Panama Tourist visa

Do you need a tourist visa to visit Panama?

The visa requirements for visiting Panama depend on your nationality. Citizens of most countries do not need a visa for a stay in Panama, they can stay up to 90 days. However, citizens of some countries, such as China, India, and Russia, do need to obtain a visa in advance.

Depending on your passport’s issuing country you will be in one out of three situations, you may need an authorized visa, a tourist visa, or nothing but a passport valid for at least 6 months.

Regardless of your situation, keep in mind that upon arrival to Panama, immigration officers require tourists to present a proof of exit intent from the country, usually in the form of a return or ongoing ticket.

Immigration officers may also require proof of economic solvency not lower than USD 500 or its equivalent in instruments such as cash, credit card, or traveler’s checks

According to Resolution 22068 of September 1, 2021, as of October 1, 2021, the stay of foreign tourists may not exceed 3 months, counted from the time of the tourist’s entry to Panama.

Citizens of the United States and Canada are exempted from this resolution for reciprocity reasons described in Resolution 22076 of September 10, 2021, thus receiving a stay as a tourist of up to 180 days in Panama.

Select your passport issuing country to determine your case:

What each case means

Panama authorized tourist visa

Nationals from these countries may apply for an Authorized Tourist Visa through their closest Panamanian Embassy or Consulate*, or with the help of a lawyer in Panama. This is a longer process, compared to the other two cases, because your visit must be authorized by the Panama National Council of Public Safety and National Defense. It’s important to highlight that tourists with an Authorized Visa are usually granted a 1-month stay in the country. See all details in our dedicated article – Authorized Visa for Tourists Of Restricted Countries.

Panama stamped tourist visa

Nationals from these countries need to apply for a tourist visa in the closest Panamanian Consulate*. This visa is stamped in their passport, and it’s usually for multiple entries and valid for 3 years. Consult with the nearest Consulate* to confirm the documentation required to submit an application. Holders of a stamped visa are usually allowed entry to the country for 30 days at a time.

No visa required

Nationals from these countries only require a passport valid for at least 6 months to enter Panama.

Exceptions and waivers

Panama waives a visitor visa to tourists who hold a passport valid for at least 3 months, holders of a multiple entry visa or residence valid for at least 6 months to enter any of these countries: USA, Australia, Canada, United Kingdom, South Korea, Japan or Singapore and who have used this multiple-entry visa or residence at least once to visit the granting country.

What this means in practical terms: take for example the holder of a passport from Pakistan and a holder of a passport from Cameroon. These tourists would require an authorized visa and a stamped visa, respectively. However, Panama waives the need for an authorized visa and a stamped visa if:

• They have a passport valid for at least 3 months.
• Have a multiple entry visa or residence, with valid for at least 6 months, and issued by any of these countries: USA, Australia, Canada, United Kingdom, South Korea, Japan or Singapore.
• They have used this residence or multiple-entry visa at least once to visit the granting country

Required documents

The required documents to apply for a Panama tourist visa vary depending on your nationality. However, some of the documents that you may need to provide include:

• A passport that is valid for at least six months beyond your intended stay in Panama.
• A completed visa application form.
• A recent passport-sized photograph.
• Proof of onward or return travel.
• Proof of economic solvency (not lower than USD 500).

How to apply

You can apply at a Panamanian embassy or consulate in your country. The application process is relatively straightforward and can be completed in a few days.

During the application process, the embassy receives your documents and forwards them to the Panamanian Migration office. The final decision on whether to grant the visa or not lies with the Migration office, and they will then send the resolution back to the embassy. Please be aware that this process may take several days or even weeks to reach a final decision.

It is essential to ensure that you submit all the required documents accurately and promptly to avoid any delays in the application process. Also, keep an eye out for any additional communications or requests from the embassy that may arise during the visa application procedure.

How to extend your stay

If you find yourself in need of extending your stay in Panama, we are here to assist you throughout this process. Our expert team can guide you step-by-step through the extension procedure, ensuring all the necessary paperwork is in order.

To get started, simply reach out to us or fill out a personalized cost estimate tailored to your specific case.

Remember, the extension process requires presenting your passport, a copy of your current visa, and a compelling letter detailing the reasons behind your need for an extended stay. Our team will ensure your application is well-prepared and submitted accurately to the Migration Office in Panama City.