Expat Exchange
Free MembershipSign In

Panama Expat Forum

Passport Safety

New Topic Newest First
Springrain
  2/27/2015 17:48 EST

Hello,

I am on my way to Panama next week for a couple weeks for vacation to check out the country to see if I want to move here when I retire in a few years.

I have heard about passport theft, and since I am single and traveling alone, I would like to take precautions. I have heard about getting a notarized color copy of your passport to carry around with you and leave the original one in the hotel safe.

Can someone tell me where a notary can be found in Panama City and how much it should cost? I will be staying around Calle 50 for a few days when I arrive.

I also have a Passport Card and am wondering if that will suffice instead of a notarized color copy of my original passport.

Also, is it advised to carry your passport on you 24/7? Is a hotel safe really safer than on my person in one of those travel bags that you hide under your clothes? Anyways, I hope so.

I appreciate any information that you can share with me and I thank you in advance.

I am also open to meeting some new friends in Panama.

Thank you.

Carrie

jonoyakker
  2/27/2015 20:06 EST

First of all, I haven't really heard of passport theft but I have presented a simple copy to police and never had a problem. I just haven't problems with crime period and have been here 2 years. Maybe it's where I live, maybe it's karma but it is what it is.

Panama Legal Business (PANLEB)Panama Legal Business (PANLEB)
Get Quotes

Explore Panama Legal Business for a full suite of legal services tailored to your needs. From obtaining residency and visas to opening bank accounts, obtaining apostilles, conducting background checks, setting up businesses, and navigating real estate transactions, trust our experience and dedication to guide you through every step of the process in Panama.

Panama Legal Business (PANLEB)Panama Legal Business (PANLEB)

Explore Panama Legal Business for a full suite of legal services tailored to your needs. From obtaining residency and visas to opening bank accounts, obtaining apostilles, conducting background checks, setting up businesses, and navigating real estate transactions, trust our experience and dedication to guide you through every step of the process in Panama.
Get Quotes

iguanalover
  2/27/2015 20:16 EST

The US embassy can get you home if your passport goes missing. All they need is your number. I have never seen a notarized copy or even heard of such a thing.

Panama2017
  2/27/2015 20:22 EST

I needed a notarized copy of my passport for residency and tried to notarize a color copy in the US at a UPS (just because that's the default setting on my printer). They informed me that it is against the law to notarize a color copy. They made a black and white copy of it instead.

llseldon
  2/27/2015 21:01 EST

Carry copies of your documents & lock up the originals. PL

llseldon
  2/27/2015 21:19 EST

Doesn't have to be notarized. BTW guard your wallets, my brother had his wallet stolen last week end at a "friend's" restaurant in P.C. He bought it back for 100B, cheap. Too bad he had already cancelled 4 C.C.s, fool had his U.S. D.L. In his wallet. PL

Panama Legal Business (PANLEB)Panama Legal Business (PANLEB)
Get Quotes

Explore Panama Legal Business for a full suite of legal services tailored to your needs. From obtaining residency and visas to opening bank accounts, obtaining apostilles, conducting background checks, setting up businesses, and navigating real estate transactions, trust our experience and dedication to guide you through every step of the process in Panama.

Panama Legal Business (PANLEB)Panama Legal Business (PANLEB)

Explore Panama Legal Business for a full suite of legal services tailored to your needs. From obtaining residency and visas to opening bank accounts, obtaining apostilles, conducting background checks, setting up businesses, and navigating real estate transactions, trust our experience and dedication to guide you through every step of the process in Panama.
Get Quotes

llseldon
  2/27/2015 21:25 EST

Not Notarized for ID other than residency & offical purposes that is, traffic checks, etc. PL

Springrain
  2/27/2015 22:46 EST

Thank you all for your responses. I suppose that I will just not worry about getting a notarized copy and just carry the copies that I have. That's a good thing, because when I googled notary publics in Panama City, Panama all I got were ones in Florida. Lol!!

Sometimes it is amazing that with all of the information that I have read regarding Panama, that there are always so many differences of opinion. :-)

I thank you all again.

smara55
  2/28/2015 05:01 EST

Hi Carrie,
If you are renting a car and driving in Panama, the police want to see your passport and check the date of your arrival to Panama. There have been times when I just handed a copy and it was fine. If you are going to be around Coronado area would like to meet up let me know. Mary

Panama2017
  2/28/2015 07:45 EST

Springrain, I am a little confused. While I know you don't need a notarized passport for ID, if you did notarize... why wouldn't you just notarize in the US (or home country) before traveling to Panama?

panamaexpat
  2/28/2015 08:24 EST

There is a NOTARIA on Calle 50, several in Obarrio, on Avenida Samuel Lewis, also on Via España, just to name some close to where you Will be staying.. However, never heard of a notarized photocopy of your passport required for anything in Panama. We used to keep a copy in our wallets and lock passport @home.

Panama Legal Business (PANLEB)Panama Legal Business (PANLEB)
Get Quotes

Explore Panama Legal Business for a full suite of legal services tailored to your needs. From obtaining residency and visas to opening bank accounts, obtaining apostilles, conducting background checks, setting up businesses, and navigating real estate transactions, trust our experience and dedication to guide you through every step of the process in Panama.

Panama Legal Business (PANLEB)Panama Legal Business (PANLEB)

Explore Panama Legal Business for a full suite of legal services tailored to your needs. From obtaining residency and visas to opening bank accounts, obtaining apostilles, conducting background checks, setting up businesses, and navigating real estate transactions, trust our experience and dedication to guide you through every step of the process in Panama.
Get Quotes

ChiriquiDebbie
  2/28/2015 08:34 EST

I was told that you can ONLY make a black & white copy of your passport and/or driver's license. If you make a color copy it can be viewed as 'fraud'. I keep a B&W copy at home and it can be taken to the embassy for proof if I lose my real one. I don't think it is necessary to notarize it either. The embassy has access to the number and your information. I have never heard of anyone having their passport stolen. You'd probably have to leave it somewhere to lose it.

I also think the passport card is enough for back up, although it is not accepted as ID at checkpoints etc. & you MUST carry your passport with you at all times.

Have a great time in Panama!

BoqueteGirl
  2/28/2015 08:54 EST

For notary stamps to be recognized in Panama, it has to be a Panamanian Notary or stamped by the Panamanian consulate in your country. Some banks will accept a letter notarized by a notary in your country.

I have been here 4 years and never leave home without my passport. I did make color copies and took the copies to a notary in Boquete (by the police station) and they stamped my copies. You also must copy your last entry/exit page. I did this just "In Case." Have never had to use it. Most police want to see the original passport. Tried to show a copy once and they wanted to see the original. Everyone you speak with will have a different experience.

Such is the life in Panama.

llseldon
  2/28/2015 09:06 EST

FYI in front of some government offices maybe a copier vendor with a copy machine, notary stamp & some laminating machines (if you want to laminate a doc) -- Bella Vista for example. The government stamps that go on many PTY docs are bought in the gov office & they are more costly.
The El Rey super mercado, (I assume 99 & Reba Smith) has an office by the front door where you can get replacement docs like birth & marriage certificates. I got copies of my birth cert for my wife & 2 children at the Rey. PL

panamaexpat
  2/28/2015 09:09 EST

While we have been here over ten years and never were stopped by police at any time or place, I do understand that if you become a permanent tourist who has to go in and out of the country every so many months cheating Panamanian laws, then yes, by all means do carry your passports, as the government and police are trying to stop the "expat -smarter-than-Panamanian Immigration laws-attitude" that some expats do have, as I was told recently by a lawyer friend.

panamaexpat
  2/28/2015 09:18 EST

LouSeldon, sorry to read about your brother's experience. May I ask did he have to buy his wallet back from the thief himself or someone else found it and sold it back to him? Just curious... :)

llseldon
  2/28/2015 09:36 EST

“Pele police” roadside devices is something you should be aware of, so far during visits I have rented cars & drove using my U.S. driver's license, also many road blocks to check ID, I was stopped very late one night on Federico Boyd, fortunately I limit my drinking & had no problem.

FYI if you have a Panama DL at age 70 you have to have a medical exam every 2 years & renew your DL

Lamastus
  2/28/2015 09:58 EST

When I first arrived in Panama in May of 2013 and was receiving shipment from California I had to send up to Panama City a colored copy of my passport and Cedular both notorized in order for them to get shipment out of customs.

Lamastus
  2/28/2015 10:02 EST

Are you kidding? I had my passport stolen in Europe and it was awful getting it back

pfergy
  2/28/2015 12:15 EST

Yes, companies in US will not make color copies, so I make my own color copy on self serve copier, then have it laminated. If you register on-line for the STEP program (https://step.state.gov/step/) the Embassy or Consulate will have all your information.

dannyjose
  2/28/2015 15:34 EST

you will need your passport on you if you are traveling. like if you are on a bus, they will stop when ever you get to chiriqui province and ask for id. my daughter lives there, she says they always stop you. if you are extranjero you will need your passport. a copy might work, and it might not. probably not a bad idea to make a color copy though, they want a copy of every page when you apply for residency anyway. just carry it with you when traveling. tranquila es panama!

XSMEMORIES
  2/28/2015 16:31 EST

Hide the passport and carry a copy of the front photo page and it's better for a copy of the page when you enter. If you get to the best beach in Panama, Santa Clara, I have a great motel with a lot of birds, completely safe, pool and wifi, check out my website wwwxsmemories.com Sheila

XSMEMORIES
  2/28/2015 16:31 EST

Hide the passport and carry a copy of the front photo page and it's better for a copy of the page when you enter. If you get to the best beach in Panama, Santa Clara, I have a great motel with a lot of birds, completely safe, pool and wifi, check out my website wwwxsmemories.com Sheila

XSMEMORIES
  2/28/2015 16:31 EST

Hide the passport and carry a copy of the front photo page and it's better for a copy of the page when you enter. If you get to the best beach in Panama, Santa Clara, I have a great motel with a lot of birds, completely safe, pool and wifi, check out my website wwwxsmemories.com Sheila

XSMEMORIES
  2/28/2015 16:31 EST

Hide the passport and carry a copy of the front photo page and it's better for a copy of the page when you enter. If you get to the best beach in Panama, Santa Clara, I have a great motel with a lot of birds, completely safe, pool and wifi, check out my website wwwxsmemories.com Sheila

llseldon
  2/28/2015 19:19 EST

Yah, don't forget the check point between Santiago & David, they will ask for you documents. PL

Oldcameraman
  2/28/2015 19:47 EST

Been through there a few times recently and they never even looked at us.......

panamajames
  2/28/2015 22:37 EST

I go through that checkpoint often and never have been asked for papers. Maybe if you look suspicious, you might get stopped and they have the right to look in your vehicle for drugs at any checkstop.

kristinrae
  3/2/2015 10:43 EST

We just spent 10 glorious days in Panama! Before we left I scanned all of our passports onto the computer and then emailed them to myself. That way, worse case scenario, we lose our passports then I just have to pull up my email to have copies.

Panama Legal Business (PANLEB)
Panama Legal Business (PANLEB)

Discover a full range of legal services in Panama, from residency and visas to bank accounts, company formation, and real estate advice. Trust Panama Legal Business.
Get Quotes

Panama Legal Business (PANLEB)Panama Legal Business (PANLEB)

Discover a full range of legal services in Panama, from residency and visas to bank accounts, company formation, and real estate advice. Trust Panama Legal Business.
Get Quotes

Living in Panama GuideLiving in Panama Guide

Our Guide to Living in Panama is a perfect primer for readers interested in Panama. Covers healthcare, cost of living, best places to live, residency, visas, real estate, moving tips and the pros and cons of living in Panama.

Panama Forum Panama Forum
Join our Panama forum to meet other expats and talk about living in Panama.

Contribute to Panama Network Contribute
Help other expats and newcomers by answering questions about the challenges and adventures of living in Panama.

Best Places to Live in Panama Best Places to Live in Panama

If you're dreaming about living in Panama, here are the 15 Best Places to Live in Panama in 2023.

Healthcare in PanamaHealthcare in Panama

Expats have differing opinions about healthcare in Panama. Many advice against public hospitals and healthcare, but some recount good experiences. This article covers public vs private healthcare, cost of healthcare, obtaining prescription medications and much more.

Cost of Living in PanamaCost of Living in Panama

Expats in Panama enjoy a relatively low cost of living. However, it's important to do your research to make sure you'll actually enjoy those saving while creating a high quality of life as an expat in Panama.

Moving to PanamaMoving to Panama Guide

Do you have to buy a round trip ticket when moving to Panama? How difficult is it to bring my dog? Should I buy a home in Panama? Can I find health

Real Estate in PanamaReal Estate in Panama

Real estate listings in popular cities and towns in Panama.

Pros Cons of Living in PanamaPros & Cons of Living in Panama

Take off your rose-colored glasses and learn what expats have to say about the biggest challenges and the greatest rewards of living in Panama.

Retiring in PanamaRetiring in Panama

Advice for people retiring in Panama.

Visa and Residency PanamaPanama Visa & Residency Guide

This article covers the ins and outs of the most common tourist and residency visas that expats and global nomads obtain when moving to and living in Panama.

10 Tips for Living in Panama10 Tips for Living in Panama

If you've recently arrived in Panama, here are 10 tips for digital nomads living in Panama.

Panama Legal Business (PANLEB)
Panama Legal Business (PANLEB)

Discover a full range of legal services in Panama, from residency and visas to bank accounts, company formation, and real estate advice. Trust Panama Legal Business.
Get Quotes

Panama Legal Business (PANLEB)Panama Legal Business (PANLEB)

Discover a full range of legal services in Panama, from residency and visas to bank accounts, company formation, and real estate advice. Trust Panama Legal Business.
Get Quotes

Contribute to Panama Network Contribute
Help others in Panama by answering questions about the challenges and adventures of living in Panama.

Panama Legal Business (PANLEB)
Panama Legal Business (PANLEB)

Copyright 1997-2024 Burlingame Interactive, Inc.

Privacy Policy Legal