Embassy of the United States Panama

Parking - Special Category Visitors:

• There are special procedures in place for consular visitors who are physically handicapped or elderly and not physically able to walk up the hill to the Consulate.  Persons who fall into the category should if at all possible utilize a driver (personal driver or taxi) when visiting the Embassy.

• Present yourself to the guard manning the checkpoint outside the black gate.  Explain your business for visiting the Embassy and advise the guard that you need to dropped off inside at the Consulate entrance due to your physical condition.  The guard will need to conduct a security check on your vehicle before it is allowed to enter.  You will not be asked to exit the vehicle, but you will be required to shut off your engine, open your hood and trunk for inspection.

• Once your vehicle has been inspected, your driver will be issued an identification placard and instructed to drive up to the Consulate entrance and drop you off.  The driver will not be allowed to remain in the compound and must return outside to the street.  When you have completed your business in the Consulate and exit the building you may call the driver via telephone and he will be allowed to re-enter the compound to pick you up.

• If you do not have a driver/taxi, there are a limited number of designated parking spots which have been reserved for handicapped/elderly visitors.  These limited spots are available on a first come, first serve basis.  Follow the procedures as described above; notify the guard of your special condition, undergo a vehicle inspection, and placard issuance.  Once your vehicle has undergone security inspection the guard will direct you to the reserved spots near the Consulate entrance.  We have 6 parking spaces on our Embassy compound reserved for Consular customers.  Parking is available on a first come, first served basis.  The lot will be open from 6:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. 

• Parking will not be available when the consular section is closed.  If no parking space is open when you come to the Embassy, you will need to find parking on the street outside of the Embassy entrance.

• If you are elderly or handicapped and wish to be placed on an access list for one of the limited first-come, first-serve parking spots outside the Consular Section, please email:  Panama-ACS@state.gov for U.S. citizens, Panama-fbu@state.gov for recipients of federal benefits or Panama-visas@state.gov for immigrant or non-immigrant visas issues.

  In the email, please give the following information:

• Full Name
• Date of Birth
• Document number and type of document (e.g., U.S. or
   Panamanian passport, Cedula)
• The Date of Your Appointment/Visit
• Vehicle information (make, color, tag number).  Note that if
   coming by taxi the taxi can drop you off inside but must
   wait outside.
• Are you applying as elderly or handicapped or both?

  Please allow 3-5 working days before your appointment and
  bring a copy of our reply with you to show to the guard.