Panama, San Blas - Port Captain and Immigration Offices closed
by Sue Richards on 6 May 2016
Anchored in San Blas, Panama – Used with permission Nix Ogier
Clearing into Panama in the San Blas Islands is currently in a state of flux. Due to an on-going disagreement between the Kuna Congress and the Central Government, the Port Captain and Immigration services in the San Blas have been suspended pending further developments. The Immigration and Port Captain offices in Porvenir and Puerto Obaldia (at the far eastern end of the San Blas), are also both closed until further notice.
Vessels entering or leaving Panama on the Caribbean side will need to do so in Puerto Lindo, which is where the Porvenir Port Captain has relocated to, or Colon or Portobelo. Note that if you check in at Portobelo you will still need to go to Colon to buy your Cruising Permit.
If arriving in the San Blas prior to clearing-into Panama, it is not advisable to take the SUV's from Carti in the San Blas Islands to Panama City or to Colon to clear in, as you will pass through police check points who will give you a hefty fine (or even arrest you) if you have not already visited an immigration office and had your passport stamped.
It is recommended to have the San Blas listed on your exit zarpe from your previous port (e.g. Colon via San Blas).
The Port Captain at Linton Bay Marina is open every day, including Saturday and Sunday. Hours are 8am to 4pm. Costs are $12 for a zarpe to exit Panama or $193 (cruising permit) to enter Panama. Saturday and Sunday there is an extra $20 charge.
Note: In the San Blas Kuna Yala fees are still collected - $20/person $20/boat /month.
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