While
You're Here

Before your visit to STRI, please take a moment to familiarize yourself with the following information.

For more details, please contact the Visitor Services Office at STRI-VSO@si.edu prior to your visit.

On the first business day after arrival, all visitors must visit the Visitor Services Office (VSO) located at the Tupper Center in Panama City to complete administrative procedures such as Check In, obtaining your ID that acts as an access key to certain facilities, and meeting with the Academic Programs, Permits, Immigration, and Housing team if accommodations is reserved. 

If you are traveling directly to the Bocas del Toro Station, returning to STRI within four weeks of your previous visit, or are unable to visit the offices due to your travel itinerary, please contact the Visitor Services Office at STRI-VSO@si.edu before your arrival to coordinate how to proceed.

Supermarkets and convenience stores abound in most of Panama. Residents of Barro Colorado, Fortuna and other remote sites can stock up in Panama City or Davíd.

If you have questions about safety and security that are not addressed on our safety and security pages, please consult with the Safety Officer or with the Office of Security and Protection Services. Please visit our safety and security page for detailed information.

There are a number of general and activity-specific rules and policies. Please check the following documents and web pages for more information related to the Smithsonian Code of Conduct an STRI’s specific policies involving different facilities, activities and the use of vehicles, chemicals and laboratory equipment.