There is older info on border crossings in forum, but looking for someone who has done the crossing more recently for updated info.
I have temporary pensionado visa and multiple entry visa stamp but my 90 day driving limit is up next week and I cannot get my Panama driver's license for a while due to need to go to PTY for US Embassy appointment.
What is easiest way/place to cross CR to renew my tourist visa? Do I need to stay out for 72 hours still? It seems having a "facilitator" is best. Any recommendations for that? Should I drive my car or take bus?
Any and all suggestions welcome.
Replies
Call Sylvia Maria (trilingual facilitator) maybe she can help you. +507 6549-6462
Let's not confuse this situation any further by misinforming people.
Embassies do not notarize Drivers Licenses.
Consulates certify that a License is valid.
The Panamanian Consul has nothing to do with anything.
The Ministerio de Relaciones Exteriores then apostilles or validates a Consul's signature on the License certification.
It should be noted that what is operational here is often at odds to what is published.
It is my understanding, So far, they have not restricted the 30 days out if you fly into Panama.. only doing land crossing.
Can one fly back to Panama within 1 or 2 days?
I must be missing something. Why are you not going to Sertracen in David to get your temporary drivers license which is good for 6 months? Then when you get your permanent pensionada visa, you can get your regular drivers license.
Sara needs to have her U.S. drivers license certified at the Consulate, and the certification document apostilled at the Ministerio de Relaciones Exteriores, before she can go to Sertracen s.a. and obtain a Panamanian drivers license, either temporary or permanent.
Edie,
there is nothing online about getting a temporary license, just all the requirements that include going to US Embassy in PTY for affidavit that then needs to be certified. Am I missing something?
Yes Sara you are correct. You have to certify it at the Panamanian Consul after the American Embassy Notarization.
DO NOT get caught driving with out a temp Panamanian license 30 days after you get your temp pensinado. Your first pensionado card is temporary. You need to get a Panamanian license within 30 days of issuance of this pensionado(temp license good for a year). Your state side license is NO good under a TEMP Pensionado after 30 days. I did both of them the same day in David. Just have all of your drivers license document ready when you finish your (first) Temp Pensionado and walk down the side walk toward the new shopping center and get your license. Takes about 30 minutes to get the license. Also, if you leave country while your pensionado is being processed you will need a 6 month or 1 year visa from immigration (used to be $50). And immigration will allow you to return with out one. The problem is; when you send your passport to Panama City for the completion of the Pensionado they reject it because you left with out the visa. You will then have to start the process over.