Planning a trip or a move to Panama? Understanding Panama visa requirements and entry procedures is your first crucial step. Whether you’re visiting for tourism, contemplating remote work, or planning to retire, knowing the rules ensures a smooth and legal entry into our beautiful country.
Generally, if you need a specific Panama visa, you’ll apply at the nearest Panamanian embassy or consulate in your home country. Alternatively, a local immigration lawyer in Panama can manage the process on your behalf. Always ensure that you meet the eligibility criteria and fulfill the documentation requirements.
Once approved, consular officials will stamp your passport for presentation upon landing in Panama. Tourism visas specify your permitted length of stay, while residence visas grant permission for more open-ended visits and the right to live in the country.
Even if you’re from a visa-exempt country, all visitors must present specific documents to immigration officers upon arrival. These verify your identity, onward travel plans, and financial solvency. Having the correct paperwork prevents wasted trips and unexpected issues. We want your time in Panama to be safe, legal, and enjoyable. Careful planning makes that possible. Let Panama warmly welcome you soon!
Understanding Panama’s Visa Types
Panama offers several main visa types for foreign nationals, with requirements varying by your nationality and the purpose of your visit. Always verify what applies to your specific citizenship before traveling.
Visa Exemption (Exención de Visa – EV-5):
- Description: Panama unilaterally allows passport holders from selected nations to enter without a prior visa. This is typically for tourist stays.
- Who it’s for: Nationals of countries for whom Panama has waived the visa requirement.
- Examples (always verify current list): Colombia, Republic of Korea (South Korea), Andorra, Denmark, Slovakia, Slovenia, Estonia, Ireland, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Monaco, Norway, Czech Republic, Sweden, Malta, San Marino, Vatican City.
Visa Suppression Agreement (Acuerdo de Supresión de Visa – ASV-4):
- Description: A reciprocal agreement between governments that waives traditional visa rules. If your country has this arrangement with Panama, you simply present your valid passport upon arrival.
- Who it’s for: Citizens of countries with mutual visa waiver agreements.
- Examples (always verify current list):
- America: Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua, Paraguay, Uruguay.
- Asia: Israel, Singapore.
- Europe: Austria, Belgium, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Russia, Spain, Switzerland, United Kingdom.
Tourist Card (Tarjeta de Turista – TT-3):
- Description: Citizens of certain countries can purchase this paper visa upon arrival from the airline or at the immigration desk for a small fee (approximately US$10). This often applies to nationalities that are otherwise visa-exempt or have specific agreements for ease of entry.
- Who it’s for: Nationals of countries with specific Tourist Card agreements.
- Examples (always verify current list): Australia, Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Canada, Dominica, Grenada, Guyana, Jamaica, Japan, Mexico, New Zealand, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Thailand, Trinidad and Tobago, Republic of China (Taiwan), United States.
Stamped Visa (Visa Estampada – VE-2):
- Description: While no pre-approval is needed from Panama’s immigration service, you must apply for this tourist visa at a Panamanian diplomatic mission (embassy or consulate) in your country before departing for Panama. The visa is stamped directly into your passport.
- Who it’s for: Citizens of countries requiring a pre-obtained visa stamp.
- Examples (always verify current list):
- America: Cuba, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Peru, Venezuela.
- Europe: Belarus, Bulgaria, Croatia, Georgia, Moldova, Romania, Ukraine.
- Asia: India, Maldives, Mongolia, People’s Republic of China, Vietnam.
- Oceania: Fiji, Kiribati, Marshall Islands, Micronesia, Nauru, Palau, Papua New Guinea, Solomon Islands, Tonga, Tuvalu, Vanuatu, Western Samoa.
- Africa: Angola, Botswana, Cameroon, Cape Verde, Central African Republic, Comoros Islands, Gabon, Ghana, Madagascar, Malawi, Mauritius, Republic of the Congo, São Tomé and Príncipe, Seychelles, Swaziland, Togo, Zimbabwe.
Authorized Visa (Visa Autorizada – VA-1):
- Description: Citizens of certain countries must obtain pre-approval for this visa directly from Panama’s immigration authorities. This process involves submitting an application through a Panamanian embassy/consulate in your home country or having a family member or local immigration lawyer apply on your behalf in Panama.
- Who it’s for: Nationals from countries that require a specific authorization process due to Panamanian immigration policies.
- Important: This visa often involves a more extensive review. Apply well in advance of your travel dates!
- Examples (always verify current list):
- America: Haiti, Suriname.
- Europe: Albania, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Macedonia, Serbia and Montenegro.
- Asia: Afghanistan, Azerbaijan, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Iran, Iraq, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kuwait, Laos, Lebanon, Malaysia, Myanmar, Nepal, Oman, Pakistan, Philippines, Qatar, Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, Saudi Arabia, Sri Lanka, Syria, Tajikistan, Turkey, Turkmenistan, United Arab Emirates, Uzbekistan, Yemen.
- Africa: Algeria, Benin, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Chad, Côte d’Ivoire (Ivory Coast), Democratic Republic of the Congo, Djibouti, Egypt, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Gambia, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Equatorial Guinea, Kenya, Lesotho, Liberia, Libya, Mali, Mauritania, Morocco, Mozambique, Namibia, Niger, Nigeria, Rwanda, Sahrawi Republic, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Somalia, South Africa, Sudan, Tanzania, Tunisia, Uganda, Zambia.
Essential Entry Requirements for All Travelers to Panama
Even if you’re visa-exempt, all visitors must be prepared to present the following to immigration officials upon arrival:
- Valid Passport or Travel Document: Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your date of entry into Panama.
- Return or Onward Ticket: Proof of a confirmed return ticket to your country of origin or an onward ticket to another destination.
- Proof of Economic Solvency: You must demonstrate sufficient funds for your stay. The current minimum requirement is US$500, or its equivalent, which can be shown via cash, credit card statements, bank references, a letter of employment, or traveler’s checks. Note: The specific amount may vary depending on your nationality or an immigration officer’s discretion (based on Resolution 1017 bis of March 22, 2000).
- Hotel Booking/Accommodation Details: In some cases, the immigration inspector may request proof of your hotel reservation or the address of your intended accommodation in Panama.
Always have these documents readily accessible. Presenting them clearly and courteously will help ensure a swift entry.
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.
How to Apply: Visit one of the National Immigration Service (Servicio Nacional de Migración) offices located in major cities like Panama City, David, Changuinola, Santiago, and Chitré. Ask the staff for a “visa extension form.”
Documents You’ll Need:
- Your valid passport.
- US$10 visa application fee.
- A photocopy of the passport page with your details.
- A photocopy of the passport page showing your most recent entry stamp for Panama.
- A formal letter, written in Spanish, requesting the extended time.
- A copy of your return plane ticket (updated for your new departure date).
As a local, I advise bringing all these documents neatly organized. While the process can be quick (often around two hours), be prepared for potential wait times. Patience is key at immigration offices! This easy extension process allows you to continue exploring Panama’s beautiful beaches and attractions.
Panama Airport Departure Tax: What to Know
When leaving Panama through Tocumen International Airport (PTY), a departure tax of US$40.00 per person applies. This tax is used to fund airport operations and enhance passenger services.
Exceptions:
- Children under 2 years old are exempt.
- Panamanian citizens and foreign residents in Panama who are retirees or disability pensioners (women aged 55+, men aged 60+) pay 50% of the fee.
Payment Methods: You can typically pay this tax at airline counters or self-service kiosks within the airport, using cash or credit/debit cards.
Important Notice Regarding Panama Visa Information:
This information is a general guide only. Panamanian immigration policies are subject to change without prior notice. We cannot be held responsible for alterations beyond our control or for how the government manages its immigration policies.
It is your sole responsibility to verify the most current and accurate information before traveling by contacting the nearest Panamanian embassy or consulate, or by visiting the official website of the National Immigration Service of Panama. This article should not be considered legal advice.
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