If you do need a Panama visa, you’ll generally apply at the nearest Panamanian embassy or consulate in your home country. A local immigration lawyer can also handle the process for you in Panama. Just be sure to meet the eligibility criteria and documentation requirements.
Once approved, consular officials will stamp your passport so you can present it upon landing in Panama. Tourism visas specify your permitted length of stay, while residence visas allow more open-ended visits with permission to live in the country.
Even if already eligible for visa-free entry, all visitors must show certain documents to passport control officers on arrival. These verify your identity, onward travel, and financial situation. Having the right paperwork avoids wasted trips or unexpected problems.
We want your time in Panama to be safe, legal, and enjoyable. Planning with visas and carefully following entry procedures makes that possible. Let our country warmly welcome you soon!
Types of Panama Visas
Panama has a few main visa types for visitors, depending on your nationality. Requirements differ, so check carefully what applies to your citizenship before travel.
- Authorized Visa (VA-1): Citizens of certain countries must get pre-approval for this visa via the Panamanian embassy or consulate in their homeland. An in-country immigration lawyer can also file for you. Specify if requesting a tourist or residence version.
- Stamped Visa (VE-2): No pre-approval is needed but you apply at a Panamanian diplomatic mission to get this tourist visa stuck directly in your passport before departing for Panama, but must be requested from the Panamanian Consul in that country.
- Tourist Card (TT‐3): Some nationalities can simply buy this paper visa on arrival from the airline or immigration desk for a small fee ($10), and then present it with a passport. Super easy!
- Visa Suppression Agreement (ASV-4): A reciprocal agreement between governments that waives traditional visa rules. Just show your passport when you land in Panama if your country has this arrangement.
- Visa Exemption (EV-5): Panama unilaterally allows passport holders from selected nations to enter without any visa required in advance.
List of countries
Visa Suppression Agreement (ASV-4): Countries in this category have agreements with Panama that exempt their citizens from visa requirements for entering either country.
- America: Chile, Argentina, Bolivia, Uruguay, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Honduras, Paraguay, Brazil, Nicaragua, Guatemala.
Asia: Singapore, Israel.
Europe: Germany, Hungary, Austria, Italy, Poland, Spain, Portugal, United Kingdom, Netherlands, Greece, Finland, Luxembourg, Belgium, France, Switzerland, Lithuania, Latvia, Cyprus, Russia.
Visa Exemption (EV-5): Nationals of these countries do not require a visa because Panama has unilaterally decided to waive this requirement.
- America: Colombia
- Asia: Republic of Korea (South Korea)
- Europe: Andorra, Denmark, Slovakia, Slovenia, Estonia, Ireland, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Monaco, Norway, Czech Republic, Sweden, Malta, San Marino, Vatican City.
Obtaining a Panama Authorized Visa
If you are a citizen of a country that requires advanced permission to enter Panama, you need to apply for an «authorized visa.»
There are two options to apply:
- Go through the Panama embassy in your home country before traveling. They can approve your visa and stamp your passport.
- Have a family member or lawyer already in Panama apply for you. They act as your representatives.
On the visa application, indicate whether you want to visit Panama as a tourist or a long-term resident.
Panama immigration authorities will review and confirm if you meet the requirements. Once approved, you can complete any additional paperwork through the embassy.
When you arrive in Panama, present the authorized visa in your passport to border officials. This shows you fully meet the regulations to enter Panama for the purpose and period specified.
The pre-approval visa system allows Panama to screen and manage visitors from countries needing extra migration processing. Apply well in advance of travel to have the visa ready!
- America: Haiti, Suriname.
- Europe: Albania, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Macedonia, Serbia and Montenegro.
- Asia: Afghanistan, Saudi Arabia, Azerbaijan, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Brunei, Cambodia, United Arab Emirates, Indonesia, Iran, Iraq, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kuwait, Laos, Lebanon, Malaysia, Myanmar, Nepal, Oman, Pakistan, Qatar, Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, Syria, Sri Lanka, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, Yemen, Philippines; Turkey.
- Africa: Algeria, Benin, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Chad, Ivory Coast, Djibouti, Eritrea, Egypt, Ethiopia, Gambia, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Equatorial Guinea, Kenya, Lesotho, Liberia, Libya, Mali, Morocco, Mauritania, Mozambique, Namibia, Niger, Nigeria, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Rwanda, Sahrawi Republic, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Somalia, Sudan, South Africa, Tanzania, Tunisia, Uganda, Zambia.
Stamped Visas
Unlike other visa routes that require pre-authorization and waiting, the stamped visa review happens in person when you request it.
This instant issue option streamlines short tourist trips for citizens of eligible countries. Just submit your docs, get stamped, and soon you’ll be out exploring everything Panama has to offer!
The easy stamped visa helps you avoid paperwork delays on the front end. You can get approved and on vacation quickly.
- America: Cuba, Ecuador, Peru, Dominican Republic, Venezuela.
- Europe: Belarus, Bulgaria, Croatia, Georgia, Moldova, Romania, Ukraine.
- Asia: India, Vietnam, Maldives, Mongolia, People’s Republic of China.
- Oceania: Fiji: Marshall Islands, Solomon Islands, Kiribati, Micronesia, Nauru, Palau, Papua New Guinea, Western Samoa, Tonga, Tuvalu, Vanuatu.
- Africa: Angola, Botswana, Cape Verde, Cameroon, Gabon, Ghana, Comoros Islands, Madagascar, Malawi, Mauritius, Central African Republic, Republic of the Congo, São Tomé and Príncipe, Seychelles, Swaziland, Togo, Zimbabwe.
Tourist Card
Citizens of countries that can enter Panama with a tourist card do not need a visa. They can purchase the tourist card from the airline for approximately USD 10 or from the immigration authorities upon arrival in Panama. Citizens of countries that require a stamped visa can choose to enter Panama with a Tourist Card or with a Stamped Visa.
- America: Canada, United States, Mexico, Belize, Antigua and Barbuda, Bahamas, Barbados, Dominica, Grenada, Jamaica, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Trinidad and Tobago, Guyana.
- Asia: Japan, Republic of China (Taiwan), Thailand.
- Oceania: Australia, New Zealand.
Extending Your Panama Tourist Visa
If you wish to prolong your stay as a visitor in Panama, you can apply to extend your existing tourist visa.
Visit one of the immigration offices located in major cities like Panama City, David, Changuinola, Santiago, and Chitré. Ask the staff for a “visa extension form.” It takes about two hours to process.
Documents you’ll need:
- Passport
- $10 visa application fee
- Photocopy of the passport page with your details
- Photocopy of the passport page showing your most recent entry stamp for Panama
- A letter in Spanish requesting extended time, plus a copy of your return plane ticket
By having these ready when you arrive at the immigration office, agents can quickly handle your case and renew your access to enjoy Panama for additional days or weeks. It’s an easy way to keep exploring beautiful beaches and attractions if your original visa period is running out!
Panama Airport Departure Tax: What You Need to Know
Departure tax amount: When leaving Panama through Tocumen International Airport, you’ll need to pay USD 40.00 per person. This applies to all departing passengers, regardless of nationality or destination. This tax funds airport operations and improves passenger services.
Exceptions:
- Children under 2 years old: Exempt from departure tax.
- Panamanians or foreign residents in Panama: Retirees and disability pensioners aged 55+ (women) and 60+ (men) pay 50% of the fee.
Payment methods:
- Pay at airline counters or self-service kiosks in the airport using cash, or credit/debit cards.
Entry Requirements for Panama
- Tourist Visa: Required for some countries, with exceptions for others.
- Return Ticket: Required, either to the country of origin or for onward travel.
- Proof of Economic Solvency: Minimum of USD 500 or equivalent in credit card, bank reference, letter of employment, or traveler’s checks. The amount may vary depending on nationality. (Resolution 1017 bis of March 22, 2000)
- Valid Passport or Travel Document: Must be valid for at least 6 months from the date of visa application.
- Hotel Booking: The immigration inspector may request proof of hotel reservation in some cases.
All travelers must meet all entry requirements to enter Panama.
Important Notice Regarding Visa Information for Panama:
- This information is a guide only. It may change without prior notice by Panamanian immigration authorities. We cannot be held responsible for changes beyond our control or for how the government manages its immigration policies.
- We strive to keep this information updated. However, you are responsible for verifying the most current information before traveling.
- Note: This information is for general guidance only and should not be considered as legal advice. It is important to check with the nearest Panamanian embassy or consulate for the latest information before traveling.