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Panama visa requirements for Chinese citizens

Chinese citizens need a visa for Panama, from its embassy or consulate.

Passport

CHN

China

Going to

PAN

Panama

Visa needed

Apply before travel if your nationality needs this visa and no exemption applies.

Visa
Required
Fee
Fees depend on where you apply
Last updated
11 November 2026

Special rules for Chinese citizens in Panama

  • As of 2 May 2019, visas are issued with a 5-year validity period for holiday, business and family visit purposes.
  • Holders of passports for public affairs do not require a visa.

What to do

  1. Find Panama's embassy or consulate that covers where you live.

  2. Prepare the application form, photos, bank statements and travel bookings.

  3. Book an appointment early; processing can take several weeks.

Get your Panama visa sorted

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Ways into Panama

Visit without a visa if eligible, or apply before travel.

  • Visa required For your passportStamped tourist visaApply before travel if your nationality needs this visa and no exemption applies.
    Fee
    Fees depend on where you apply

    How to apply

    1. Contact the Panama consulate serving where you live.
    2. Complete its form and gather the required documents.
    3. Submit your application and pay the fees.
    4. Follow passport stamping instructions after approval.

    Documents required

    • Signed application
    • Passport and all-page copies
    • Identity or residence document
    • 3 passport photos
    • Flight reservation
    • Proof of money and work
    • Hotel booking or host invitation
    • Host's supporting documents, if invited
    • Return ticket
    • Use the October 2026 nationality table when older embassy lists disagree.
    • Children need extra parent or guardian documents.
    Official page
  • Visa not requiredForeign visa exemptionA visa or residence permit from a listed country can allow visa-free tourism.
    Stay
    30 days
    Fee
    Free

    How to apply

    1. Check that your visa or residence permit qualifies.
    2. Carry the original document with your passport.
    3. Show your documents when you arrive.

    Documents required

    • Passport
    • Qualifying visa or residence permit
    • Return ticket
    • Proof of enough money
    • Fingerprints
    • Interview
    • Qualifying countries: Canada, US, Australia, South Korea, Japan, UK, Singapore and EU countries.
    • Your visa or residence permit must still be valid when you enter.
    Official page
  • Visa on arrivalEmergency aid arrival permissionInternational aid groups can get special arrival permission for urgent emergencies.

    How to apply

    1. Arrange a request through Panama's foreign ministry.
    2. State the aid purpose and expected stay.
    3. Provide passport details and follow the group's arrival instructions.

    Documents required

    • Foreign ministry request
    • Passport or travel document copy
    • This route is only for urgent international aid groups.
    • It is not a general tourist visa on arrival.
    Official page
Sources (28)Last updated 11 November 2026

Embassies for this trip

Book an appointment before you go.

All embassies
  • Embassy

    Embassy of Panama in China

    Villa L C04-04 Section C, Liang Ma Qiao Diplomatic Compound, No 7 Bei Xiao Cie, Liang Ma Qiao

Coming from China

  • Plugs A BAdapter for some
  • MoneyPAB B/.
  • Time−13h
  • DrivingOn the rightSame as home
  • LanguageSpanish
  • Emergency911 police

Planning your Panama trip

Best time to go: December to March is the most popular time, with little rain and less humidity. The dry season runs from December to April, and the rainy season runs from May to November.

  • Miraflores LocksSee ships use the older Panama Canal locks near Panama City. The museum explains how the canal works.
  • Agua Clara Visitor CenterSee the expanded canal near Colón, on the Caribbean side.
  • Panama ViejoExplore the site of the first Spanish city of Panama, founded in 1519 and destroyed in 1671.
  • Casco Antiguo, also called Casco ViejoThis historic district has Spanish colonial, Caribbean, French and Art Deco buildings. It also has bars, restaurants and art events.
Read the full Panama guide

Scams to watch for in Panama

Panama

About Panama

Panama is a Central American republic on the isthmus linking two continents, cut by a shipping canal.

Capital
Panama City
Money
Panamanian balboa (B/.), United States dollar ($)
Languages
Spanish
Time zone
UTC-05:00
Cars drive on the
right side
Calling code
+507
Read the Panama guide

Other Asia passports

Going to Panama

Easier trips nearby

Places close to Panama with simpler entry for you.

Questions

Are there special rules for Chinese citizens visiting Panama?

Do chinese citizens need a visa for Panama?

Chinese citizens need a visa for Panama, from its embassy or consulate.

Where do I apply for a Panama visa?

At Panama's embassy or consulate that covers where you live. Book an appointment early, as it can take several weeks.

Does a US, UK or Schengen visa help chinese citizens enter Panama?

We have no record of Panama relaxing its rules for chinese citizens who hold another country's visa. Check with the embassy before you rely on one.

Do panamanian citizens need a visa for China?

Panamanian citizens need a visa for China, from its embassy or consulate.

Do other Asia passports get easier entry to Panama?

Armenia, Bhutan, Brunei, Cambodia Georgia, and 5 more can enter without applying before they travel.

Which countries near Panama are easier for chinese citizens?

Antigua and Barbuda, Bahamas, Barbados, Brazil British Virgin Islands, and 3 more let chinese citizens in without applying before travel.

What should I carry to Panama?

Find Panama's embassy or consulate that covers where you live. Prepare the application form, photos, bank statements and travel bookings.

What money is used in Panama?

Panamanian balboa (B/.) and United States dollar ($). Carry some cash for arrival, especially if a visa fee is paid at the border.

What language do people speak in Panama?

Spanish.

How strong is the China passport?

It ranks #53 and reaches 84 destinations without applying ahead.

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