Overview of Panama’s Entry Requirements
Panama serves as an exemplary destination for those seeking adventure, cultural enrichment, and historical exploration, while also appealing to beach enthusiasts. Its remarkable biodiversity and exquisite coastlines, alongside its extraordinary islands, present experiences that are hard to conceive.
Fortunately, nationals from over 100 countries can enter Panama without the need for a visa, allowing them to experience its diverse offerings. Below is essential information regarding Panama’s entry requirements.
Not everyone needs a visa to visit Panama
Under the visa waiver program, visitors possessing valid passports from the US, Canada, Australia, Singapore, South Korea, Japan, and most European nations are not required to obtain a Panamanian visa.
Travelers from visa-exempt countries can remain in Panama for a maximum of 90 days. This duration was revised from six contiguous months following a policy update in October 2021, which allows citizens of Canada and the United States an extended stay of 180 days.
The specific duration granted will depend on the customs officer’s discretion, but generally, visitors can remain in the country for up to 30 days.
To be eligible for the tourist stamp upon entry, individuals must possess a passport valid for at least six months (containing multiple blank pages) and demonstrate proof of financial solvency of at least US$500. Acceptable forms of proof include cash, traveler’s checks, recent bank statements, or major credit card statements, along with evidence of a departing flight.
Panama maintains strict regulations concerning proof of onward travel; therefore, travelers may be denied boarding without adequate documentation. Additionally, it is vital to comply with any health regulations set forth by the Panamanian Ministry of Health (MINSA) at the time of travel.
What if I do need a visa to visit Panama?
For tourists who require a visa to visit Panama, there are two types available: stamped visas and authorized visas.
Nationals of Cameroon, China, the Republic of Congo, the Dominican Republic, Ghana, India, Malawi, and Zimbabwe must obtain a stamped visa. This can be obtained by applying at the nearest Panamanian consulate or embassy, granting travelers typically a stay of 30 days.
Additionally, citizens from several Middle Eastern, African, and Asian countries require a more stringent permit known as an authorized visa. Such countries include Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Benin, Egypt, Haiti, Indonesia, Lebanon, Nigeria, Suriname, Syria, and Tunisia.
Applicants seeking an authorized visa must provide a letter from a local Panamanian sponsor, which includes a recent utility bill, a bank statement, a completed Panama visa application form, a valid passport, and two passport-sized photographs.
The necessary fees and requirements may vary depending on the embassy, and the procedure is typically more time-consuming than obtaining a stamped visa because approval is required from the Panamanian National Directory for Migration (NDM).
It is advisable to apply for the visa well in advance (at least 90 days prior to the intended travel date) and to refrain from finalizing travel arrangements until the visa has been approved.
You may need a visa if you’re transiting through Panama
Visitors from countries with visa exemptions do not require a visa for transiting through Panama as long as they remain in the airport. Additionally, cruise passengers navigating through the Panama Canal also do not need visas.
However, changes to Panama’s transit policy were implemented in June 2023, and nationals from countries including Afghanistan, Cabo Verde, Ghana, and Sri Lanka will require a visa to transit through the territory. Consult the full list of affected nations on the Panama Embassy website prior to making travel arrangements.
It’s possible to extend a tourist visa in Panama
If granted a tourist stamp or a visa valid for less than 90 days, visitors have the option to apply for an extension termed prórroga de turista while remaining in the country. To initiate this process, travelers must visit the immigration office located in Tumba Muerto, Panama City before their current permit expires.
When visiting the immigration office, it is advisable to dress in long-sleeved attire (with long pants for men), as inappropriate clothing may lead to being turned away. The visa extension process can be complicated, and eligibility criteria may not always be evident based on nationality.
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Panama has a new digital nomad visa
In efforts to boost the economy following a significant decline in tourism during the pandemic, Panama has introduced the Short Stay as a Remote Worker Visa program (Visa de Corta Estancia Como Trabajador Remoto) aimed at location-independent professionals with demonstrable income from sources outside of Panama. This new category of visa was established by executive decree in May 2021.
Eligible applicants—those who are employed, self-employed, or own a foreign company and generate an annual income of at least US$36,000—may apply to enter for a maximum of nine months, with a single extension possible for an additional nine months (cumulatively 18 months).
Additional prerequisites include medical insurance valid for the entirety of the stay in Panama, as well as an affidavit asserting the non-acceptance of employment in the Panamanian labor market. There is a fee of US$250 payable to the National Immigration Service.
As advised by international immigration consultants Fragomen, applicants must submit their request for the remote worker visa while present in Panama on a standard tourist visa. For additional guidance, it is advisable to seek assistance from a Panamanian law firm.
Does Panama have any vaccine entry requirements?
Travelers arriving in Panama from Brazil are required to be vaccinated against yellow fever and must provide verification of their vaccination status during check-in. The only exception to this guideline applies to individuals holding a certificate of contraindication for medical reasons.
This article was initially published on April 30, 2022, and was subsequently updated on December 5, 2023.
