Getting ready to move to Panama with your family? Making such a huge move is an adjustment for everyone, especially teenagers. If they are not completely on board with the move, things can be tough. Even when your teenager is excited about coming to Panama, they may find upon arrival that their expectations have exceeded reality. That being said, by keeping the lines of communication open with your teenager you should be able to help them to adjust to their new life. There are, however, some important rules you will need to remember.
Those under 18 years of age are considered minors in Panama. In Panama City there is a curfew for minors, which is strictly enforced. From Sunday to Thursday from 8 pm to 6 am and from 11 pm to 6 am on Friday or Saturday, children and teenagers must be accompanied by parents or guardians if they are not at home. For students attending night classes a permit will be issued by the school and must be carried by the student while traveling to and from their class.
If a minor is caught violating curfew they may be detained at the police station and released only if a parent or guardian comes to pick them up. First-time curfew breakers may be fined $50, although that fee is determined by the local magistrate and therefore varies. Repeat offenses are charged double.
Another important thing to note is the restricted travel of minor residents of Panama. When leaving the country, residents under the age of 18 must present a notarized copy of their birth certificate, as well as their passport. To leave the country the minor will also need to be either:
- Traveling with both parents
- Traveling with one parent with notarized written consent from the other
- Traveling with one parent with a death certificate and confirming judicial note from the other parent
- Traveling alone or with a third party with notarized written consent from both parents
Did you move to or travel inPanama with teenagers? Tell us about it in the comment’s section.
The post Living with Teenagers in Panama appeared first on The Panama Gringo.