Panama’s legislature is set to convene in a special session in mid-July to readdress the tourist visa duration, which was previously reduced from 90 days to 30 days. There is speculation that the visa validity may revert to the original 90-day period, referring to a genuine 90-day tourist card visa, not a 30-day visa with a 60-day extension.
Tourist cards, priced at $5.00, are readily available at the airport, either at the departure gate or upon arrival in Panama, requiring only a brief application process. Surveys reflecting the opinions of foreigners in Panama regarding the visa duration reduction were presented to the legislature. While the 30-day limit may persist, the upcoming legislative session raises hopes for the reinstatement of the 90-day tourist card visa. We will provide updates as they become available.
Regarding currently valid 30-day visas, it remains uncertain whether they will automatically convert to 90-day visas. Such a conversion would likely involve significant administrative and logistical challenges, potentially requiring affected individuals to depart and re-enter Panama to obtain a new 90-day tourist card visa.
The special legislative session in July will also consider extending the 20-year real estate tax exemption until December 31, 2007. The extension’s approval is anticipated, potentially granting projects within the specified timeframe a 20-year tax exemption. This measure aims to provide a second opportunity to projects that missed the previous deadline when a similar law expired.
Concerning vaccinations, while the Panama Assembly passed a bill mandating vaccinations, the President of Panama has thus far declined to sign it. This stance is expected to continue, precluding mandatory vaccinations. This matter is not on the agenda for the special legislative session, as it rests with the President.
The vaccination focus centered on yellow fever inoculations. The Panama Health Minister expressed doubts about the practicality of airport inoculations, citing the ten-day period required for the vaccination to become effective. Panama currently faces no issues with yellow fever. Consequently, mandatory vaccinations are unlikely in the foreseeable future.
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