Embassy/Consulate Addresses | Foreign Relations | Travel Advisories | Travel Tips | Customs/Duties



EMBASSY/CONSULATE ADDRESSES

Diplomatic representation in US:
Ambassador: Jaime E. ALEMAN
Embassy: 2862 McGill Terrace NW, Washington, DC 20008
Telephone: [1] (202) 483-1407
Fax: [1] (202) 387-6141

Consulate(s) General are in:

Permanent Mission to the O.A.S
2201 Wisconsin Ave, NW, Suite C100
Washington, DC 20007
Tel 202 965 4819
Fax 202 965 4836
panama@oas.org

Permanent Mission to the U.N
866 United Nations Plaza, Suite 4030
New York, NY 10017
Tel (212) 421 5420
Fax (212) 421 2694

San Diego
402 West Broadway, Suite 670
San Diego, CA 92101
Tel (619) 235 4441
Fax (619) 235 4442

Miami
5775 Blue Lagoon Drive
Miami, FL 33126.
(305) 447-3700, FAX (305) 477-4142

Tampa
5811 Memorial Highway, Suite 104
Tampa, FL 33615.
(813) 886-1427

New Orleans
2424 World Trade Center#2, Canal St.,
New Orleans, LA 70130.
(504) 525-3458

New York
1212 Ave. Of The Americas, 6th Fl.,
New York, NY 10036.
(212) 840-2450, FAX (212) 840-2469

Philadelphia
124 Chestnut St., Suite 1
Philadelphia, PA 19106.
(215) 574-2994, FAX (215) 574 4225

Houston
24 Greenway Plaza, Suite 1307,
Houston, TX 77046.
(713) 622-4451, FAX (713) 622-4468

US Diplomatic Representation:
Chief of Mission:
Embassy: Edificio 783, Avenida Demetrio Basilio Lakas, Clayton, Panama City
Mailing Address: American Embassy Panama, Unit 0945; APO AA 34002
Telephone: [507] 207-7000
Fax: [507] 227-1964

Embassy and Consulate Web Sites for Panama

U.S. Embassy Web Site in Panama
Embassy of Panama in Washington DC


FOREIGN RELATIONS

The United States established diplomatic relations with Panama in 1903 following its declaration of independence from Colombia. That year, through the Hay/Bunau-Varilla Treaty, the United States was granted rights to a zone spanning the country to build, administer, fortify and defend an inter-oceanic canal. The Panama Canal opened in 1914. In 1977, the Torrijos-Carter Treaties were signed to set basic governing standards for the Canal through 1999 and guarantee its permanent neutrality. These treaties went into effect in 1979 and on December 31, 1999, Panama assumed full jurisdiction over the Canal.

Changes in Panama's government and tensions over the canal led to the interruption of diplomatic relations several times during the 20th century. From 1987-1989, relations deteriorated sharply under the rule of Manuel Noreiga. During Operation Just Cause in 1989, U.S. troops entered Panama and captured Noreiga, who would not cede power following elections.

Panama's location and role in global trade make its success vital to U.S. prosperity and national security. While Panama's economic growth rate is among the highest in the hemisphere – surpassing ten percent in 2011 – the country faces the challenge of making this growth more inclusive. Increasing pressure from drug trafficking and organized criminal activity contributes to security problems that threaten to undermine Panamanian security, democratic institutions, and economic prosperity. Because of our shared history, cultural ties between both countries are strong.

U.S. Assistance to Panama

U.S. assistance to Panama aims to ensure that it remains a secure, prosperous, and democratic country that continues to work with the United States as a principal partner in Central America. The United States and Panama work together to advance common interests in improving citizen safety and strengthening democratic and governance institutions. They cooperate in many ways, including combating illegal drug trafficking and other criminal activity and promoting economic, democratic, and social development through U.S. and international agencies.

Bilateral Economic Relations

The United States and Panama have signed a bilateral investment treaty and a Trade Promotion Agreement. The trade agreement will eliminate tariffs and other barriers to U.S. exports, promote economic growth, set high standards for the treatment of investments, provide a framework for resolution of investment or trade disputes, and expand trade between the two countries. U.S. exports to Panama include oil, machinery, aircraft, agricultural products, and low-value shipments. U.S. imports from Panama include returns, fish and seafood, gold, cane sugar, and bananas and pineapples. Reported U.S. direct investment in Panama is led by the finance/insurance and wholesale trade sectors. Reported Panamanian direct investment in the United States is led by the manufacturing and real estate sectors.

Panama's Membership in International Organizations

Panama and the United States belong to a number of the same international organizations, including the United Nations, Organization of American States, International Monetary Fund, World Bank, and World Trade Organization.

Bilateral Representation

The U.S. Ambassador to Panama is Jonathan D. Farrar; other principal embassy officials are listed in the Department's Key Officers List.

Panama maintains an embassy in the United States at 2862 McGill Terrace, NW, Washington, DC 20008 (tel: 202-483-1407).

More information about Panama is available from the Department of State and other sources, some of which are listed here:

Department of State Panama Country Page
Department of State Key Officers List
CIA World Factbook Panama Page
U.S. Embassy: Panama
USAID Panama Page
History of U.S. Relations With Panama
Human Rights Reports
International Religious Freedom Reports
Trafficking in Persons Reports
Narcotics Control Reports
Investment Climate Statements
Office of the U.S. Trade Representative Countries Page
U.S. Census Bureau Foreign Trade Statistics
Export.gov International Offices Page
Library of Congress Country Studies
Travel and Business Information




TRAVEL ADVISORIES

To obtain the latest Travel Advisory Information for Panama check the U.S. State Department Consular Information Sheet.


TRAVEL TIPS

Driving U.S Driving Permit accepted
Currency (PAB) Balboa, (USD) U.S Dollar
Electrical 110 Volts
Telephones Country Code 507, City Code, Ciudad De Panama 2+6D, Colon 4+6D, Bolas Del Toro 7+6D



When to Visit
Tourism in Panama is a year-around activity. The temperature never varies and the sun shines everyday, all year long. However, there are two "seasons" in Panama and some people prefer to come in the "dry season" from mid-December through May when it doesn't rain. Some recreational activities are better in the dry season, for example Caribbean diving and particular kinds of sport fishing and bird watching.
In the "rainy season" from June until December, most days there is a one to two hour tropical rain storm in the late afternoon. This is a regular occurrence and most activities can be planned around it.

Language
Most Panamanians speak some English and many speak it fluently, especially those that cater to tourists. Remember, for 85 years Americans were present in the former Canal Zone. Furthermore, Panama is traditionally an international crossroads. Panamanians are accustomed to working side by side with foreigners and English has truly become a second language.

Pricing
The tourism industry in Panama is just developing and so prices are reasonable and some of the most inexpensive anywhere. Then again, with a few exceptions, Panama is not the place for bargain basement beach vacation offerings like Cancun. Panama is the "affordable exotic destination", meaning it offers exotic, unique and off-the-beaten-path kind of experiences with no tourist hordes and plenty of pristine nature.

Water
Panama is the only country in Latin America where you can drink the tap water. There are no special other health concerns and no shots necessary etc.


CUSTOMS/DUTIES

TOBACCO.....................500 Cigarettes or 50 Cigars or 500g of Tobacco

LIQUOR.........................3 Bottles Alcoholic Beverage

PERFUME......................Reasonable for Personal Use

CAMERAS......................No Restrictions

FILM...............................Reasonable for Personal Use

AGRICULTURAL ITEMS...Refer To Consulate or MInistry of Agriculture

CURRENCY/GIFTS...........Up To the Value of B50

PROHIBITED: Fruit, vegetable and animal products.



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