'Going through customs' Immigration

igloo from West Virginia (Contact Member) -

We plan a visit to Panama in January for a lengthy stay to see if we want to relocate or not.

How tough is going through customs and how long does it take. I would like to know about U.S. customs as well as Panama customs - leaving U.S. and arriving in Panama and leaving Panama and arriving U.S.

I read somewhere that an expat preferred flying through Houston instead of Miami since the Houston customs seemed less of a hassle. Thaks in advance.

Comment #1 Jim from New York (Contact Member) -

The last time I went to Panama I arrived on a flight from Colombia. There was almost no one (passengers) at customs and no one asked us any questions.

Another time I went to Panama from Costa Rica and customs was mobbed with people (passengers). Someone was going through the line waiving people through... we were lucky and didn't get inspected.

On flights from Panama to Costa Rica, Costa Rican customs was always very aggressive, nasty and had agents going the lines harassing passengers. On flights from Colombia to Costa Rica most of the time customs was completely closed.

If they think something is up with a pasenger on a flight you can be sure that they will be alert and aggressive. Though, normally you shouldn't expect any hassle.

Comment #2 Kristin (205.188.117.5) -

I traveled from Belize to Miami and Belize to Houston. DEFINITELY pick Houston!!! Miami was HOURS and HOURS long moving an inch at a time. Really BAD! Houston was much more managable.

Comment #3 COIN-OPERATED-BOY from nowherelandia (Contact Member) -

well as for me, my mom told me, who worked there for a long time, said that Panama's customs were not so strict. a lot of time you can get by them, but if ever you got asked, it actually no problem at all.

Comment #4 Jim from New York (Contact Member) -

I think the United States breeds people who are afraid. Maybe it is the US's overly agressive police, immigration and law enforcement that makes American's belive the rest of the world is like that.

Relax.

Comment #5 Kellen (63.176.159.206) -

you show a pretty good point Jim.

Comment #6 DAR (167.80.246.204) -

We have traveled several times to Panama. Customs in Panama are great. No issues. On our return trips, we have been through Miami and Houston. The trick is to allow at least 1.5 or 2 hrs at least between connecting flights from Miami or Houston to home. Then if you have delays in line, you won't be pressured to get to your connecting flight. The longest we have waited in Miami is 45 minutes same with Houston. Oh yes, don't forget, if you purchase liquor or perfume or something in Panama, make sure when you Pick-up your luggage in the US for inspection, that you transfer your purchases to your suitcase or you won't get it through the US's gate inspection. They adhere to the 3 ounce rule for carry-ons. We purchased some really good scotch in Panama at duty free and when we got to Miami, we transfered it to our luggage before rechecking it. Other wise they would have made us toss it, as you can not take that as a carry-on in the US. It's over 3 ounces.

Comment #7 Ryan (63.176.159.188) -

Jim, your point is very well stated.

Comment #8 cwemoy (63.176.159.196) -

I beg to differ wit Jim and the rest of you. The fact that you visit the United States is enough reason that you already like the place so pay no attention to how they run their country. I guess they are aggressive enough to ensure the country's sovereignty is not intefered with. If it were me, I would'nt be less cautious especially after 9/11.

Comment #9 moy (63.176.159.160) -

You have heard that customs there are hassle free..Dar, quite a good point you have there. I would not as well mind delaying my flight for a few hours if it achieves whatever purpose you have talked about.

Even though you have mentioned that going through customs is not that hard, I still think anyone with an intention of traveling to the place should have an open attitude. Things can never be smooth anywhere.

Comment #10 Quin (63.176.159.235) -

You had a point there moy, certainly passengers must be aware of that setting. However, the proper authorities might have done their part very well to prevent such scenarios.

Hassle free it may see, but to some it is not, there are actually people who got caught up badly with wrong and inappropriate assessment and they got stuck.

I think people must be aware and oriented with how the customs really works.. you know what i mean :)

Comment #11 Dar (12.72.243.50) -

SWEMoy

No one was saying that customs was a bad thing. This is a forum where people can be "Informed" and letting people know how to go through customs can save them hassle and time. Knowledge is power. I certainly understand why they are extra cautious and so does everyone else. After all I am an American and never want to see anything like 9/11 again.....!!!

So for all of those traveling between countries, please allow time for connecting flights. You will not be sorry.

Comment #12 Eve (63.176.159.74) - 11/20/09 00:34

I hate to go through customs no matter where it is that I may be headed.

Comment #13 Monni (63.176.159.80) - 12/09/09 22:13

I am wondering on what papers i will be needing to be able to enter Panama. How hard it is to pass the immigration? Please help me out with this matter. I terribly need some advice. Thanks a lot guys. I am hoping for a response soon.

Comment #14 Dar (167.80.246.204) - 12/11/09 10:00

"Customs"

Monni

You will only need your passport. Have your Drivers Lic. as well or voters registration. May not need the last two docs. but great to have in case. You will receive paperwork on the plane to fill out to enter Panama. When you get off the plane, you will have to go to a stand they have set up to pay your 5.00 or 10.00 fee to enter the country (can't remember if its 5 or 10) You will then get in line to show your papers that you just paid your entry fee. You will then pickup your luggage go through customs and be on your way. Does not take much time at all. Very easy to do. Remember, try to have exact change for them. When going to Panama you will need lots of one dollar bills, five dollar bills and ten dollar bills. They don't always have much change. This will be very helpful. No $50. or $100. Hope this info helps you.

Comment #15 Inno (63.176.159.115) - 12/18/09 22:18

Thanks for posting those useful information Dar. I found your post really really helpful. I guess Monni also finds your post helpful and would probably answer all his questions.

Thanks a bunch Dar. Let us see if there would be more post regarding this matter on this forum.

Those information would be very useful for those who are thinking of entering Panama.

Comment #16 Paul of Cannes (83.201.155.117) - 12/31/09 07:38

"Capt."

Hey this site is great! and you seem like the kind of guys I need to be talking to.I shall probably be heading for Panama City next week as I have bought an appartment at Bahia del Golfe and wish to make contact with a series of professional advisors.Firstly, as I may wish to retire there in the summer I am interested in establishing residency.Secondly, I should wish to talk to someone whom is qualfied to advise on entering the Panamainian tax system.Also, if there is anyone who has good experience with a property letting agency....must be English speaking and lastly, I trade financial instruments on the L.S.E via the internet how good is the communications infrastructure in terms of access, availability and efficiency?I would be most heartened by your response as it would save a great deal of time and effort for this non-spanish speaking englishman.Many thanx in anticipation of your kind response...Paul.

Comment #17 Eve (63.176.159.172) - 01/02/10 14:48

Why does immigration give people with dreadlocks so very much trouble when it is that they are traveling. Especially so when it is that the victim is interested in keeping himself looking sharp and in style. They immediately flag the person as a, gang leader, murderer, drug dealer or what have you.

Comment #18 Jim from New York (Contact Member) - 01/03/10 06:10

"Just hassled!"

Be glad you are just hassled and not denied entry. Some countries have rules that prohibit the entry of "hippie looking" people.

Comment #19 Mishil (63.176.159.88) - 01/21/10 07:46

Hmmmm.. I have not heard of such stories before until now. And why do those countries do not accept those who are hippie looking? Do their style harm people? I guess not. What are the countries that do this practice of not letting hippie people in their territory? Just curious and would want to know more about this matter. Hope to hear from all of you soon, thanks a bunch guys.

Comment #20 Jim from New York (Contact Member) - 01/22/10 07:15

"No Hippies"

Here is a link to one such story...

• No gypsies and hippies

Comment #21 Jim from New York (Contact Member) - 01/22/10 07:19

"Morroco too!"

Entry may be refused to travellers with a 'hippy' appearance.

• Morroco Entry Requirements

Comment #22 Nasheer (63.176.159.149) - 02/14/10 22:36

That is a bit strange, I wonder why they would not want people with that kind of look be traveling in their country. So they would only allow those who have a clean cut hair?

That sounds a little silly to me, so those people who are having that hippie or gypsy look should consider changing their physical look? That is something. Anyway, have a good day ahead everyone and keep posting.

Comment #23 Dar (167.80.246.204) - 02/16/10 15:33

"Hippie look"

I saw lots of "long haired Americans" traveling down there. Didn't have tyDied shirts on, but look very 60's. I've never heard of such a thing.

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