Does flying to Panama from the US reset the ESTA time counter?

I am travelling from Panama to Los Angeles and around the States for approx 80 days then flying back to Panama and making my way up Central America for approx 3 months before flying back to LA to fly home to Australia.

Will this be OK with an ESTA?

Does it count as spending too long in the States?

I have been told that Panama is not far enough away.

Best Answer

According to the rules set forth under the VWP, you're allowed 90 days in the US, and visiting adjacent countries doesn't reset it. The VWP zone includes the US, Canada, Mexico and adjacent islands.

Fortunately for you, Panama is NOT part of the VWP zone, and therefore you're fully entitled to visit Panama, have your VWP time period reset, and later return to the US. However, you are still subject to any questions the CBP may have, and returning to the US sometimes results in a few extra questions. If your itinerary is all prepared and you can show your plans, however, you'll be fine (I've done this too - although not to Panama, I went to Cuba).

See a similar question on the Bahamas.

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Which countries count to reset my ESTA visa waiver?

This means if you travel to Canada, Mexico or the Caribbean Islands after you visit the USA, your time in these countries will count towards your 90 day visa waiver. Crossing the border to Canada, Mexico or the Caribbean Islands DOES NOT reset your visa waiver.

Which countries reset ESTA?

Which countries count to reset my ESTA visa waiver?

Saint Pierre.
Miquelon.
The Dominican Republic.
Haiti.
Bermuda.
The Bahamas.
Barbados.
Jamaica.

Does ESTA ask for travel dates?

You can apply for ESTA even if your travel date is several months ahead. ESTA application is available as soon as you have decided to travel to the U.S. You may apply for ESTA even if you have not yet decided where you will stay in the U.S. We recommend applying soon after you have decided on plans to travel to the ...

Do I need a new ESTA Each time I travel to the USA?

Your ESTA authorization is generally valid for multiple trips over a period of two years (starting the date that you are approved) or until your passport expires, whichever comes first. As long as you received an ESTA authorization to travel, you do not have to reapply during the validity period.

How do I update an ESTA?

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