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Assistance and Frequently Asked Questions

Welcome

Thanks for visiting us. Here you will find our frequently asked questions and receive assistance from the United States Embassy in Panama.

American Citizen Services

American Citizen Services Contact

  • Call +507 317-5000 to reach the American Citizen Services Emergencies.
  • Contact Panama-ACS@state.gov to reach the American Citizen Services for general inquiries. Include the word “Emergency” in the email’s subject if you have an emergency that you can discuss via e-mail.

General Assistance


Passports


Federal Benefits Unit

  • For information on cheques and payments from the United States Government, contact: Panama-FBU@state.gov

Visas

Consular Section Contact (Our office in charge of all issues related to Visas)

  • Call +507 833-9393 to reach the Consular Section directly.
  • Contact support-panama@ustraveldocs.com or Panama-Visas@state.gov to reach the Consular Section via e-mail. Include the word “Emergency” in the email’s subject if you have an emergency that can be handled via e-mail.

Visa Appointment Service

  • You can request a Tourist Visa interview appointment at ustraveldocs.com/pa.
  • If you have an emergency, first contact the Consular Section to learn if your emergency applies for an Emergency Visa Interview Appointment, if so, apply for an interview appointment at ustraveldocs.com/pa for any available date and then call +507 833-9393 to confirm your emergency appointment.

Tourist Visa Renewals


Student, Work, Fiancée, Spouse Visas and General Information

If you need to apply for a student, work, fiancée or spouse visa interview appointment, you can write to support-panama@ustraveldocs.com or call +507 833-9393 to speak directly with the Consular Section.


Lost or Stolen Visa

  • Contact support-panama@ustraveldocs.com or call +507 833-9393 to report your lost or stolen visa.

Authorized Courier Service has been changed

The Embassy of the United States in Panama migrated its delivery and reception services for visa application documents from the company Fletes Chavale, to the company Cargo Expreso Panama. This change became effective as of Monday, January 30, 2023.

People who make use of this service must go to a Cargo Expreso agency to send documentation to the embassy or receive documentation from the embassy.

The requirements for delivery and receipt of documents, as well as the prices already established for the premium delivery service remain unchanged. View the following website https://ustraveldocs.com/pa_es/pa-loc-passportcollection.asp to confirm the location of the Cargo Expreso agencies in Panama.

This change affects the instructions you received when you made your most recent appointment. If you would like to select a different agency, please log into your profile or contact our call center to update the selected document collection office: 317-5000

If you have an appointment to deliver documents under the “Fletes Chavale” priority, you must go to one of the Cargo Expreso offices.

For any additional questions, please visit https://ustraveldocs.com/pa_es/pa-main-contactus.asp


Visa Frequently Asked Questions

Are renewals also going to be accelerated?
The Consular section is doing everything possible to decrease wait times for all applicants. We have made some changes to the Interview Waiver process for renewals to address concerns about keeping passports for long periods of time while processing.

Our new system allows you to make an appointment to drop off your documents for renewal through Interview Waiver. Once you have an appointment and drop off your documents on that date, your passport should be returned in about 10 to 14 days.

More information to see if you qualify for Visa renewal through Interview Waiver can be found on the following site: https://www.ustraveldocs.com/pa/pa-niv-visarenew.asp.

For applicants under 14 or over 79 to apply via Interview Waiver: https://www.ustraveldocs.com/pa/pa-svc-visachild.asp

For current wait times for all appointment categories, including to drop off documents for Visa renewal through Interview Waiver please check: https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas.html.

 

Is the update automatic or do I have to do something?
The appointment date change is automatic, there is no need to pay any extra fee or make any changes in the appointment system.

 

How can I view if my date was updated?
Check the email you used for the application, or log on to your profile at ustraveldocs.com/pa to confirm your appointment date.

 

What happens with users that payed and still show no appointments available?
Please check ustraveldocs.com/pa often, as appointments are added regularly.

 

My date is before October 2023, does it also apply?
Only appointments from October 2023 on were re-scheduled at this time. If you have an emergency need to travel prior to your appointment date, you can check https://www.ustraveldocs.com/pa/pa-niv-expeditedappointment.asp for the requirements and instructions on how to apply for an expedited appointment.

If you have additional questions about the Nonimmigrant Visa process in Panama, please contact support-panama@ustraveldocs.com, or call 833-9393.

Education, English Language and Grants

Education


Grants


Study in the United States

  • If you need advice to study a degree in the United States contact @educationusapty on Instagram.

English Language

  • At the moment we don’t offer English courses for students in general. If you are an English teacher or future English teacher, go to the Regional English Language Office in Panama and stay in contact to participate in events, talks, courses, seminars, workshops and more at: pa.usembassy.gov/relo

Social Initiatives

Social Projects Coordination

If you request support in the execution of a social or community interest program, a tour, or visit: please email sanjurl@state.gov. For any visa-related inquiries or visa appointment scheduling, click here or email support-panama@ustraveldocs.com, call +507 833-9393, or visit ustraveldocs.com.

Jobs

Work at the United States Embassy Panama

Internships

Other Frequently Asked Questions

Please review the following list of frequently asked questions.

Locate someone in the United States

  • The U.S. Embassy is subject to U.S. privacy laws, which prevent us from releasing information about an individual without their explicit written permission. To locate someone in the U.S. please try social media, the internet or yellow pages.

Applying to the Military Service

  • The recruitment of non-U.S. Citizens, in any sector of the United States military, is limited to those foreigners who legally reside in the United States and possess an alien registration card from the Office of Citizenship and Immigration Services (Form I-151/551- commonly known as “Green Card”). Candidates must be in the age range between 17 and 35, in addition to meeting the mental, moral and physical standards of recruitment; must speak, read and write English fluently. For more information: www.army.mil/faq/

Report Fraud or Illegal Activity


Agricultural Affairs Section


Commercial Service

  • Learn about the Commercial Service and how to do business as a Panamanian in the United States or as an American in Panama: www.trade.gov/panama