US Embassy Alert - October 20, 2023 - Demonstration Caution

[Denese A Rodgers]

Demonstration Alert (October 30 Update)

U.S. Embassy Panama City, Panama

Event(s):

Despite the President of Panama’s October 29 evening address announcing a “popular consultation” on December 17, protest organizers maintain their call for demonstrations and roadblocks, which are continuing to occur throughout Panama, including in locations popular with U.S. citizen tourists, as well as in areas with high concentrations of U.S. citizens living in Panama. The U.S. Embassy continues to receive information from U.S. citizens of the limited availability of gasoline and certain food items at various locations in Panama.

The U.S. Embassy has also received reports of vandalism, looting, demands for “tolls” at roadblocks, and some criminal elements infiltrating peaceful protests to commit robberies. This includes accounts where individuals were taken from their cars and assaulted when unable to pay such “tolls”.

Panamanian National Police have used tear gas and other riot control measures in increasing amounts in response to the current demonstrations, including when they have blocked roadways or resulted in aggression against the police.

On October 28, the Migration Service of Panama published a message calling on foreigners in Panama to abstain from acts of vandalism, followed by a reminder that Panamanian law allows for the deportation of or barring of entry to foreigners that threaten public security in Panama.

U.S. Embassy personnel living in affected areas of Panama City are advised to avoid demonstrations, limit movements, and stay indoors as conditions warrant. The U.S. Embassy continues to restrict mission personnel from traveling to Colón due to protest activity. Previous travel restrictions to parts of the Darien and Mosquito Gulf still apply.

The U.S. Embassy will send out further updates when there is a change to the current situation.

Actions to Take:

· Avoid demonstrations.

· Exercise caution when traveling.

· Monitor local media for updates.

· Exercise caution if unexpectedly in the vicinity of large gatherings or protests.

· Contact local authorities (dial 911) for any immediate health or safety concerns.

· Register for STEP (link below) and refer to our website for the latest alerts and messages for U.S. citizens.

For assistance:

U.S. Embassy Panama City, 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

Panama Country Information

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