U.S. Embassy in Panama

Arrest of a U.S. Citizen

One of the highest priorities of the Department of State and U.S. embassies and consulates abroad is to provide assistance to U.S. citizens incarcerated abroad. The Department of State is committed to ensuring fair and humane treatment for U.S. citizens imprisoned overseas. We stand ready to assist incarcerated citizens and their families within the limits of our authority in accordance with international, domestic, and foreign law.

Death of a U.S. Citizen

When an U.S. citizen dies abroad, the Bureau of Consular Affairs assists the family and friends. The Bureau of Consular Affairs attempts to locate and inform the next-of-kin of the U.S. citizen’s death. The Bureau of Consular Affairs provides information on how to make arrangements for local burial or return of the remains to the United States. The disposition of remains is subject to U.S. and local (foreign) law, U.S. and foreign customs requirements, and the foreign country facilities, which are often vastly different from those in the United States.

Victims of Crime

When a U.S. citizen is the victim of a crime overseas, he or she may suffer from physical, emotional or financial injuries. It can be more difficult because the victim may be in unfamiliar surroundings, and may not know the local language or customs.

Emergency Financial Assistance

The U.S. Embassy in Panama can help you contact your family, bank, or employer so that you can arrange for them to send funds. The fastest way to provide money from the U.S. to Panama is to use a commercial service. Several companies offer such a service including Western Union.

Recent Alerts

• Alerts

Veteran's Affairs

Service members, Veterans, and their beneficiaries can apply for benefits services on the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) website at www.va.gov. The Federal Benefits Unit (FBU) can also be of assistance if Veterans and beneficiaries have questions about benefits and services.

Internal Revenue Service

If you are a U.S. citizen or Lawful Permanent Resident (green card holder), you are responsible for filing U.S. federal income tax returns while abroad. You will find useful information on the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) website, such as Frequently Asked Questions about taxes or how to apply for an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN). If you are a U.S. government employee working overseas, you cannot claim the Foreign Earned Income Exclusion. For additional information, visit the IRS website.

Selective Service

U.S. embassies and consulates overseas assist the Selective Service System with its registration program abroad. At this time, the Selective Service System online registration site is temporarily unavailable for overseas registrants. For security reasons, overseas registrants should complete the form below and mail it to the Selective Service System at the following address: Selective Service System Registration Information Office P.O. Box 94739 Palatine, IL 60094-4739

Voting

Now all U.S. citizens can receive their blank ballots electronically. Depending on the state in which you are eligible to vote, you may get your ballot by email, fax, or internet download. To start, go to www.FVAP.gov to complete a new Federal Post Card Application (FPCA), print and sign the form then return it to your local election office in the United States. We recommend overseas U.S. citizens get in the habit of completing FPCAs each January. You should include your email address on the form so it’s easier for your election officials to reach you if there is a problem. If your state delivers ballots electronically by fax only, be sure to include your fax number. If you request electronic delivery and include your email address or fax number, you’ll receive your blank ballot 45 days before general and mid-term elections and generally 30 days before special, primary, and run-off elections for federal offices.

Federal Benefits Unit (FBU)

The Federal Benefits Unit (FBU) of the American Embassy in Panama assists U.S. citizens, Panamanians, and third country nationals who receive benefits from the Civil Service, Social Security Administration and the Department of Veterans Affairs. We also assist former employees of the Panama Canal Commission that suffered on-the- job injuries and receive compensation from the Office of Workers’ Compensation Programs under the U.S. Department of Labor.