Today (Wednesday), it was back to Immigration to get my temporary Panamanian ID card and a multi-entry visa, so I can travel in and out of the country while waiting to get my permanent ID. If I didn’t get the multi-entry visa and traveled outside of Panama, I would be subject to a $2,000 fine. So it’s well worth the $50 for the multi-entry visa!
There were SO many people there today! I had to wait well over an hour to have my photo taken for the ID card. Sharon and Marianna were there every step of the way, though. Poor Humberto! He was waiting downstairs while I was doing my thing upstairs. I texted him after about an hour and let him know it would be some time longer before I was finished. He replied, “Don’t worry. I will sleep here. 🙂 🙂 ” I appreciate his patience!
Temporary ID
This has been a busy week, but a lot was accomplished! The end result is that I am now the proud owner of an official (although temporary) Panamanian ID card. Within six months, I’ll receive my permanent resident ID.
Now, is this like a social security card and it allows you to reside permanently and work there?
It’s like a Social Security card, in that it is a national ID card. It allows me to reside permanently in Panama. But my visa is what they call the “jubilado” (or retiree) visa, and it does not allow me to obtain a work permit. Not that I WANT to have a job, anyway! 🙂