MICI Scientific
Research Permit

Scientific Permit Application for Paleontology and Paleoecology research and education projects

Ministry of Commerce and Industry (MICI), Mineral Resources Office

STRI Permits Frequently Asked Questions

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Please send the complete permit application package to the scientific permits office: stri-permits@si.edu. Because this application package contains sensitive, private information, all documents must be submitted through a secure transfer service or an encrypted email, with the password called in by phone or on a separate email. Required information:

1. Dirección Nacional de Recursos Minerales Research Proposal  completed in Spanish in MSWord editable format (Please consult this list of independent translators, if needed).
2. For each researcher listed above the following are required:
   1. Curriculum Vitae (English or Spanish)
   2. A copy of the passport photo page. For Panamanian citizens, please include a copy of the Cédula (government issued identification) instead of the passport photo page.
   3. Two identical carnet-size color photos (facing forward, no sleeveless dresses or shirts, please).
3. If you have been granted a permit from MISI in the past, the permit application must also include:
   1. Publications resulting from research conducted under those permits, including abstracts in Spanish. If publications are not available, a progress report in Spanish is required.
   2. Copy of the expired (or current) MICI research permit
   3. Copy of the expired (or current) MICI carnet
   4. Two identical carnet size color photos.

Panamanian authorities may take up to 45 working days to issue a permit (not including holidays). In addition, the STRI office requires a 2-week processing period. We therefore recommend that permit requests be submitted at least 3 months prior to the planned start date.