VISAS, ENTRY RULES, CUSTOMS REGULATIONS in Panama
Before going on vacation to Panama, Russian citizens need to apply for a visa. To obtain a tourist visa, the following documents are submitted to the consular section of the Embassy of Panama:
– a passport valid for at least 6 months from the date of entry into the country
– 2 photographs 3×4 cm
in size – round-trip air tickets
– a questionnaire filled out in English or Spanish
– confirmation hotel reservations or an invitation from a private person
– a certificate from the place of work indicating the position, salary, length of service and the terms of the leave provided, after which the employee will retain the place of work
– for students and schoolchildren – a certificate from the place of study, as well as a certificate from the person’s place of work, paying for the trip
– children – a copy of the birth certificate. If the child is traveling accompanied by one of the parents or a third person – a notarized consent to the removal of the child from the remaining parent or parents.
On average, visa processing takes from 1 to 7 business days. A tourist visa is valid for 30 days, but can be extended in Panama for up to 90 days. When leaving the country, an airport tax of USD 20 is charged.
Upon arrival in the country, Panamanian customs officers have the right to check that the tourist has round-trip tickets and sufficient funds (traveler’s checks, cash, plastic cards and bank statements) for the entire period of stay in the country at the rate of 50 US dollars per person per person. day (at least 500 US dollars for the entire period of stay in the country).
Import and export of national and foreign currency is not limited. Persons over the age of 18 are allowed duty-free import of up to 500 cigarettes or 50 cigars or 500 grams. tobacco, up to three bottles of alcoholic beverages, perfumes and other perfumes in unpacked bottles in quantities required for personal use, as well as new goods with a total value of up to 50 US dollars.
The import of fruits, vegetables and products of animal origin (including shrimp), perishable foodstuffs, weapons and ammunition, as well as drugs and narcotic substances is prohibited. The export of rare species of plants and fauna is prohibited.
Embassy in Panama
Panama, embassy in Moscow
Metro Park Pobedy, Mosfilmovskaya st., 50, bldg. 1.
Phone: 956-0729, 234-3671, 234-2951.
Fax: 956-0730.
Panama, Russian Embassy in the country:
Panama City, Bella Vista area, Manuel Espinoza Batista Avenue, Crowne Plaza Hotel, Edificio International Business Center, office N10.
Phone: (8-10-507) 264-1408, 264-1635.
Fax: (8-10-507) 264-1558.
Contact in Panama
In any major city in Panama, on the streets you can see pay phones that work with plastic cards. From these phones you can call not only within the country, but also abroad. Sometimes on the streets there are also old pay phones that work with coins. Phone cards are sold at newsstands, shops and special vending machines. You can also call abroad from large hotels, shops and banks, where there are telephones with access to an international line.
In order to call from Panama to Russia, you need to dial 00 – 7 – area code – subscriber number.
In order to call from Russia to Panama, you need to dial 8 – 10 – 507 (Panama code) – the subscriber’s number. There are no area codes in Panama.
Emergency Phones in Panama
Inquiry – 102
Ambulance and fire service – 103
Police – 104
HOLIDAYS AND WEEKENDS
January 1st – New Year’s Day
January 9th – Martyrs’ Day
February 8th – Carnival
May 1st – Labor Day
August 15th – Panama Old Town Day (holiday for Panama City residents only)
November 3rd – Independence Day from Colombia
November 5th – City Independence Day Colón (holiday only for residents of Colón)
November 10 – Day of the beginning of the struggle for independence from Spain
November 28 – Independence Day from Spain
December 8 – Mother’s Day
December 25 – Christmas
In Panama, as in any other country in Latin America, a grandiose carnival is held annually. The Panama Carnival starts on February 8 and lasts for 4 days in the country’s capital and the city of Las Tablas. At this time, colorful masquerade processions and folklore performances are held along the central streets.
Many festivals are held in the province of Chiriqui: in January there is the Coffee and Flower Fair, in February the San Sebastian Festival and the Los Balserias Indian Festival, and in April the Semana Santa Festival and the Orchid Fair.
Also in Panama, the San Jose International Fair (March), the Azuero Festival in Villa de Los Santos (late April – early May), the Del Mar Festival in Bocas del Toro (September) and the famous Festival Black Christ in Portobelo (October 21). The noisiest and most fun time in Panama is November, when several national holidays are celebrated, accompanied by stormy celebrations.
SHOPS
According to medicinelearners, shops are open from Monday to Saturday from 9:00 to 18:00.
The Panama Canal Zone is a great place for shopping. In 1948, the city of Colon was declared a free trade zone, meaning that all goods are sold here without tax, which makes their price much lower. Colón Free Trade Zone is the largest international free trade center in the Western Hemisphere. Colon sells goods from all over the world, the most popular are household appliances, perfumes and jewelry. In the capital of the country – the city of Panama – for shopping it is best to go to the shopping center Centro Commercial Los Pueblo (the largest shopping center in Central America).
Tipping Tips
in hotels and restaurants are usually included in the bill. In small restaurants and bars, it is customary to tip 5-10% of the amount indicated on the bill.
NATIONAL CHARACTERISTICS
Descendants of the ancient Indians live in remote areas of the country, who still live apart and keep the traditions of pre-Columbian civilizations. When traveling to such regions, tourists should be more careful, because each ethnic group has its own characteristics of behavior, often different from the generally accepted ones. In general, the inhabitants of the country are distinguished by a stormy temperament, but at the same time, good nature and hospitality. However, often, behind courtesy and a desire to help, local residents disguise selfish goals.
ELECTRICITY
110V, 60Hz;
HEALTH CARE
According to the new legislation of Panama, local medical institutions are obliged to accept tourists who need medical care, regardless of whether there are appropriate agreements with the country of origin of the tourist. But, despite this, before the trip it is strongly recommended to take out international medical insurance.
The country is at risk of contracting yellow fever, hepatitis A, rabies, cholera, typhoid and malaria. Before the trip, it is recommended to be vaccinated against these diseases, and for those who are going to travel in the provinces of Bocas del Toro, Darién and San Blas, to carry out prophylaxis against malaria. There are many mosquitoes in the forested areas and on the islands, so it is necessary to use repellents and make sure that there are mosquito nets on the windows in the rooms.
Water in Panama is considered drinkable, but water quality varies from province to province, so bottled or boiled water is best for drinking. Meat and fish should be consumed after preliminary heat treatment, and fruits – peeled.
