NEWS AND NOTES
Blue Water Sailing
May 7, 2009
New Cruising Permit LImits in Panama
Update:
The Panama Cruising permit is a confusing issue. Different parts of Panama are doing different things to handle it. In Bocas del Toro they are ignoring it. In Panama City they give you 3 months then tell you to leave, and don't try to renew it. However agents have been able to renew them for people. Likewise cruisers with expired permits (3 to 9+ months expired) received everything from sideways looks to minor fines when they tried to get an exit Zarpe. How you choose to deal with it depends on you, but there seems to be several unofficial options. Posted by Eric- www.sailsarana. com.
Today (May 5)on the SSB radio Panama Connection Net (8107Khz USB @0830 hrs) it was reported that cruising permits for vessels in Panama will not be extended beyond 90 days. After that the vessel will be required to leave the country. This is an independent issue from regular immigration matters for cruisers. However, this represents a major problem for cruisers who base out of Panama and satisfy their immigration requirements by flying to another country, or who are pensionado visa holders. Also, this will be a major problem for vessels out of the water while their owners are out of the country for extended periods of time.
This information was confirmed on 5/2/09 through Agent Stanley in Colon and Agent Pete Stevens in Panama City. Both Agents pointed out that with the elections tomorrow, and a new administration, things can change rapidly.
Courtesy of Glenn & Eddie Tuttle, M/V Tothill
San Blas Islands, Panama.
Posted on the Cruisers Network Online
