Temporary Identification Card and Tourist/Business Visitor Visa Now Have Shorter Validity Periods

Panama

The Panamanian government has issued an executive decree that implements a new validity period for temporary identification cards and tourists' and business visitors' stays.

Temporary Identification Card Validity Period

Temporary or permanent residence applicants will be issued a temporary identification card with a six-month validity period, instead of the previous one-year validity.

The temporary identification card serves as proof of status while the residence permit is being processed, which can take three to four months.

Foreign nationals with identification cards that are valid for one year can continue to use their card until it expires. Those with pending identification card applications will be issued a card with six-month validity.

Tourists' and Business Visitors’ Validity Period

Tourists and business visitors will now only be allowed to remain in Panama for three months.

Previously, immigration authorities granted tourists and business visitors stays of 180 days in some cases, however this practice will likely end.

What This Means for Foreign Nationals

Temporary or permanent residence applicants, tourists and business visitors should abide by the shorter validity periods.

This alert is for informational purposes only. If you have any questions, please contact the global immigration professional with whom you work at Fragomen or send an email to [email protected].

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