mostly(?) made up of displaced Colombian criminals who ran afoul of the AUC, FARC and Colombian government.

In some sense this makes the option of moving to Panama less desirable because of the 30 day visa and an extension IS NOT guaranteed at this time.

Why is it that everyone goes north! The colombianos to panama, the hondurans, guatemalesn to mexico, the mexicans here, americans are going to canada in droves these days! I guess us here at gringos are directionally and compass(ly) (is that a word) CHALLENGED!

[Cap'n Jib]

“I guess us here at gringos are directionally and compass(ly) (is that a word) CHALLENGED! ” - LL

I prefer to believe that we on the board, are the ONLY ones who got it right.


Head South young man...head SOUTH!

I have learned in recent years that Panama is the #1 country in the world for ‘washing money’ or Money Laundering. All the major Drug Kingpins and legit wealthy families in Colombia (and all of Latin America) stash their ‘liquid’ in Panamanian Banks. It is forbidden, thru international law and treaties for other Nations from interfering with Banks in Panama. This is going on for many years now, ever since the early days of drug smuggling. So, the next time you're walking along Sealine Drive, look up at all those oceanfront skyscraper condos. Most of those buildings were built from the profits of selling contraband around the world.

[HonkyTonk]

Because this thread's about visiting Panama, does anybody have the latest on Panama requiring Yellow Fever shots and the certificate? I have mine, but it may be of value for our members thinking of visiting there.

[LastLion]

Originally Posted by HonkyTonk

Because this thread's about visiting Panama, does anybody have the latest on Panama requiring Yellow Fever shots and the certificate? I have mine, but it may be of value for our members thinking of visiting there.

I was told when I got my shots last year that you should have them if you are going to be travelling into the Darrien Gap area!!! this was from my dr. she had just been there the year before!

[Cap'n Jib]

The issue of Yellow Fever is also going to be revisited in the up coming session of Congress in Panama. Seems the intent was to ‘protect’ Panamians from countries that have Yellow Fever. Somehow or other things got mixed up and the law was flawed. Will let you know if there is a change.

As far as Panama, two areas have a potential problem for Yellow Fever, Darrien and the San Blas. I still do not have my update shot and no one seems to care.

[LastLion]

Originally Posted by Cap'n Jib

As far as Panama, two areas have a potential problem for Yellow Fever, Darrien and the San Blas. I still do not have my update shot and no one seems to care.

Who cares if they care, You'll care if you get it!

[Cap'n Jib]

I had also heard that Panama was #1 in the laundering business about six years ago. Of course Switzerland, the U.S. (Miami area specifically) and the U.K were EXCLUDED from the list of suspect countries. I wonder why?

Vancouver has also had some mention a few years back and begs the question “Which area or country DOES NOT have a ‘money laundering’ problem with respect to new construction. I have even heard of some cities along the African Coast being developed with drug money.

Ray is quite right that Panama refused to sign the international disclosure agreement promoted by the BIS, IMF and the World Bank. The primary reason was Panama did not want other banking institutions and/or competitors issuing ‘fishing’ requests in order to solicite new bank customers (Argentina, anyone).

Another major problem for Panama is that foreign governments (the US and other big boys) could have requested information on U.S. nationals and SUSPECTED foreigners having a bank account in Panama. Please note the U.S. has REFUSED to honor requests from other countries as to similar activities in the U.S. It should also be noted the the U.S. INSISTS on raw data to be submitted to them. Now in Panama, 'a probable cause' request MUST be filed with the Banking Commissioner, who then decided what data, if any, should be released.

Although I am sure it can still be done, it would be much more difficult to bring money into Panama. In fact the IMF and the World Bank hold up the banking laws of Panama as the ones to emulate for third world and developing countries. A cursory review of the Panamian Banking laws show that the ‘know thy customer’ and letters of recommendation FROM banks outside of Panama make laundering difficult. Finally, the Banking Laws of Panama are in actuality MORE transparent than the Swiss Laws (trust me on this one guys).