Panama Tourist visa

Overview

It is the permit granted by the country to foreigners who wish to enter temporarily for recreational, family, or business purposes without the intention of residing or working. According to Panamanian immigration regulations, the Panama Tourist Visa requirements for obtaining it depend directly on the visitor’s nationality.

Do you need a tourist visa to visit Panama?

The exemption or requirement to carry a tourist visa to visit Panama depends on your nationality. For example, citizens of some countries, such as China, India, and Russia, must obtain a visa in advance.

Select your passport issuing country to determine your case:

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

Permitted length of stay

Citizens who need a Panama tourist visa can generally stay in the country for one month. However, 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 the country.

Citizens of the United States and Canada are exempted from this normative 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.

Panama tourist visa scenarios

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

Panama authorized tourist visa

Nationals of restricted countries may apply for an Authorized Visa for Tourists Of Restricted Countries. 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 to Panama 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.

Panama stamped tourist visa

Citizens of certain countries must apply for a Panama tourist visa at the nearest 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 of the following countries only need a passport valid for at least 6 months to visit Panama and can stay in the country for up to 3 months.

Exceptions and waivers

The Panama tourist visa is waived for travelers with a passport valid for at least three months, provided they have a multiple-entry visa or residence permit with six months remaining validity from the following 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.

In practical terms, let’s take as an example a citizen with a Pakistani passport and another with a Cameroonian passport. The first requires an authorized permit and the second a stamped visa to visit Panama. 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.

How Is the Panama Tourist Visa Application

The Panama tourist visa application can be submitted at a Panamanian embassy in your country. The process is relatively simple and can be completed in a few days. During the process, the diplomatic mission receives your documents and sends them to the Panamanian National Immigration Office. The final decision on whether to grant the visa rests with the Migration Directorate, and the decision is then forwarded to the consular mission.

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 while you are applying for authorization to visit Panama.

Panama tourist visa requirements

The Panama tourist visa requirements and documents, 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.
• Proof of onward or return travel.
• Proof of economic solvency (not lower than USD 500).

Panama tourist visa extension

If you find yourself needing to prolong your stay in the country, we are here to assist you throughout the process of securing a Panama tourist visa extension. Our expert team can guide you step-by-step through the extension procedure, ensuring all the necessary paperwork is in order.

To successfully obtain your Panama tourist visa extension, you must present your valid passport, a copy of your current visa stamp, and a compelling formal letter detailing the legitimate reasons for requiring an extended stay. Our team will ensure your application is well-prepared and submitted accurately to the Migration Office in Panama City.

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

Renewal of Panama tourist visa

When a foreigner needs to renew their tourist permit due to expiration or loss of passport or visa expiration, the procedure, with rare exceptions, involves submitting a new formal Panama tourist visa application. To do so, the interested party must present at the corresponding Panamanian embassy or consulate, after including in their application the new valid travel document and all immigration requirements demanded at that time.

FAQs about Panama Tourist Visa