We made our initial visit to immigration today, for the sole purpose of extending our tourist visa another 30 days while we apply for our residency.
The office was packed with people. Signs were lacking. Very little direction.
We started asking around as to what the process was.
Here is what we learned from people who were also waiting in line.
Take a number, but to get a number, you have to get there at 6.00am since there are only limited numbers every day. Office opens at 7.30.
Get the right form. Since Panama changed their visa requirements, the forms on the government website are 2 years out of date. We found the form in the office, and the list of requirements are now printed on them.
So, after an hour or so of standing in line, we left with a form that tells us what to bring tomorrow.
Lord willing, I’ll get a number tomorrow.
It also appears that after we submit our paperwork, we have to pay some processing fees, and then come back a few days later to pick up the extension.
For those of you who live in the states who complain about the line at the Department of Motor Vehicles, you have it easy. 🙂
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