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Panama visas

Panama tourist visa

Visa-free visits last 30, 90 or 180 days, depending on your nationality. Some travellers can qualify for a 30-day visit using a visa or residence permit from another country.

Ways to get a Panama tourist visa

  1. Visa-free entry for 180 days

    No visa needed

    Citizens of Canada and the United States can enter without a visa.

    Stay
    Up to 180 days.

    Passports that qualify (2)

  2. Visa-free entry for 90 days

    No visa needed

    Citizens of all European Union member states and the other listed countries can enter without a visa.

    Stay
    Up to 90 days.

    Passports that qualify (112)

  3. Visa-free entry for 30 days

    No visa needed

    Travellers from Hong Kong can enter without a visa.

    Stay
    Up to 30 days.

    Passports that qualify (1)

  4. Entry using another country's visa or residence permit

    No visa needed

    Travellers who normally need a visa may qualify with a valid multiple-entry visa or residence permit from a European Union member state, Australia, Canada, Japan, Singapore, South Korea or the United Kingdom. For the United States, only a permanent residence card (Green Card) qualifies.

    Stay
    Up to 30 days.

  5. Visitor visa from an embassy or consulate

    Visa needed

    Travellers who do not qualify for a visa exemption must obtain a visa from a Panamanian embassy or consulate.

  6. Visa-free entry with Panamanian identity documents

    No visa needed

    Passengers with a national identity card or birth certificate issued by Panama can enter without a visa, regardless of which passport they use.

Who needs it

Travellers who do not qualify for visa-free entry must get a visa from a Panamanian embassy or consulate.

Who doesn't

Citizens of the listed countries and territories can visit without a visa. Some other travellers qualify through their residence permit, visa, diplomatic passport or Panamanian identity documents.

What to bring

  • A passport valid for at least 3 months from your arrival date.

Good to know

  • Keep your visit within the stay allowed for your entry option.
  • The United States substitute-document route is limited to holders of a permanent residence card, also called a Green Card.
  • Visitor visa fees, processing times and permitted stays are not specified.

Questions

Do I need a tourist visa for Panama?

Travellers who do not qualify for visa-free entry must get a visa from a Panamanian embassy or consulate. Citizens of the listed countries and territories can visit without a visa. Some other travellers qualify through their residence permit, visa, diplomatic passport or Panamanian identity documents.

What are the ways to get a tourist visa for Panama?

There are 7 options: Visa-free entry for 180 days (no visa at all); Visa-free entry for 90 days (no visa at all); Visa-free entry for 30 days (no visa at all); Entry using another country's visa or residence permit (no visa at all); Visitor visa from an embassy or consulate (a visa from an embassy); Visa-free entry with Panamanian identity documents (no visa at all); Visa-free entry with a diplomatic passport (no visa at all).

Who can go to Panama without a tourist visa?

Citizens of Canada and the United States can enter without a visa. Citizens of all European Union member states and the other listed countries can enter without a visa. Travellers from Hong Kong can enter without a visa. Travellers who normally need a visa may qualify with a valid multiple-entry visa or residence permit from a European Union member state, Australia, Canada, Japan, Singapore, South Korea or the United Kingdom. For the United States, only a permanent residence card (Green Card) qualifies. Passengers with a national identity card or birth certificate issued by Panama can enter without a visa, regardless of which passport they use. Holders of diplomatic passports from China, Cuba, the Dominican Republic, Haiti, Indonesia, the Philippines and Venezuela qualify for an additional visa exemption.

How long can I stay on a Panama tourist visa?

Up to 90 days for the main group of visa-exempt nationalities.

What documents do I need for a Panama tourist visa?

A passport valid for at least 3 months from your arrival date..

What rules do I have to follow on a Panama tourist visa?

Keep your visit within the stay allowed for your entry option.

Does my passport change whether I need a tourist visa for Panama?

Yes. Rules depend on the country that issued your passport. Open the Panama visa page and choose your passport for a plain answer.

Can a tourist visa for Panama be refused?

Yes. Officials can refuse a visa or entry, even after you apply. Give true answers, bring the documents asked for, and keep proof of your onward trip and money.

Where do I check the latest Panama tourist visa rules?

On Panama's official immigration or foreign ministry website, or at its embassy. Rules change, so check close to your trip.

Can I change my tourist visa once I am in Panama?

Often you cannot switch visa type inside the country. Ask the immigration office before you travel if you might need to.

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