Upon your Arrival to STRI/Panama
General information-Immigration
Upon Arrival
Please contact STRI Visitor’s Services Office, Tupper Bldg. Ist. Floor, on the first business day upon arrival, for registration. Visitors traveling with dependents should include their information on Immigration forms.
Any delay in your registration may hinder the processing of your documentation in a timely fashion, and thus Panama Immigration Service's Office may fine you for late submission.
After appropriate documents have been submitted, the STRI will assist you in the processing of your documents prior to expiration.
What actions regarding immigration can you expect?:
- If your stay is for less than 180 days, no action is necessary for those citizens of countries that can stay up to 180 days as to visas or extensions is related, but a registration of your documents at Immigration Office may be required. See information about Visa requirements (www.stri.si.edu, “Coming to Panama”). .
- If time approved to stay is beyond 180 days and up to 9 months, a short term visa as Researcher/Scientist will be requested through the Office of Immigration. STRI can assist you with this application and with any further extension, if you justify your need to extend your stay beyond your original plans. See information about Visa’s requirements (www.stri.si.edu, “Coming to Panama”). .
- If you plan to stay in Panama beyond 9 months or more, STRI will assist you with the corresponding visa process or extensions before your initial 180 days period expires. See information about Visa’s requirements (www.stri.si.edu, “Coming to Panama”). .
- Your petition for any extension should be made at least one month in advance of the expiration of your current visa, to the Visitor’s Office assistant.
DOCUMENTS TO KEEP HANDY FOR PROCESSING YOUR EXTENSIONS, UPON REQUEST
- A valid passport (for at least 6 months)
- Stamped visa –(if applicable)
- Personal Identification Card (and/or driver’s license with photo, etc.)
- Copy of Marriage Certificate – (if applicable)
- Two identical photos (passport size), light background, person facing front, uncovered face. Due to religion, only garments covering head will be accepted.
- Round Trip Ticket
- Cash (if applicable, from $5.00 to $50.00).
Notes:
- You should wear proper attire when visiting any Republic of Panama’s government office.
(i.e. no shorts, no sandals, no sleeveless shirts) - Dependents. Per the Panama Law and National Immigration Service’s regulations, dependents are only legal wife, legal husband, children.
For additional questions and clarification concerning immigration procedures, please contact Ms. Celideth De Leon, STRI, Office of External Affairs, Tel. +507.212.8050, E-Mail Deleonc@si.edu Or check Panama-National Immigration Service’s website www.migracion.gob.pa.
All information from the Republic of Panama regarding immigration procedures is subject to change without notice.
Please remember that you are ultimately responsible for checking your travel documents upon arrival for expiration dates, needed extensions, documents/permits or exit requirements before departure. Failure to comply with applicable laws is subject to fines or deportation.
Rev. 5/2010