Overview
If you have a life-or-death emergency, please call 317-5000 and follow the instructions for emergency calls.
For ACS related inquiries, please send an email to Panama-ACS@State.Gov and review the information in our automated reply for the response to your inquiry.
ACS/Federal Benefits
To schedule an appointment and for general inquiries, please send an email to Panama-FBU@state.gov.
Additional Assistance:
- State Department, Consular Affairs – 888-407-4747 or 202-501-4444
- Panama Country Information
- Enroll in Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive security updates
- Follow us on Facebook and Twitter
Holiday Closures
Please access the SCHEDULE of the days on which the Embassy will be closed. Unscheduled closures sometimes occur, and this information is typically broadcast through the warden system. Please access INFORMATION about registering with the Department of State to receive warden messages.
Location
The U.S. Embassy is located in Building 783 in Clayton, Demetrio Basilio Lakas Ave, next to the Las Esclavas school. Please access the map of the Embassy.
Note about bringing pets to the Embassy
Please take note that pets are not allowed on Embassy grounds. Exceptions are made for service animals such as seeing-eye dogs. If visitors come to the Embassy with pets, they will be asked by the guards to either leave them in their vehicles to be parked outside the front gate, or left in the care of someone they know.
Security Requirements
You are not allowed to enter the U.S. Embassy while carrying any of the following items:
- Battery-operated or electronic devices such as mobile phones, digital diaries, digital watches, pagers, cameras, audio/video cassettes, compact discs, MP3s, floppy disks, laptops, or portable music players
- Large shoulder bags/purses – only bags that can be carried by hand will be permitted
- Bags such as travel bags, backpacks, briefcases, suitcases, leather, cloth bags, and zip folders – you can only carry plastic bags or paper folders containing application-related papers
- Food items
- Sealed envelopes or packages
- Match boxes, lighters
- Sharp objects such as scissors, pen knives or nail files
- Weapons or explosive materials of any kind. This list is not exhaustive. Other items may be prohibited at the discretion of security staff.
Parking Special Instructions
There are special procedures in place for consular applicants that are physically handicapped or elderly, and unable to walk up the hill to the consular section. Applicants that fall into this category, and have confirmed appointments, should, if at all possible, utilize a driver (personal driver or taxi) when visiting the U.S. Embassy.
Once at the U.S. Embassy, present yourself to the guard at the checkpoint outside the black gate. Explain that you have a confirmed appointment and would like to be dropped off inside, near the consular entrance, due to limited mobility reasons. The guard will need to conduct a security check on your vehicle before it is allowed to enter. You will not be asked to exit the vehicle, but you will be required to shut off your engine and open your hood and trunk for inspection.
Once your vehicle has been cleared at inspection, your driver will be issued an identification placard and instructed to drive up to the consular entrance where you, the applicant, can be dropped off. The driver will not be allowed to remain in the compound and must return outside to the street. When you have completed your business in the consular section and you have exited the building, you may call the driver via your phone, and the driver will be allowed to reenter the compound to pick you up.