The purpose of the conference is to assess our current knowledge of vivax malaria and to prioritize the critical needs for development of effective prophylactic and curative therapies. Bringing together this interest group, representing the broad global and regional aspects of vivax malaria, provides a significant venue to evaluate the status of the field and to identify the priorities for research.

A comprehensive view will be obtained about what we currently know about vivax malaria to identify critical gaps in our knowledge. Discussions are included to formulate consensus viewpoints on fundamental aspects of the parasite (biology, pathogenesis, epidemiology, therapy, etc.) and to identify important topics where too little is known to form a consensus. As a result of this conference, a report will be produced that summarizes the consensus of the conference discussions and the conclusions to help guide allocation of resources for research and prevention.

Conference online registration will begin January 5th, 2009 and continue until maximum capacity of 120 is reached.

What are the requirements to enter Panama?

For more information – please go to: http://www.alfatravelguide.com/english/pa/pa-visa.htm

ALL VISITORS require a VALID PASPORT and an ONWARD/RETURN TICKET.

Additional requirements vary according to nationality and are subject to change. Citizens from certain countries need a tourist card, others need an authorized visa and others do not need anything.

If you are flying into Panama the most probable scenario is that you will not be asked to show a return ticket and in case you are, be sure to at least have a return ticket valid within 1 year of entering the country. If you plan to be in Panama for more than 90 days, then it is likely that you will be applying for some type of visa after entering the country and the authorities may have a few questions about your intentions. In this case you should be able to explain your plans and then allowed to enter the country after correctly informing the authorities about what you want to do.

If you enter Panama by bus or by boat you will have to purchase a return ticket by land or by water because the authorities may ask for it and if you do not have it you will run into unnecessary trouble and you will end up buying it anyways. If you expect to leave the country in a different way then the way that you plan to enter Panama and you still do not have that return ticket, then our advice is that you purchase any return ticket. For example, if you enter Panama through Costa Rica by bus, but plan to leave by plane and you still have not bought that ticket, then just buy the cheap bus ticket: it will only cost you $10 and you will avoid any unpleasant situation.

Do I need a Visa to enter Panama?

It depends on your nationality. Citizens from the following countries DO NOT need a visa to enter Panama because their countries hold treaties with Panama that entitle their citizens to visit for up to 90 days without a visa:

Citizens from these countries can apply for an extension for up to another 30, 60 or 90 days. Petitions are approved or denied on a case-by-case basis. Immigration recommends you apply at least a week before your time is up.

Citizens from all other nationalities either need a Tourist Card or some other type of Visa.

Do I need a Tourist Card to enter Panama?

If you can enter the country without a visa, you certainly do not need a Tourist Card. A tourist card is basically a piece of paper or a simple form that you fill out and purchase for only $5. No worries, if you are entitled to a tourist card no one will say no unless you are a wanted criminal!
Nationals from the following countries DO REQUIRE a tourist card (US $5), available from Panamanian embassies and consulates, airlines serving Panama, border crossings, or at the international airport:

In other words, if you are on this list, do not bother going to a consulate or embassy to get a tourist card: once you are on your flight you will probably be given one and if not, when you land on Tocumen Airport you will be able to purchase one before going through immigration.

Nationals from these countries:

require tourist visas and should contact an embassy or consulate before coming to Panama.

The law reducing the term of the tourist card to 30 days is still on the books BUT the immigration authority enforcement division has informed us that the policy since 1/1/08 is to allow citizens from U.S.A. and Canada a 90 days Tourist Card just like before, in other words, the same amount of time as those citizens who do not require a visa or a tourist card. Citizens from all other countries that enter Panama with a tourist card are only entitled to stay for a maximum of 30 days unless they request an extension.

Citizens from these countries can apply for an extension for up to another 30, 60 or 90 days. Petitions are approved or denied on a case-by-case basis. Immigration recommends you apply at least a week before your time is up.

http://www.gamboaresort.com/

Go beyond the expected resort experience at Gamboa Rainforest Resort. From this beautiful luxury hotel, you have immediate access to Panama's pristine rainforest and the Panama Canal.

You can explore miles and miles of the Soberania National Park, meeting wild exotic birds and monkeys on expertly guided tours and then return to the comforts of resort luxury.

Please notify the CPD Office, 12901 Bruce B. Downs Blvd., MDC Box 60, Tampa, Florida, 33612 or call (813) 974-4296 a minimum of ten working days in advance of the event if a reasonable accommodation for a disability is needed.

Events, activities and facilities of the University of South Florida are available without regard to race, color, sex, national origin, disability, age, or Vietnam veteran status as provided by law and in accordance with the University's respect for personal dignity.