Foreigners can now stay in Panama 180 days on tourist visa

Over the last few years there has been a lot of controversy on the length of stay allowed under the tourist visa. The last administration even shortened it to a maximum of only 30 days which created major problems with real estate sales of vacation properties. Although never fully explained, the government finally relented under pressure and allowed the 90 day stay which had been the normal time allowed under previous administrations. Now the Martinelli administration has changed the visa to allow for 180 days which in my opinion is a very wise move. Why would you want to restrict peoples ability to spend money in the country by forcing them to leave for 3 days and then return for another 90 day stay. Lets just hope the police and immigration officials are well informed of this new provision.