Panama visas
Whether you need a visa to enter Panama depends on your nationality and the purpose of your stay — many nationals can enter visa-free as tourists. Panama's immigration is run by the Servicio Nacional de Migración. This hub explains the main routes in plain language and links to the official sources so you can confirm exactly what applies to you.
Panamanian visa categories
Explore visa categories by the purpose of your trip.
- Visitor & short-stay visasPanama visitor visas — short stays for tourism, visiting family or friends, business visits and transit, plus any visa-free or e-visa options.2 visas
- Work visasComing to Panama to work — the employment and skilled-worker routes and the permits they require.1 visa
- Study visasStudying in Panama — student visas and permits for accepted students.1 visa
- Family visasJoining or sponsoring a partner, child or other relative in Panama.2 visas
- Business & investor visasInvesting, doing business or coming to Panama as a highly skilled individual.4 visas
- Residence & citizenshipLiving in Panama long term — residence routes and, where available, the path to citizenship.1 visa
Panamanian visa application at a glance
From start to finish in five simple steps.
- 01Choose the right visa
- 02Check eligibility & documents
- 03Apply online
- 04Provide biometrics
- 05Wait for a decision
Who needs a visa to Panama
Unless they qualify for Third-Country Visa Exemptions for stays up to 30 days by either possessing a valid visitor (used at least once for entry) or resident visa for any of the following nations: the United Kingdom, the United States, Canada, the European Union, Australia, Japan, Singapore, or South Korea; or unless they are citizens of one of the eligible countries who do not require a visa for stays up to 90 days; up to 180 days for visitors who are citizens of the United States; or unless they All visitors are required to have a passport that is valid for at least three months beyond the date of their departure.
Entry into Panama
There are international flights to and from Panama. All passengers to Panama must provide one of the following documents:
Before travelling, all passengers are recommended to visit the website of the Panamanian tourist authority for updated information on entrance requirements and to contact their local Panamanian embassy for up-to-date advice. The Tourism Authority of Panama has a tourist hotline. Dial 178 from any phone to receive basic information on hotels, tourism, and visa policies and procedures in Panama, to report a crime, and to receive assistance from Panamanian authorities.
- Documentation of vaccination (obtained at least 14 days before to departure)
- A negative RT-PCR test administered within 72 hours of departure
- Before entering the nation, each passenger must submit an electronic health declaration. The form is available on the internet website of Panama.
Criteria to apply for a Panama Visa
You will need the following:
- Possess a passport valid for at least six months upon entry, with at least one visa page remaining vacant.
- Keep documentation of onward/return flights.
- Hold all necessary travel paperwork for your future destination.
- Hold proof of at least $500 in available funds.
Processing Time For Panama Visas
The processing time for a visa is thirty calendar days. If your visa is approved, you must personally visit the Panamanian embassy to get your passport stamped.
Appointment Waiting Times
Appointment waiting times can vary, depending on the visa you have applied for, and the Country you reside in.
Who Can Visit Panama Without a Visa?
All travellers. As a tourist, you will not require a visa to enter or travel through Panama. Panama recommends the utilisation of the IATA Travel Pass application.
What To Do If Your Panama Visa is Refused
You have the right to contest this verdict. The embassy of the Member State that opted to deny the visa distributes a standard form to notify the applicant of the decision to deny a Panama visa and the reasons for the restriction.
Panama — key facts
- Visa authority
- Servicio Nacional de Migración
- Application
- Online (in most cases)
- Biometrics
- Usually required
- Currency
- Balboa / US Dollar (PAB/USD)
- Time zone
- EST (UTC−5)
Panamanian visas — people also ask
Before departing for your stay in Panama, it is recommended that you confer with the international airline you are flying with, the emigration authorities of your place of residency and nationality, and the Panama consulate authorities. Obtaining a Panama visa is rather simple.
Official sources
For the most accurate and up-to-date information, always refer to the official government sources.
Verified against official sources · last reviewed 2026-08-21. Information only — not legal advice.
