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Changes to Panama Tourist Visas |
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Written by Carol Jones
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Saturday, 02 June 2007 |
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By Rafael Luna Noguera for La Prensa - Last week Article 36 of Law 15 which dictates immigration law in Panama took effect, lowering from 90 days to 30 days the validity of tourist visas granted to visitors who enter the country.
The Director of Immigration Ricardo Vargas explained yesterday that before the new law had taken effect, tourist visas were valid for 90 days and they could have been extended twice. Now, under the new law, the first tourist visa granted upon entry is only valid for 30 days, and it can only be extended once for a total of 60 days. Vargas added that this law is part of a series of new immigration controls, such as motorized patrols of immigration officials that started operations yesterday. Vargas explained that the Office of Immigration will conduct operations mainly in the area of Panama City where the greatest concentration of illegal immigrants can be found. "In addition to the inspectors, we have strengthened and reinforced border checkpoints and other sensitive areas around the country," he said. So far this year 512 undocumented foreigners have been deported of several nationalities, including Colombian, Chinese, Ecuadorian, Peruvian and Dominican. |
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Last Updated ( Saturday, 02 June 2007 )
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