On Thursday, March 27th, the U.S. Embassy in Panama hosted a special outreach event in Coronado, where representatives from the Consular Section provided limited U.S. passport renewal and notarial services. The event was held at Picasso Restaurant and ran from 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM and 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM.
These outreach events are designed to make consular services more accessible to U.S. citizens living outside of Panama City.
Services offered included:
- Passport applications for minors with previous U.S. passports
- First-time adult passport applications with prior passports
- Adult passport renewals (issued less than 15 years ago)
- Replacement of lost/stolen passports
- Notarial services:
- DS-3053 parental consent forms
- Foreign driver’s license validation
- U.S. Social Security-related documentation
- Income statements (for Panamanian residency)
If you missed this event, don’t worry—more outreach dates are typically scheduled throughout the year. In the meantime, here’s what to expect if you’re planning to renew your passport in Panama, along with a firsthand look at my experience.
My Personal Experience at the Coronado Outreach Event
Having lived in Panama for almost 20 years, I’ve gone through the U.S. passport renewal process before, and I remembered it as complicated and time-consuming. My passport was coming up for renewal, so I began researching the process online. It quickly looked more complex than expected—until a fellow expat sent me an article about the embassy’s outreach visit to Coronado.
It was perfect timing and incredibly convenient. I registered online with the embassy, and after a few days, I received my appointment confirmation via email. The embassy assigned me a 1:00 PM appointment for the event, and I headed to Picasso Restaurant on the scheduled day. The entire process took just 10 minutes. Embassy staff were friendly, professional, and efficient—it truly felt like a VIP experience.
They collected my old passport and documents on the spot. A few days later, I got an email confirming the start of processing. Though I chose routine service (which usually takes 4–6 weeks), just a few hours later, I received another email letting me know my new passport had already been mailed. In total, the process took only three weeks.
Where to Get Everything Done Locally
If you’re in the Coronado area, Mail Boxes Etc. Coronado is your one-stop shop for:
- Taking compliant 2” x 2” passport photos
- Printing the DS-82 application form
- Preparing your prepaid DHL envelope with 3 waybill copies
They offer a passport service bundle for around $70. This makes preparation easy, especially if you want to avoid running around to multiple locations. When combined with the $130 government fee (paid online), the total cost of renewal is approximately $200 and I never had to leave Playa Coronado.
Step-by-Step Guide for Passport Renewal
1. Complete the DS-82 Form
2. Bring a Passport Photo
One 2” x 2” photo with a white background. Mail Boxes Etc. can handle this.
3. Submit Previous Passport or Proof of Citizenship
Bring your most recent passport or official documentation.
4. SSN Declaration (if needed)
5. Prepaid DHL Envelope
DHL envelope with 3 waybills—also available at Mail Boxes Etc.
6. Bring Originals and Photocopies
Prepare both originals and photocopies of each document.
7. Pay Government Fee Online
Cost: $130. Print your confirmation and payment reciept
Final Thoughts
Renewing a U.S. passport in Panama doesn’t have to be complicated. With helpful outreach events like the one in Coronado and local resources like Mail Boxes Etc., the process is now more accessible than ever. From start to finish, my renewal took three weeks, and I only spent around $200 total.
The best part? I never had to leave Coronado to get it done. Thanks to the embassy’s outreach and the convenience of Mail Boxes Etc., I handled everything locally, saving both time and hassle.
If another outreach opportunity comes up—take it. Just follow this guide, come prepared, and you’ll be done in no time.