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Get up-to-date information on the Coronavirus changing situation, its restrictions and requirements for U.S. citizens in Panama.
American Citizen Services
We have resumed routine American Citizen Services with a limited number of interviews scheduled per week. Please see routine services below.
If you need to request an emergency service, email your request to Panama-ACS@State.gov and make sure to explain the nature of the emergency.
Arrest of a U.S. Citizen Death of a U.S. Citizen International Parental Child Abduction Victims of Crime PassportThe Department of State assists U.S. citizens imprisoned overseas and works to ensure their fair and humane treatment.
The Department of State helps the family and friends of U.S. citizens who die abroad. We inform the U.S. citizen’s next-of-kin of the death and we provide information on arrangements for local burial or the return of remains to the United States and on disposition of estates and personal effects. We also issue a Consular Report of Death Abroad, an official record of death.
International Parental Child Abduction
The Department of State’s Office of Children’s Issues works to resolve and prevent cases of international parental child abduction and to help children and families involved in abduction cases. For more information, see our international parental child abduction page on travel.state.gov.
The Department of State helps U.S. citizens who are victims of crime overseas. We connect crime victims with police and other services and provide information and resources to assist with physical, emotional, and/or financial injuries from crime.
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.
U.S. citizens in need of emergency financial assistance while abroad should first attempt to contact their family, friends, banking institution, or employer. Our American Citizen Services unit can assist in this effort, if necessary.
Use a commercial money transfer service, such as Western Union or MoneyGram., to wire money overseas. Money transfer cost comparison tools online can help you identify the best option. The person receiving the money will need to present proof of identity such as a passport.
Sending Money through the U.S. Department of State
When the commercial options listed above are not available or feasible, family or friends may send funds via the U.S. Department of State for delivery to a destitute U.S. citizen abroad at the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate. The U.S. Department of State assesses a $30 fee to establish an account and transfer funds.
Destitute U.S. citizens may be eligible for a loan from the U.S. government to travel to the United States. Repatriation loans must eventually be paid back to the U.S. government. Your U.S. passports will be limited at the time the loan is issued and in most cases you will not be issued a new passport until the loan is paid in full. Contact us for more information.
Consular Affairs (CA) is the public face of the Department of State for millions of people around the world. We provide many services, and the most common are listed below.
U.S. Citizens overseas can renew passports, replace passports, or apply for new passports.
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. dual citizen or U.S. citizen living outside of the United States, you can register with the Selective Service System.
If you reside in Panama and want to apply for a first time Social Security number for a U.S. citizen of age 12 or over, please send an email to Panama-FBU@State.Gov. For other information or questions regarding services provided by the Social Security Administration (SSA), you must contact the SS Regional Office located in Costa Rica by sending an email to FBU.CostaRica@SSA.Gov. For more information on their services, please visit their webpage.
U.S. service members, veterans, and their beneficiaries can apply for benefits on the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) website. The Federal Benefits Unit (FBU) may also be able to help veterans and beneficiaries with questions about benefits and services. The Federal Benefits Unit (FBU) may also be able to help veterans and beneficiaries with questions about benefits and services.
Depending on where you are eligible to vote, you may get your ballot by email, fax, or internet download. To start, complete a Federal Post Card Application (FPCA) here. Print, sign, and return the FPCA to your local U.S. election office. Include your email address so election officials can reach you if there is a problem. If your state delivers ballots electronically by fax only, include your fax number. If you request electronic delivery and include your email address or fax number, you will 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. We recommend completing a new FPCA each January, or when you move.
The American Citizen Services Unit of the American Embassy in Panama assists U.S. citizens, Panamanians, and third country nationals who receive benefits from the US Office of Personnel Management (OPM), Social Security Administration (SSA) 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.
The Department of State assumes no responsibility or liability for the professional ability or reputation of, or the quality of services provided by, the entities or individuals whose names appear on the following lists. Inclusion on this list is in no way an endorsement by the Department or the U.S. government. Names are listed alphabetically, and the order in which they appear has no other significance. The information on the list is provided directly by the local service providers; the Department is not in a position to vouch for such information.
Legal Assistance Medical Assistance American Citizen Services Unit Living in Panama Travel in PanamaThe U.S. Embassy in Panama assumes no responsibility for the professional ability or reputation of the persons, medical facilities or companies appearing below. All listed institutions reported they had English- speaking physicians at the time the list was created in June 2017.
The United States is a party to the Hague Adoption Convention, an international treaty which seeks to ensure that intercountry adoptions are made in the best interests of the child and that safeguards are in place for their protection. All adoptions in another country must take place according to both U.S. and local laws for the adopted child to be eligible to immigrate to the United States. You should work with a U.S. adoption service provider specifically authorized to facilitate intercountry adoption. You can find more information about authorized authorized adoption service providers and the intercountry adoption process at travel.state.gov and are invited to direct questions to Adoption@state.gov.
A child born outside the United States to a U.S. citizen parent or parents may be eligible for U.S. citizenship if the parent(s) meets the requirements for transmitting U.S. citizenship under the Immigration and Nationality Act. U.S. citizens eligible to transmit citizenship are required to file for a Consular Report of Birth Abroad (CRBA). Our simple Passport and CRBA Appointment Wizard will assist you in determining your eligibility and gathering the documentation needed to apply.
U.S. embassy and consulate personnel cannot perform marriages. Depending on the local law, civil or religious officials generally perform marriages. If your marriage overseas was performed in accordance with local law, it is valid in the country where it took place. Whether your marriage is recognized elsewhere depends on the laws of that place.
Issues Affecting Minor Children
Minors (children under 18) who are citizens (including dual citizens) or legal residents of Panama are required to present both parents’ identification documents, birth certificates, and notarized consent (in Spanish) in order to exit the country if not accompanied by both parents. (PLEASE NOTE that the notarized consent should also be apostilled if the consent is signed in the U.S). Any child born in Panama automatically obtains Panamanian citizenship.
Renunciation of U.S. Citizenship
Relinquishment of U.S. citizenship by performing certain statutory expatriating acts, including taking the oath of renunciation, voluntarily and with the intent of relinquishing U.S. citizenship, is a personal right that cannot be exercised on a person’s behalf.
Curfew for Minors
The Government of Panama strictly enforces the juvenile curfew law, which requires minors under 18 years of age who are not under the supervision of an adult to be off the streets between the hours of 9:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m. Monday through Thursday, and from 10:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m. Friday through Sunday. The curfew law applies to both Panamanian and foreign citizens. Minors who commit a curfew violation are subject to detention at a police station until they are released into the custody of their parents. Parents may be fined for the violation, and the amount of the fine is up to the discretion of the Corregidor (magistrate) of the local area. Students attending night classes must have a carnet issued by the school. Minors who are employed must obtain a certificate of employment.
Please call: (507) 317-5000
Outside of Office Hours, contact: (507) 317-5000
Outside of Panama: (507) 317-5000
Emergency Contact Enroll in STEP International Parental Child Abduction Arrest of a U.S. Citizen Death of a U.S. Citizen Victims of Crime Emergency Financial Assistance
