We arrived in Panama City on December 31, 2022 from Golfito, Costa Rica. Here we anchored at Las Brisas de Amador with a beautiful view of the Panama City skyline. We proceeded to check in at Flamenco Island by visiting the port captain and immigrations in the same building. Everything went without issues and people were helpful and accommodating throughout the process.
Preparation:
- Have both originals and multiple copies of boat registration, passports, and your International Zarpe from your last port.
- There is a free, secure public dock (yellow dot) near the anchorage (green dot) where you can tie up your dinghy. There is typically at least one officer present overseeing the usage of the public dock.
- Both Port Captain and Immigrations are in the same building (red dot).
1. Port Captain
Location:
Flamenco Island, at the end of the causeway. The building houses offices for the tour boats leaving for the islands here (Google Maps: Muelle Amador). The Port Captain office is on the upper floor of the building. The Port Captain is on the hallway leading to the left and the immigration office is in the hallway on the right.
Time needed:
About 10 minutes
Cost:
$20 if you check in on a holiday
Documents needed:
- Passports
- Boat Registration
- Original International Zarpe from previous port
One form will be completed.
You will receive:
- One copy of the “Declaracion” for immigration.
- Multiple copies of the “Declaracion” for your files and possibly other entities if they happen to visit your boat.
Cruising Permit (Patente de Navegacion)
How to request it
The Port Captain will request the Cruising Permit for you. Typically you will be able to pick it up at the Port Captain’s office a few days after your initial check-in. You may also call the office to check if it is ready: (+507) 314-1640.
Documents needed:
- Copies of captain’s passports that show the signature
- Copies of boat registration
- Original International Zarpe from previous port
One form will be completed.
If you are departing Panama within 72 hours of arrival you do not need a cruising permit.
Cost:
$185
You will receive:
- Cruising Permit. It is valid for one year or until your boat registration expires, whichever comes first.
- Receipt for your payment
2. Immigration
Location:
Flamenco Island, at the end of the causeway. The building houses offices for the tour boats leaving for the islands here (Google Maps: Muelle Amador). The immigration office is upstairs in the hallway on the right.
Cost:
No payments required.
Time needed:
About 10 minutes
Documents needed:
- “Declaracion” from Port Captain
- Passports
A photo of each crew member and passenger will be taken.
You will receive:
A stamp in your passport.
More information:
- https://www.migracion.gob.pa/permisos-y-requisitos-para-visas/permisos-migratorios – Item 4, “Visa de Marino” is the visa you will be given when arriving by boat.
- https://amp.gob.pa/servicios/marina-mercante/abanderamiento-de-naves/servicio-exterior/patente-de-navegacion/ – More information about the cruising permit.