There is a lot of information on the internet as to what the entry requirements are for U.S. citizens coming to Panama.
Many sources say that the tourist card is purchased for $5, while other sights state $10, and some say it is valid for 30 days, while others state 90. The truth of the matter is this: there is a law that was passed reducing the stay to 30 days, however since January of 2008 the immigration authority enforcement has established a policy stating that the tourist card purchased by U.S. and Canadian citizens is valid for 90 days. It costs $10.00.
If you are coming to Panama on a permanent basis for business or schooling, you will need to go through the stamped visa process. If you are coming as a retired person (pensionado) you can come and enter the country on a tourist card, and then start the process to get your retiree status card.
That process is supposed to take three months, which coincides with your tourist card for 90 days… but just in case it takes longer, as it likely will, you are given a card that says that your retiree residence is in the process.
Hope this helps some of the confusion, and if any of the info is off, let me know, we want this to be as up-to-date as possible.
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We flew into Panama at Tocumen Aeroporte on November 3rd 2009 and paid $5 for 90-day Visa and bussed to Costa Rica in February 2010 for three-day stay, enjoyed the sights, and paid $5 for another 90 day visa at border and caught bus back home.. Whole trip cost us under $250 with motel stay being $25 for the couple of us. Drawback is that the border crossing can be quite a hassle in getting your passports updated and stamped both ways….
We are now Jubiliados and are quite happy here.
Correction: motel stay was $25 PER night with A/C available…