Panama Real Estate Blog

Will Panama’s Tourist Card be phased out?

The tourist card which has been a source of consternation, confusion and hassles for many visitors over the years has come under scrutiny by the authorities in Panama. Although some countries do not require that a visa be applied for or approved to visit the country, a tourist card is required, which normally goes for a cost of approximately five US dollars, which is payable in the tourists home country. These countries within which the tourist card is purchased include Canada, United States and Venezuela.

In order not to lose any income, that is generated via the tourist card and applied to the Tourism Authority in Panama, some issues that have come under suggestion include that of applying this fee as a type of taxation on airline tickets, which have in effect been welcomed by the airline industry who have often found the logistics of maintaining, and distributing the cards to their customers as an unnecessary expense. The phasing out of the tourist card was proposed under Panama’s previous administration however the actual plan was never executed.
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