If you’re considering traveling to Panama next year, I highly recommend you apply for a passport soon (unless of course you already have one).

Although for years travel to Panama (and many other countries outside the U.S, including Mexico and Canada) did not necessitate a passport, border crossing requirements are about to change. Starting this January 8, 2007, international air travel will only be open to those with valid passports.

Although the deadline has been changed a few times, don’t wait until the last minute to apply. According to Lonely Planet, less than 23% of Americans have passports, so there is bound to be a rush. In general, applications increase from January through July, and so now through December is a good time to apply. (Start now if you’re planning on taking a winter holiday outside the U.S.)

The requirement was changed following a call for increased border security via the Intelligence Reform and Terrorism Prevention Act of 2004 (IRTPA). Specifically, the act mandated that U.S. citizens be required to present a valid passport when leaving (and re-entering) the country.

Remember that if you are coming to Panama next year, you’ll need to ensure your passport is valid for at least six months from your date of departure. Also, you’ll need to present passports for any minors traveling with you.

As far as land and sea border crossings to and from the U.S., the passport deadline has been extended by one year, and there are talks underway about extending the deadline further or permitting a border crossing card to be used. However, as yet nothing has been approved. Also, critics say the border crossing card – which can be scanned from over 30 feet – will make for easy identity-theft. Overall, your safest bet is to go ahead and get a passport.

It’s not too difficult. Just go to a passport-issuing facility (there are over 7,000 nationwide – type your zip code into the finder at www.iafdb.travel.state.gov to find the one nearest you). Take your completed application with you (you can complete one online – just go to https://pptform.state.gov/DS11/MainDS11.aspx – or get a blank application from your post office.)

You’ll also need to present proof of citizenship (a certified copy of your government-issued birth certificate or certificate of naturalization) andproof of identification (photo I.D., such as a driver’s license or DMV-issued state ID). You’ll be asked for your social security number, so write it down if you don’t have it memorized. Finally, ensure you have enough to pay the fee – currently, a first-time passport costs $97 for adults over 16 (not including the cost of passport photos). For children under 16, you’ll pay $82. These fees are subject to change.
It can take up to two months for you to receive your passport (less if you take our advice and avoid both peak periods and what’s sure to be a frantic rush before the deadline), however, it is good for ten years and renewals can be processed via mail and at a lesser cost (currently just under $70). There is rush service available, but it’ll cost you a pretty penny. Much better to apply early, and save time and money.

For more detailed information, visit the U.S. Department of State Travel website.

Best Regards,

Brandon Clogston
International Living / Panama

P.S. If you are planning to travel to Panama for the International Living Ultimate Event in just a few weeks, I am sure you already have your travel documents in order. And if you’re not planning to attend the Ultimate Event, why not? It is…well…it is the ultimate opportunity for anyone looking for advice about living and/or investing overseas. Read all about it here.

And just in case you were wondering, you will not need a passport for travel to U.S. territories such as Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands and Guam. But you’re coming to Panama, right? So go ahead, get your passport.