Denese A Rodgers

Clarification of the March 27 Covid -19 Restrictions Announcement: On March 29, the President of Panama issued a decree clarifying the regional COVID-19 restrictions previously announced on March 27. Effective March 31, travelers arriving in Panama who have been in or who transited through any country in South America must have a negative COVID test within the last 48 hours. Such travelers will also be tested upon arrival at the expense of the passenger. If the person tests positive, he or she will be transferred directly to a hotel-hospital. If the person tests negative, he or she will follow a 5-day at home-quarantine and will be tested again by MINSA at the end of quarantine. The Ministry of Health’s decision to implement the new travel restriction occurred after a resident of Panama, who had recently traveled to South America, tested positive for the new P1 SARS-CoV-2 variant hours after presenting a negative COVID test at the airport. https://step.state.gov/step/

On March 27, the Government of Panama announced updated regional and national COVID-19 restrictions beginning Sunday, March 28, at 00:00 hours. Additional restrictions will go into effect Wednesday, March 31, at 00:00 hours. Starting Sunday, March 28, ALL passengers who have been in or transited through any country in South America in the last 15 days will be required to test for Covid-19 upon entry to Panama, prior to presenting their declaration form to an Immigration Official. Effective March 31, Panama will suspend entry for anyone who has been in or transited through any country in South America in the last 15 days. Exceptions are Panamanian citizens or lawful residents who will not be denied entry but will have to submit to a COVID-19 test upon entry AND quarantine. The Ministry of Health’s decision to implement the new travel restriction occurred after a resident of Panama, who had recently traveled to South America, tested positive for the new P1 SARS-CoV-2 variant hours after presenting a negative COVID test at the airport. The Embassy reminds U.S. citizens in Panama that it is always obligatory to comply with local laws.    MINSA reminds citizens and residents of Panama that staying at home, not touching your face, and washing your hands frequently are the best means of prevention against COVID-19.  It also requires the use of masks when in public. The Embassy will continue to send messages, as needed, about larger changes that may affect U.S. citizens in Panama.  Minor changes, such as new health recommendations or reopening of a new sector of Panama's economy, will be placed on the  Embassy’s COVID-19 Information page For all the details about changes made by the Government of Panama in response to the pandemic, please see the daily announcements from the Ministry of Health   Actions to Take: Consult the CDC website for the most up-to-date information.     For the most recent information on what you can do to reduce your risk of contracting COVID-19, please see the CDC’s latest recommendations Visit the COVID-19 crisis page on travel.state.gov  for the latest information.     Visit our Embassy webpage on COVID-19 for information on conditions in Panama.  Visit the Department of Homeland Security’s website  on the latest travel restrictions to the United States. Assistance: U.S. Embassy Panama City, Panama Building 783, Demetrio Basilio Lakas Avenue Clayton, Panama +507 317-5000 Panama-ACS@state.gov

From the US Embassy in Panama: Submit your absentee ballot now in these special elections for federal office The following states have elections in the next 90 days: April 24, 2021: Louisiana Run-Off Election in U.S. Congressional District 2* May 1, 2021: Texas Special Election in U.S. Congressional District 6** June 1, 2021: New Mexico Special Primary in U.S. Congressional District 1*** Service members, eligible family members, and overseas citizens who are registering to vote for the first time can use the automated Federal Post Card Application (FPCA) completion tool available at fvap.gov/FPCA, or use the fillable PDF version. Voters must submit a completed and signed FPCA to their local election office by the state’s voter registration deadline. Vote your absentee ballot as soon as you get it, and be sure to carefully follow the state’s completion instructions and sign the voted ballot package as indicated when returning it. To save time, you may be able to return your voted ballot electronically if allowed by state law. Check if your state can accept completed absentee ballots by email, fax, or online at fvap.gov/guide. If you requested your ballot, but haven't received it in time to return by the ballot deadline, use the Federal Write-In Absentee Ballot (FWAB) as a backup ballot. If your official absentee ballot arrives after sending in the FWAB, you may complete and submit the official ballot too. Only one ballot will be counted per voter. You can verify the voted ballot is received by contacting your election office for status updates. To find your state's election website for specific information on candidates, elections, contact information, registration, and links to your local election office, visit fvap.gov/search-offices. *Louisiana Congressional District 2 includes nearly all of the city of New Orleans and stretches west and north to Baton Rouge. **Texas Congressional District 6 includes Ellis and Navarro counties and a portion of Tarrant County. ***New Mexico Congressional District 1 includes all of Torrance and parts of Bernalillo, Sandoval, Santa Fe, and Valencia counties. This information is current as of March 25, 2021. As updates occur, please check the election calendars and state pages at FVAP.gov for real-time information. If you would like more information on the Federal Voting Assistance Program, or need help with the absentee voting process, please go to FVAP.gov, call 703-588-1584 (toll free 1-800-438-VOTE), or email (vote@fvap.gov). You may also contact the Consular Section of the U.S. Embassy in Panama City at 507-317-5000 or at Panama-ACS@state.gov.

US Embassy Alert: On Tuesday, February 16, between 9:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m., the Embassy’s main telephone number (317-5000) will not be operational due to scheduled maintenance. For calls related to a U.S. citizen in need of emergency assistance, please call 6400-8923 during this period. Actions to Take:   Consult the CDC website for the most up-to-date information.     For the most recent information on what you can do to reduce your risk of contracting COVID-19, please see the CDC’s latest recommendations.     Visit the COVID-19 crisis page on travel.state.gov for the latest information.     Visit our Embassy webpage on COVID-19 for information on conditions in Panama.  Visit the Department of Homeland Security’s website on the latest travel restrictions to the United States. Assistance:   U.S. Embassy Panama City, Panama Building 783, Demetrio Basilio Lakas Avenue Clayton, Panama +507 317-5000 Panama-ACS@state.gov https://pa.usembassy.gov/ State Department – Consular Affairs +1 (888)407-4747 or +1 (202)501-4444   Enroll in Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive security updates.

On January 12, the Government of Panama announced updated regional and national COVID-19 restrictions beginning January 14. Starting January 14, a nationwide curfew is in effect Monday through Friday from 9:00 p.m. to 4:00 a.m. Additional movement and business restrictions vary by region. Panama and Panama Oeste: Starting January 14, movement restrictions based on passport or cedula number are eliminated. However, gender restrictions for shopping remain in place (Men: Tuesdays and Thursdays; Women: Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays). Weekends are full lockdown, from Fridays at 9 p.m. until Monday at 4 a.m. Work-related gatherings are limited to 25 people or 25% capacity. For a list of permitted activities, see slides six and seven of the Ministry of Health’s informational presentation here. Cocle, Veraguas, and Los Santos: A full lockdown is in effect from 9 p.m., January 15 until 4 a.m., January 17. Businesses will remain open until 7:30 p.m., Monday through Friday, with no gender restrictions. Herrera: Starting January 14, shopping will be restricted by gender (Men: Tuesdays and Thursdays; Women: Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays). Beginning January 15, weekends will be full lockdown, from Fridays at 9 p.m. until Monday at 4 a.m. The government also announced a gradual reopening plan that is subject to change depending on health conditions: February 1: retail, beauty parlors, barber shops, daycare centers February 15: carwashes, tailor shops, shoe repair shops, non-essential industries, cultural industries, restaurants March 1: gyms, spas, lotteries, fishing, race tracks March 15: beaches, movie theaters Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program for direct alerts... https://step.state.gov/step/

Due to new movement and business restrictions imposed by the Ministry of Health, the Consular Section of the U.S. Embassy in Panama City will be closed for non-emergency services through January 15, 2021. The Embassy will be completely closed on January 1, 2021.   Emergency services for U.S. citizens and emergency visa services will still be available. If you are a U.S. citizen experiencing an emergency, please contact us via email at Panama-ACS@state.gov or call +507 317-5000.   If you know someone with an emergency need for visa services (emergency needs include medical emergencies, the death of a family member, students that begin or resume classes in January, urgent business travel, among others), please have the applicant contact Panama-Visas@state.gov. ACS and visa applicants with existing appointments will be contacted to inform them if their appointments need to be rescheduled.   Assistance:   U.S. Embassy Panama City, Panama Building 783, Demetrio Basilio Lakas Avenue Clayton, Panama +507 317-5000 Panama-ACS@state.gov https://pa.usembassy.gov/   State Department – Consular Affairs +1 (888)407-4747 or +1 (202)501-4444   Enroll in Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive security updates.

Health Alert:  U.S. Embassy Panama City, Panama (December 28, 2020)   Events:  New Regional and Nationwide COVID-19 Restrictions in Panama   On December 28, the Government of Panama announced new regional and nationwide restrictions lasting until January 14. Starting January 4, these include a return to movement restrictions based on gender and ID number in the provinces of Panama and Panama Oeste. Movement and shopping restrictions: · From December 28 to December 31, a nationwide curfew remains in effect from 7:00 p.m. to 5:00 a.m. Additionally, shopping in retail establishments is restricted by gender (Women: Monday and Wednesday; Men: Tuesday and Thursday), with businesses closing at 5 p.m. · The full lockdown from December 31 at 7:00 p.m. through January 4 at 5:00 a.m. remains in place. · From January 4 to 14, a total quarantine and curfew are in effect from 8:00 p.m. to 5:00 a.m. for the provinces of Panama and Panama Oeste. Businesses will close at 7:30 p.m. All non-essential businesses will be closed. For the rest of Panama, the curfew remains from 7:00 p.m. to 5:00 a.m. · Full nationwide lockdown on January 9 and 10, with one exception: On January 9, one person per household may visit the cemetery. From January 4 to January 14, gender restrictions in Panama and Panama Oeste provinces allow for movement as follows: · Women:  Monday, Wednesday, and Friday · Men:  Tuesday and Thursday  Additionally, in Panama and Panama Oeste, movements are restricted to a two-hour window based on the last digit of each individual’s cedula number or passport number if an individual is not a citizen of Panama.  During their corresponding two-hour window, individuals are allowed one hour for travel (30 minutes each way) and one hour for shopping. U.S. Citizens in Panama should always carry their passports, and their Panamanian cedula if they have one.  The two-hour windows are as follows: · Last number is 7 – 6:30 – 8:30 a.m. · Last number is 8 – 7:30 – 9:30 a.m. · Last number is 9 – 8:30 – 10:30 a.m. · Last number is 0 – 9:30 – 11:30 a.m. · Last number is 1 – 12:30 – 2:30 p.m. · Last number is 2 – 1:30 – 3:30 p.m. · Last number is 3 – 2:30 – 4:30 p.m. · Last number is 4 – 3:30 – 5:30 p.m. · Last number is 5 – 4:30 – 6:30 p.m. · Last number is 6 – 5:30 – 7:30 p.m. There is a special window for the handicapped and those over 60 years old, regardless of cedula or passport numbers, between 11:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. (gender restrictions still apply). One caretaker (regardless of their gender) may accompany these individuals.   Normal exceptions apply for holders of permission letters (salvoconductos).    Hours of circulation during the total quarantine are intended only for essential purchases by one person per household. The Embassy reminds U.S. citizens in Panama that it is always obligatory to comply with local laws.    MINSA reminds citizens and residents of Panama that staying at home, not touching your face, and washing your hands frequently are the best means of prevention against COVID-19.  It also requires the use of masks when in public.   The Embassy encourages everyone to prepare accordingly.  Take the opportunity to stock up on any medicines and food supplies you may need to shelter in place in your homes for an extended period of time. On December 15, the Government of Panama announced new nationwide movement and business restrictions between December 18 and January 4.   Movement restrictions: ·         From December 18 through January 4, curfew is set from 7:00 p.m. to 5:00 a.m. ·         From December 23 at 5:00 a.m. through January 4 at 5:00 a.m., access to/from beaches and the interior will be restricted. There will be checkpoints in strategic locations such as Chorrera, Divisa, La Villa, Chagres, Viguí. ·         Full lockdown from December 25 at 7:00 p.m. through December 28 at 5:00 a.m. ·         Full lockdown from December 31 at 7:00 p.m. through January 4 at 5:00 a.m. ·         International borders remain open. ·         One person per household allowed into supermarkets, with the exception that a minor or a person with a disability may also enter.   Business operations: ·         From December 18 through January 4, there will be a prohibition on the sale of alcohol (“ley seca”) from 7:00 p.m. to 5:00 a.m. ·         Government construction projects related to responding to the pandemic are exempted from curfew hours.   The Embassy will continue to send messages, as needed, about larger changes that may affect U.S. citizens in Panama.  Minor changes, such as new health recommendations or reopening of a new sector of Panama's economy, will be placed on the Embassy’s COVID-19 Information page.  For all the details about changes made by the Government of Panama in response to the pandemic, please see the daily announcements from the Ministry of Health.     Actions to Take:   Consult the CDC website for the most up-to-date information.     ·         For the most recent information on what you can do to reduce your risk of contracting COVID-19, please see the CDC’s latest recommendations.     ·         Visit the COVID-19 crisis page on travel.state.gov for the latest information.     ·         Visit our Embassy webpage on COVID-19 for information on conditions in Panama.  ·         Visit the Department of Homeland Security’s website on the latest travel restrictions to the United States.   Assistance:   U.S. Embassy Panama City, Panama Building 783, Demetrio Basilio Lakas Avenue Clayton, Panama +507 317-5000 Panama-ACS@state.gov https://pa.usembassy.gov/   State Department – Consular Affairs +1 (888)407-4747 or +1 (202)501-4444   Enroll in Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive security updates.

Updated: Nationwide Movement, Business, and Alcohol Restrictions in Panama On December 18, the Government of Panama announced expanded nationwide movement and business restrictions between December 18 and January 4. Movement restrictions: From December 18 through January 4, curfew is set from 7:00 p.m. to 5:00 a.m. From December 23 at 5:00 a.m. through January 4 at 5:00 a.m., access to/from beaches and the interior will be restricted. There will be checkpoints in strategic locations such as La Chorrera, Divisa, La Villa, Chagres, and Viguí. Full lockdown from December 24 at 7:00 p.m. through December 28 at 5:00 a.m. Full lockdown from December 31 at 7:00 p.m. through January 4 at 5:00 a.m. International borders, seaports, and airports remain open. One person per household is allowed into commercial establishments (supermarkets, shops, pharmacies, etc.) Business operations: From December 18 through January 4, there will be a prohibition on the sale of alcohol (“ley seca”) from 7:00 p.m. to 5:00 a.m. Gender-based restrictions on access to commercial establishments: Women – December 21, 23, 28, and 30 Men – December 22, 24, 29, and 31 Government construction projects related to responding to the pandemic are exempted from curfew hours. PA.USEMBASSY.GOV

US Embassy - Notice of Consular Section Closure for Non-emergency Services (December 17, 2020) The Consular Section of the U.S. Embassy in Panama City will be closed for routine services from Monday, December 21, 2020 until Monday, January 4, 2021. The Embassy will be completely closed December 24 and 25, 2020, and January 1, 2021. Emergency services for U.S. citizens and emergency visa services will still be available. If you are an U.S. citizen experiencing an emergency, please contact us via email at Panama-ACS@state.gov or call +507 317-5000. If you believe that you have an emergency need for visa services (emergency needs would include medical emergencies, the death of a family member, students that begin or resume classes in January and urgent business travel), please contact Panama-Visas@state.gov. Assistance: U.S. Embassy Panama City, Panama Building 783, Demetrio Basilio Lakas Avenue Clayton, Panama +507 317-5000 Panama-ACS@state.gov https://pa.usembassy.gov/ State Department – Consular Affairs +1 (888)407-4747 or +1 (202)501-4444 Enroll in Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive security updates.

New Nationwide Movement, Business, & Alcohol Restrictions in Panama On December 15, the Government of Panama announced new nationwide movement and business restrictions between December 18 and January 4. Movement restrictions: From December 18 through January 4, curfew is set from 7:00 p.m. to 5:00 a.m. From December 23 at 5:00 a.m. through January 4 at 5:00 a.m., access to/from beaches and the interior will be restricted. There will be checkpoints in strategic locations such as Chorrera, Divisa, La Villa, Chagres, Viguí. Full lockdown from December 25 at 7:00 p.m. through December 28 at 5:00 a.m. Full lockdown from January 1 at 7:00 p.m. through January 4 at 5:00 a.m. International borders remain open. One person per household allowed into supermarkets, with the exception that a minor or a person with a disability may also enter. Business operations: From December 18 through January 4, there will be a prohibition on the sale of alcohol (“ley seca”) from 7:00 p.m. to 5:00 a.m. Government construction projects related to responding to the pandemic are exempted from curfew hours. PA.USEMBASSY.GOV

Movement and Alcohol Restrictions in Panama and Panama Oeste Beginning December 8, movement and alcohol restrictions in the province of Panama province changed as follows: Daily curfew is from 9:00 p.m. until 5:00 a.m. The sale and consumption of alcohol is prohibited during curfew hours. On December 4, movement and alcohol restrictions in the province of Panama Oeste changed as follows: Daily curfew is from 9:00 p.m. until 5:00 a.m. The sale of alcohol is prohibited from 7:00 p.m. to 5:00 a.m. All other provinces continue to have daily 11:00 p.m. to 5:00 a.m. curfew practiced throughout Panama. The Embassy will continue to send messages, as needed, about larger changes that may affect U.S. citizens in Panama. Minor changes, such as new health recommendations or reopening of a new sector of Panama's economy, will be placed on the Embassy’s COVID-19 Information page. For all the details about changes made by the Government of Panama in response to the pandemic, please see the daily announcements from the Ministry of Health.

PANAMA OESTE Beginning December 4, movement and alcohol restrictions in Panama Oeste province are changed as follows: Daily curfew is from 9:00 p.m. until 5:00 a.m. The sale of alcohol is prohibited from 7:00 p.m. to 5:00 a.m. Additionally, the movement restrictions in place in Sona and Francisco, in the province of Veraguas, have been lifted and replaced by the daily 11:00 p.m. to 5:00 a.m. curfew practiced throughout Panama. Movement restrictions remain unchanged in the rest of the country (daily curfew from 11:00 p.m. to 5:00 a.m.). https://step.state.gov/step/

Hurricane Eta has caused significant flooding, mudslides, and road damage in Chiriqui Province, particularly in the Tierras Altas district and towns of Cerro Punta, Paso Ancho, and Volcan. The road from David, Chiriqui to Changuinola, Bocas del Toro has been severely damaged and is currently closed. Panama’s National Civil Protection Agency (SINAPROC) is monitoring the situation on the ground and working to assist individuals in the affected areas. For updated information, please check SINAPROC’s website and social media feeds and continue to monitor local media outlets. The Embassy also suggests that those living in affected areas seek secure shelter and notify their family and friends of their safety. In the event of an emergency, call 311 immediately. Assistance: U.S. Embassy Panama City, Panama Building 783, Demetrio Basilio Lakas Avenue Clayton, Panama +507 317-5000 Panama-ACS@state.gov https://pa.usembassy.gov/ State Department – Consular Affairs +1 (888)407-4747 or +1 (202)501-4444 Enroll in Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive security updates.

Beginning Saturday, October 24, families will be allowed to gather in groups of seven or fewer at beaches and rivers. Activities at beaches and rivers will only be permitted from 6:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m. Masks must be worn at all times, except when within your family bubble or when entering the water. Drinking alcohol at beaches and rivers is prohibited except at restaurants nearby. Beginning Sunday, October 25, all weekend quarantines are lifted, and curfew hours are standardized for the whole country, from 11:00 p.m. until 5:00 a.m., Monday through Sunday. The Embassy will continue to send messages, as needed, about larger changes that may affect U.S. citizens in Panama.   Minor changes, such as new health recommendations or reopening of a new sector of Panama's economy, will be placed on the Embassy’s COVID-19 Information page. For all the details about changes made by the Government of Panama in response to the pandemic, please see the daily announcements from the Ministry of Health.

Beginning Saturday, October 17, the province of Chiriqui and the district of Changuinola in Bocas del Toro will no longer have Saturday quarantine. Curfews will remain unchanged in the rest of Panama.  Monday through Friday the curfew starts at 11:00 p.m and is lifted at 5:00 a.m., with quarantine from Saturday at 11:00 p.m. until Monday at 5:00 a.m. The provinces of Chiriqui and Colon and the districts of Chiriqui Grande, Isla Colon, Changuinola and Almirante in Bocas del Toro have curfew from Monday through Friday, 7:00 p.m. until 5:00 a.m., with quarantine from Saturday at 7:00 p.m. until Monday at 5:00 a.m.   In the rest of Bocas del Toro the curfew remains from 7:00 p.m. until 5:00 a.m., Monday through Thursday, with a weekend quarantine from Friday at 7:00 p.m. until Monday at 5:00 a.m.   The Embassy will continue to provide updates on changes that may affect U.S. citizens in Panama.  For all the details about changes made by the Government of Panama in response to the pandemic, please see the daily announcements from the Ministry of Health. Actions to Take: Consult the CDC website for the most up-to-date information. For the most recent information on what you can do to reduce your risk of contracting COVID-19, please see the CDC’s latest recommendations. Visit the COVID-19 crisis page on travel.state.gov for the latest information. Visit our Embassy webpage on COVID-19 for information on conditions in Panama. Visit the Department of Homeland Security’s website on the latest travel restrictions to the United States. Assistance: U.S. Embassy Panama City, Panama Building 783, Demetrio Basilio Lakas Avenue Clayton, Panama +507 317-5000 Panama-ACS@state.gov https://pa.usembassy.gov/ State Department – Consular Affairs +1 (888)407-4747 or +1 (202)501-4444 Enroll in Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive security updates.

Hi Carolina, Just to be safe - I recommend emailing the Embassy at Panama-ACS@state.gov -- and have proof of that appointment when you travel. You may be able to get a salvoconducto - or your appointment may be sufficient for travel. Denese

Additional Economic Reopening, Resumption of Commercial Aviation, and Change in Movement Restrictions Beginning on October 12, curfews will remain unchanged in all of Panama except the provinces of Bocas del Toro, Colon, and Chiriquí. In Bocas del Toro and Chiriqui curfew will be from 7:00 p.m. until 5:00 a.m., Monday through Thursday, with a weekend quarantine from Friday at 7:00 p.m. until Monday at 5:00 a.m. The province of Colon and the districts of Chiriqui Grande, Isla Colon, and Almirante in Bocas del Toro will have the same curfew hours, but curfew in these areas runs from Monday through Friday, with quarantine from Saturday at 7:00 p.m. until Monday at 5:00 a.m. Additionally, the following economic sectors will reopen on October 12: Hotels, motels, lodging services, pools at 25 percent capacity, tourism, non-essential transportation services, creative and cultural institutions, and academies of music, art, and dance, along with gambling and the lottery. Cinemas, theaters, museums, galleries, and indoor tourist sites are permitted to operate at 50 percent capacity. Due to the resumption of international aviation, also scheduled for October 12, we will no longer send messages to citizens about upcoming humanitarian flights. If you still wish to evacuate Panama and return to the United States, you should do so by booking a commercial flight through the airline of your choice. Beginning October 12, international arrivals will no longer be subject to quarantine requirements, but must present a negative COVID-19 test (PCR or antigen test), and that test must have been completed within 48 hours prior to arrival in Panama. The following remain pending and do not have a foreseen date for reopening: family activities at the beach, schools, colleges, universities, daycare, kindergartens, gyms, indoor play areas for children, bars, clubs, conferences, concerts, fairs, carnival, parades, and processions. The Embassy will continue to provide updates on changes that may affect U.S. citizens in Panama. For all the details about changes made by the Government of Panama in response to the pandemic, please see the daily announcements from the Ministry of Health. > STEP.STATE.GOV Smart Traveler Enrollment Program

If you plan to vote in the November 2020 election it is important to ACT NOW!  Don’t wait, return your voted ballot right away! Remember U.S. embassies and consulates are not polling places; same-day in-person voting is not available outside the United States – but you can get assistance in requesting and returning your absentee ballot. Many states require voted ballots to reach local election officials by the close of polls on Tuesday, November 3. The Department of State is committed to assisting overseas voters in casting their ballots. For instructions on how to vote from Panama please see our website.  For general overseas voting information please see the Department of State’s web site Absentee Voting Information for U.S. Citizens Abroad or FVAP.gov. Never received your ballot? If you registered to vote and requested an absentee ballot prior to your state’s registration deadline, but have not yet received your ballot, complete and return a Federal Write-in Absentee Ballot to ensure your vote reaches election officials by your state’s deadline. If your regular ballot arrives later, complete and return it as well. Your Federal Write-in Absentee Ballot will only be counted if your regular ballot does not reach local election officials by your state’s deadline. Your vote will not be counted twice. RETURNING YOUR BALLOT: Note that the U.S. Postal Service recommends voters mail their completed ballots before Election Day and at least one week prior to your state’s deadline. To allow processing time between Department of State and U.S. Postal Service systems this means ballots must be received in the Embassy no later thanOctober 13, 2020. Ballots received after that date will be forwarded, but may arrive too late to be counted.  Please also check the regulations in the state in which you vote as deadlines may differ, and you may have alternative voting options such as electronic voting or by fax. The above timeline is based on current local and U.S. conditions, which are subject to change.  Should conditions change and impact the timeline we will alert you.  We strongly recommend you submit your ballot as far in advance as possible.  If you wish to drop off your ballot, or have a friend or colleague drop it off for you, place it in either a U.S. postage-paid envelope (provided with the ballot) or an envelope bearing domestic U.S. postage addressed to your local election officials. The Embassy can also help you mail your completed ballot via surface mail. Once you have completed your ballot, you can mail it to our offices at the address listed below: Embajada de los Estados Unidos ATTN: Voting Officer Edificio 783, Ave. Demetrio B. Lakas Clayton, Panama City, Rep. Of Panama If it is more convenient for you, you can also return your ballot to your local election officials via international mail or professional courier service at your own expense. A ballot drop-box is also available near the main entrance of the Embassy. Those who wish to drop their ballots in the drop-box may do so from Monday to Thursday between 8:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. or Friday between 8:00 a.m. and 12:00 p.m. Voting assistance can be provided via email or by appointment. If you need assistance, email panama-acs@state.gov. Ballots mailed to the embassy or left at the drop box should arrive sealed. Missed the U.S. Embassy shipment deadline? Consider returning your ballot to the United States via a commercial express courier service such as FedEx, UPS, or DHL or return your voted ballot electronically if allowed by your state. Ballots sent to local election officials via express courier service do not receive standard postmarks, so voters using this method should confirm delivery on or before November 3 prior to payment and shipment. Check your state’s voting procedures at www.FVAP.gov for guidance. Returning your Federal Write-in Absentee Ballot by email or fax. Review your state’s voting procedures at www.FVAP.gov carefully for guidance. Returning your ballot by international mail delivery. If using Panama's postal system, be sure to affix sufficient international postage, and allow sufficient time for international mail delivery. Ballots sent via regular international mail from most countries at this late date are unlikely to reach local election officials by state ballot receipt deadlines, so you may need to consider another method. HELP SPREAD THE WORD ABOUT OVERSEAS VOTING. Please help spread the word to your friends, family, and colleagues that now is the time to start thinking about overseas voting. Consider posting to your Twitter, Instagram, Facebook or other social media account that you are an active voter and will be dropping off or mailing your Federal Post Card Application or completed ballot. Use #ProudOverseasVoter to help get the word out about voting. Need help? You can get in-person assistance from our Embassy. Voting Assistance Officers or private U.S. citizen volunteers can assist on a case by case basis. Please email panama-acs@state.gov. Have Questions? Please contact Panama’s Voting Assistance Officer at +507-317-5000, or at panama-acs@state.gov. You can also contact the Federal Voting Assistance Program directly if you encounter issues with local election officials by emailing Vote@FVAP.gov or toll free by phone from many countries around the world. Confirm your registration and ballot delivery online. Learn more at the Federal Voting Assistance Program's (FVAP) website at www.FVAP.gov.

The U.S. Embassy in Panama will resume scheduling routine American Citizen Services. Staffing is still reduced due to pandemic precautions, and there will be a limited number of interviews scheduled per week. Please go to our website, https://pa.usembassy.gov/u-s-citizen-services/, to schedule your appointment. If you need to request an emergency service, email your request to Panama-ACS@state.gov, and be sure to explain the nature of the emergency in your request. We are also assisting U.S. Citizens who wish to vote from Panama. To request or submit your ballot, please follow the instructions on https://pa.usembassy.gov/u-s-citizen-services/voting/

The US Embassy has identified three upcoming humanitarian flights with seats available. Any traveler with the appropriate passport/visa to permit entry into the United States is eligible to purchase a ticket. Travelers should carefully plan their onward travel as hotel options may be limited. Once in the United States, all domestic travel arrangements are the sole responsibility of the traveler. The upcoming humanitarian flights are: September 25 United Airlines flight UA2417 to Houston, TX, departing Panama City’s Tocumen International Airport at 10:25 a.m. October 2 United Airlines flight UA1856 to Houston, TX, departing Panama City’s Tocumen International Airport at 1:25 p.m. October 9 United Airlines flight UA1856 to Houston, TX, departing Panama City’s Tocumen International Airport at 1:25 p.m. Copa Airlines also confirmed that they will offer seats on multiple flights that transit through Panama as part of Panama’s new “Humanitarian Hub”. Please check directly with Copa for these flight itineraries and availability. For additional information about these flights and to make reservations, visit the respective websites of the airlines, Copa or United. Flights that appear to be sold out may have openings due to cancellations. Continue checking directly with the airlines for any openings. The Embassy shares information on all confirmed humanitarian flights, but flight reservations and operations are controlled by the airlines themselves. The Embassy is not involved in flight scheduling.  Due to the frequently-changing travel environment as a result of COVID-19, planned flights may be changed or cancelled.  In such cases, passengers should follow-up directly with the airline to rebook. The Embassy encourages U.S. citizens who need assistance getting to their scheduled flight to email the Embassy at PanamaCityUSCitizen@state.gov. If you need a salvoconducto, send us your flight confirmation and explain why you will need the salvoconducto. You may also email this address if you are unable to make the currently scheduled flights but would like to be informed about the next humanitarian flight. Please be aware that future flights are not guaranteed, and those who choose not to depart on these flights should prepare to remain in Panama indefinitely. Consult the Embassy’s website (https://pa.usembassy.gov/) for additional information on the situation in Panama and the Department of State’s COVID-19 crisis page on travel.state.gov for the latest information. Assistance: U.S. Embassy Panama City, Panama Building 783, Demetrio Basilio Lakas Avenue Clayton, Panama +507 317-5000 Panama-ACS@state.gov https://pa.usembassy.gov/ State Department – Consular Affairs +1 (888)407-4747 or +1 (202)501-4444 Enroll in Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive security updates.

On September 14, the following changes in movement restrictions will be implemented: Gender-based movement restrictions are lifted and ‘salvoconductos’ become null and void, except for those occupations that require movement during curfew hours. Curfew will be from 11pm to 5am, Monday through Saturday. Sundays will remain days of total quarantine. For additional details about the plan, visit the website of the Ministry of the Presidency. Actions to Take: Consult the CDC website for the most up-to-date information. For the most recent information on what you can do to reduce your risk of contracting COVID-19, please see the CDC’s latest recommendations. Visit the COVID-19 crisis page on travel.state.gov for the latest information. Visit our Embassy webpage on COVID-19 for information on conditions in Panama. Visit the Department of Homeland Security’s website on the latest travel restrictions to the United States. Assistance: U.S. Embassy Panama City, Panama Building 783, Demetrio Basilio Lakas Avenue Clayton, Panama +507 317-5000 Panama-ACS@state.gov https://pa.usembassy.gov/

The US Embassy has identified four upcoming humanitarian flights with seats available. Any traveler with the appropriate passport/visa to permit entry into the United States is eligible to purchase a ticket. Travelers should carefully plan their onward travel as hotel options may be limited. Once in the United States, all domestic travel arrangements are the sole responsibility of the traveler. The upcoming humanitarian flights are: September 4 United Airlines flight UA2417 to Houston, TX, departing Panama City’s Tocumen International Airport at 10:25 a.m. September 11 United Airlines flight UA2417 to Houston, TX, departing Panama City’s Tocumen International Airport at 10:25 a.m. September 18 United Airlines flight UA2417 to Houston, TX, departing Panama City’s Tocumen International Airport at 10:25 a.m. September 25 United Airlines flight UA2417 to Houston, TX, departing Panama City’s Tocumen International Airport at 10:25 a.m. Copa Airlines also confirmed that they will offer seats on multiple flights that transit through Panama as part of Panama’s new “Humanitarian Hub”. Please check directly with Copa for these flight itineraries and availability. For additional information about these flights and to make reservations, visit the respective websites of the airlines, Copa or United. Flights that appear to be sold out may have openings due to cancellations. Continue checking directly with the airlines for any openings. The Embassy shares information on all confirmed humanitarian flights, but flight reservations and operations are controlled by the airlines themselves. The Embassy is not involved in flight scheduling.  Due to the frequently-changing travel environment as a result of COVID-19, planned flights may be changed or cancelled.  In such cases, passengers should follow-up directly with the airline to rebook. The Embassy encourages interested U.S. citizens and legal residents to purchase early and forward your purchase confirmation email to the Embassy immediately at PanamaCityUSCitizen@state.gov so that we can assist you with the issuance of salvoconducto passes. You may also email this address if you are unable to make the currently scheduled flights but would like to be informed about the next humanitarian flight. Please be aware that future flights are not guaranteed, and those who choose not to depart on these flights should prepare to remain in Panama indefinitely. Consult the Embassy’s website (https://pa.usembassy.gov/) for additional information on the situation in Panama and the Department of State’s COVID-19 crisis page on travel.state.gov for the latest information. Assistance: U.S. Embassy Panama City, Panama Building 783, Demetrio Basilio Lakas Avenue Clayton, Panama +507 317-5000 Panama-ACS@state.gov https://pa.usembassy.gov/

The US Embassy has identified two upcoming humanitarian flights with seats available. Any traveler with the appropriate passport/visa to permit entry into the United States is eligible to purchase a ticket. Travelers should carefully plan their onward travel as hotel options may be limited. Once in the United States, all domestic travel arrangements are the sole responsibility of the traveler. The upcoming humanitarian flights are: August 29 United Airlines flight UA2417 to Houston, TX, departing Panama City’s Tocumen International Airport at 10:25 a.m. September 4 United Airlines flight UA2417 to Houston, TX, departing Panama City’s Tocumen International Airport at 10:25 a.m. Copa Airlines also confirmed that they will offer seats on multiple flights that transit through Panama as part of Panama’s new “Humanitarian Hub”. Please check directly with Copa for these flight itineraries and availability. For additional information about these flights and to make reservations, visit the respective websites of the airlines, Copa or United. Flights that appear to be sold out may have openings due to cancellations. Continue checking directly with the airlines for any openings. The Embassy shares information on all confirmed humanitarian flights, but flight reservations and operations are controlled by the airlines themselves. The Embassy is not involved in flight scheduling.  Due to the frequently-changing travel environment as a result of COVID-19, planned flights may be changed or cancelled.  In such cases, passengers should follow-up directly with the airline to rebook. The Embassy encourages interested U.S. citizens and legal residents to purchase early and forward your purchase confirmation email to the Embassy immediately at PanamaCityUSCitizen@state.gov so that we can assist you with the issuance of salvoconducto passes. You may also email this address if you are unable to make the currently scheduled flights but would like to be informed about the next humanitarian flight. Please be aware that future flights are not guaranteed, and those who choose not to depart on these flights should prepare to remain in Panama indefinitely. https://pa.usembassy.gov/u-s-citizen-services/security-and-travel-information/

The US Embassy has identified one upcoming humanitarian flight with seats available. Any traveler with the appropriate passport/visa to permit entry into the United States is eligible to purchase a ticket. Travelers should carefully plan their onward travel as hotel options may be limited. Once in the United States, all domestic travel arrangements are the sole responsibility of the traveler. The upcoming humanitarian flight is: August 29 United Airlines flight UA2417 to Houston, TX, departing Panama City’s Tocumen International Airport at 10:25 a.m. Copa Airlines also confirmed that they will offer seats on multiple flights that transit through Panama as part of Panama’s new “Humanitarian Hub”. Please check directly with Copa for these flight itineraries and availability. For additional information about these flights and to make reservations, visit the respective websites of the airlines, Copa or United. Flights that appear to be sold out may have openings due to cancellations. Continue checking directly with the airlines for any openings. The Embassy shares information on all confirmed humanitarian flights, but flight reservations and operations are controlled by the airlines themselves. The Embassy is not involved in flight scheduling.  Due to the frequently-changing travel environment as a result of COVID-19, planned flights may be changed or canceled.  In such cases, passengers should follow-up directly with the airline to rebook. The Embassy encourages interested U.S. citizens and legal residents to purchase early and forward your purchase confirmation email to the Embassy immediately at PanamaCityUSCitizen@state.gov so that we can assist you with the issuance of salvoconducto passes. You may also email this address if you are unable to make the currently scheduled flights but would like to be informed about the next humanitarian flight. Please be aware that future flights are not guaranteed, and those who choose not to depart on these flights should prepare to remain in Panama indefinitely. Consult the Embassy’s website (https://pa.usembassy.gov/) for additional information on the situation in Panama and the Department of State’s COVID-19 crisis page on travel.state.gov for the latest information.

Panama City and Panama Oeste Effective August 24, 2020, The Government of Panama will end the movement restrictions in Panama and Panama Oeste that previously permitted adults to go outside during a two-hour period determined by cedula or passport number. This will now be replaced by a curfew from 7:00pm until 5:00am, Monday through Friday. Sunday remains a day of total quarantine, beginning on Saturday at 7:00pm and being lifted on Monday at 5:00am. Movement in the Panama and Panama Oeste provinces remains restricted based on gender. Gender restrictions allow for movements as follows: Women: Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. Men: Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday. Total quarantine continues in the provinces of Bocas del Toro, Colon, and Chiriqui from Friday at 7:00pm until Monday at 5:00am. There is also a curfew from 7:00pm until 5:00am Monday through Thursday. All other provinces have a curfew from 7 pm to 5 am, Monday through Sunday. Children are free to move about during the day, accompanied by a parent, guardian, or caretaker. Pets can also be taken outside with a responsible person. Sports that allow for social distancing, such as golf, tennis, bicycling, and skating, are all permitted if done with a mask and following other health protocols. Parties, social meetings, and the use of gyms and pools, as well as other social areas in apartment complexes or common spaces remain prohibited.