Customs and Immigration-Panama

[rnjpinz]

We will be leaving Curacao in a few days for Columbia and then onto Panama.
Can anyone give me insight on what cruisers do to extend their stays in Panama past 90 days. I have heard that extensions can be requested. I also have heard that you can leave for 72 hours and come back. What advice can present day cruisers give me?

Bob
s/v Continuum

[belizesailor]

Panama tourist Visas are normally 6 months (many other CA countries are 90 days). I've heard you can get one issued in conjunction with your boat's 1 year crusing permit that is also 1 year in duration, but have never requested such.

If you plan to drive in Panama then your foreign liscence is only valid for 90 days from your date of entry...and the traffic cops do check.

Many expats hop over to CR to reset their Visa...some have been doing this for years, but I've heard grumblings from Panamanian officials about this practice (in the context of soing it long term).

Colombia is not far away either.