Panama
General visa requirements for travelling to Panama. These policies apply to all nationalities unless a country-specific policy exists.
Have a specific passport country? Check your specific route.
Tourist visa (Tourist Visa Exemption - Third Country Visa Holders (90 days))
Applies to all nationalities · Last updated: 25 June 2026
Visa free
- Maximum stay
- 90 days
- Processing time
- N/A - no application required
- Fee
- Free
- Validity
- 90 days
- Entry
- Single entry
Under Executive Decree 196, nationals who normally require a visa may enter visa-free if they hold a valid, used visa or permanent residency from USA, Canada, Australia, South Korea, Japan, UK, Singapore, or any EU state
Eligibility
-
Financial
Proof of economic solvency during stay (no less than USD $500.00)
Minimum funds: $500 USD
-
Visa history
Must hold a valid multiple-entry visa (used at least once) or residence permit from USA, Canada, UK, Australia, Japan, South Korea, Singapore, or any EU member state. The visa must have at least 6 months remaining validity.
Required history: Multiple-entry visa or permanent residence permit
Documents you need
-
Passport
Blank pages required: 1; Validity months: 3
-
Proof of funds
Minimum amount: $500 USD
-
Flight reservation
Provide flight booking or itinerary evidence when the route asks for travel plans.
Must be confirmed: No; Must show return: Yes
-
Previous visa copies
Must include rejections: No; Years back: 5
Tourist visa (Tourist Visa-Free Access - US and Canada (180 days))
Applies to all nationalities · Last updated: 25 June 2026
Visa free
- Maximum stay
- 180 days
- Processing time
- N/A - no application required
- Fee
- Free
- Validity
- 180 days
- Entry
- Single entry
Eligibility
-
Financial
Proof of economic solvency during stay (no less than USD $500.00)
Minimum funds: $500 USD
Documents you need
-
Passport
Blank pages required: 1; Validity months: 3
-
Proof of funds
Minimum amount: $500 USD
-
Flight reservation
Provide flight booking or itinerary evidence when the route asks for travel plans.
Must be confirmed: No; Must show return: Yes
Work / Immigration visa (Work Visa - Digital Nomad)
Applies to all nationalities · Last updated: 25 June 2026
Embassy required
- Maximum stay
- 365 days
- Processing time
- Typically 60 days
- Fee
- $300 USD (application and processing fees)
- Validity
- Up to 1 year
- Entry
- Single entry
Digital Nomad Visa allows remote workers to live in Panama while working for foreign companies or clients. Cannot work for Panamanian companies or clients while on this visa.
Eligibility
-
Financial
Minimum monthly income of USD $3,000 from foreign sources
Minimum funds: $3,000 USD monthly
-
Employment
Must work remotely for company or clients outside Panama. Cannot work for Panamanian companies or clients while on this visa.
Required status: Remote work for foreign company or clients
-
Criminal record
Clean criminal record
Documents you need
-
Passport
Blank pages required: 1; Validity months: 6
-
Employment letter
Provide a signed employer letter confirming your role, leave dates, salary and return to work.
Must include leave approval: No; Must include position: Yes; Must include salary: No
-
Travel insurance
Coverage area: International health insurance valid in Panama; Minimum coverage: $50,000 USD
-
Police clearance
Validity months: 6
How to apply
-
Document gathering
Gather passport, proof of remote employment, income verification, health insurance, and criminal record
-
Document submission
Submit digital nomad visa application to National Immigration Service
-
Fee payment
Pay application and processing fees
-
Processing wait
Wait for approval (typically 60 days)
-
Visa collection
Receive digital nomad visa valid for up to 1 year
Tourist visa (Tourist Visa-Free Access - Caribbean CARICOM (90 days))
Applies to all nationalities · Last updated: 25 June 2026
Visa free
- Maximum stay
- 90 days
- Processing time
- N/A - no application required
- Fee
- Free
- Validity
- 90 days
- Entry
- Single entry
Eligibility
-
Financial
Proof of economic solvency during stay (no less than USD $500.00)
Minimum funds: $500 USD
Documents you need
-
Passport
Blank pages required: 1; Validity months: 3
-
Proof of funds
Minimum amount: $500 USD
-
Flight reservation
Provide flight booking or itinerary evidence when the route asks for travel plans.
Must be confirmed: No; Must show return: Yes
Diplomatic visa (Diplomatic Visa)
Applies to all nationalities · Last updated: 25 June 2026
Visa free
- Processing time
- Processed through diplomatic channels
- Fee
- Free
- Entry
- Single entry
Diplomatic and consular agents, foreign officials of international missions duly accredited, and foreign officials of international or intergovernmental organizations duly accredited are generally exempt from standard visa requirements.
Eligibility
-
Nationality
Diplomatic and consular agents, foreign officials of international missions duly accredited, and foreign officials of international or intergovernmental organizations duly accredited
Documents you need
-
Passport
Blank pages required: 1; Validity months: 6
How to apply
-
Document submission
Application processed through diplomatic channels between foreign ministries
-
Document gathering
Gather diplomatic passport, diplomatic note, and accreditation documentation
-
Visa collection
Receive diplomatic visa or entry authorization
Transit visa (Transit Visa - Restricted Nationals (24 hours))
Applies to all nationalities · Last updated: 25 June 2026
Embassy required
- Maximum stay
- 1 days
- Processing time
- Up to 15 business days
- Fee
- $50 USD
- Validity
- 24 hours
- Entry
- Single entry
As of June 2023, citizens from Afghanistan, Cape Verde, Ghana, and Sri Lanka require a visa to transit through Panama. Transit visa allows maximum stay of 24 hours.
Documents you need
-
Passport
Blank pages required: 1; Validity months: 6
-
Flight reservation
Provide flight booking or itinerary evidence when the route asks for travel plans.
Must be confirmed: Yes; Must show return: Yes
-
Application form
Use the official application form for this route and complete all required fields.
Form name: Transit Visa Application Form
-
Visa fee payment
Accepted methods: Cash or money order; Amount: $50 USD
How to apply
-
Document gathering
Gather passport, airline ticket, and completed application form
-
Appointment booking
Apply at Panamanian consulate before trip
-
Fee payment
Pay consular fee
-
Processing wait
Wait for transit visa approval
-
Visa collection
Collect transit visa
Tourist visa (Tourist Visa-Free Access - Middle East (90 days))
Applies to all nationalities · Last updated: 25 June 2026
Visa free
- Maximum stay
- 90 days
- Processing time
- N/A - no application required
- Fee
- Free
- Validity
- 90 days
- Entry
- Single entry
Eligibility
-
Financial
Proof of economic solvency during stay (no less than USD $500.00)
Minimum funds: $500 USD
Documents you need
-
Passport
Blank pages required: 1; Validity months: 3
-
Proof of funds
Minimum amount: $500 USD
-
Flight reservation
Provide flight booking or itinerary evidence when the route asks for travel plans.
Must be confirmed: No; Must show return: Yes
Tourist visa (Tourist Visa-Free Access - Eastern Europe (90 days))
Applies to all nationalities · Last updated: 25 June 2026
Visa free
- Maximum stay
- 90 days
- Processing time
- N/A - no application required
- Fee
- Free
- Validity
- 90 days
- Entry
- Single entry
Eligibility
-
Financial
Proof of economic solvency during stay (no less than USD $500.00)
Minimum funds: $500 USD
Documents you need
-
Passport
Blank pages required: 1; Validity months: 3
-
Proof of funds
Minimum amount: $500 USD
-
Flight reservation
Provide flight booking or itinerary evidence when the route asks for travel plans.
Must be confirmed: No; Must show return: Yes
Tourist visa (Tourist Visa-Free Access - Central America (90 days))
Applies to all nationalities · Last updated: 25 June 2026
Visa free
- Maximum stay
- 90 days
- Processing time
- N/A - no application required
- Fee
- Free
- Validity
- 90 days
- Entry
- Single entry
Eligibility
-
Financial
Proof of economic solvency during stay (no less than USD $500.00)
Minimum funds: $500 USD
Documents you need
-
Passport
Blank pages required: 1; Validity months: 3
-
Proof of funds
Minimum amount: $500 USD
-
Flight reservation
Provide flight booking or itinerary evidence when the route asks for travel plans.
Must be confirmed: No; Must show return: Yes
Tourist visa (Tourist Visa-Free Access - Africa (90 days))
Applies to all nationalities · Last updated: 25 June 2026
Visa free
- Maximum stay
- 90 days
- Processing time
- N/A - no application required
- Fee
- Free
- Validity
- 90 days
- Entry
- Single entry
Eligibility
-
Financial
Proof of economic solvency during stay (no less than USD $500.00)
Minimum funds: $500 USD
Documents you need
-
Passport
Blank pages required: 1; Validity months: 6
-
Proof of funds
Minimum amount: $500 USD
-
Flight reservation
Provide flight booking or itinerary evidence when the route asks for travel plans.
Must be confirmed: No; Must show return: Yes
Transit visa (Transit Visa - Cuba Nationals (24 hours))
Applies to all nationalities · Last updated: 25 June 2026
Embassy required
- Maximum stay
- 1 days
- Processing time
- Up to 15 business days
- Fee
- $50 USD
- Validity
- 24 hours
- Entry
- Single entry
Cuban nationals require a transit visa at all times. Transit visa allows maximum stay of 24 hours in international area of airport while waiting for connecting flight.
Documents you need
-
Passport
Blank pages required: 1; Validity months: 6
-
Flight reservation
Provide flight booking or itinerary evidence when the route asks for travel plans.
Must be confirmed: Yes; Must show return: Yes
-
Application form
Use the official application form for this route and complete all required fields.
Form name: Transit Visa Application Form
-
Visa fee payment
Accepted methods: Cash or money order; Amount: $50 USD
How to apply
-
Document gathering
Gather passport, airline ticket, and completed application form
-
Appointment booking
Apply at Panamanian consulate before trip
-
Fee payment
Pay consular fee
-
Processing wait
Wait for transit visa approval
-
Visa collection
Collect transit visa
Transit visa (Transit Visa - Short Stopover (12 hours))
Applies to all nationalities · Last updated: 25 June 2026
Visa free
- Maximum stay
- 1 days
- Processing time
- N/A - no application required
- Fee
- Free
- Validity
- 12 hours
- Entry
- Single entry
A maximum stay of 12 hours in transit at the international airport is allowed without a visa. If transit exceeds 12 hours or passenger needs to go through immigration, a transit or tourist visa is required.
Eligibility
-
Purpose of visit
Maximum stay of 12 hours in transit at the international airport of Panama
Documents you need
-
Flight reservation
Provide flight booking or itinerary evidence when the route asks for travel plans.
Must be confirmed: Yes; Must show return: Yes
Work / Immigration visa (Work Visa - Friendly Nations)
Applies to all nationalities · Last updated: 25 June 2026
Embassy required
- Processing time
- 1-3 months
- Fee
- $250 USD (application and processing fees)
- Entry
- Single entry
The Friendly Nations Visa is a permanent residence permit for citizens of nations with friendly, professional, and commercial relations with Panama. Work permit can only be obtained after permanent residence is granted.
Eligibility
-
Nationality
Must be a citizen of one of the 50 Friendly Nations countries
Eligible countries: Argentina, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Brazil, Canada, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Croatia, Cyprus, Czechia, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hong Kong, Hungary, Ireland, Israel, Japan, Korea (Republic of), Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Mexico, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Panama, Poland, Portugal, Singapore, Slovakia, South Africa, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Taiwan, Province of China, United Kingdom, United States of America, Uruguay
-
Employment
Proof of economic or professional ties to Panama (employment contract, business registration, or investment)
Required status: Employment contract from Panamanian company or proof of business ownership
-
Criminal record
Clean criminal record from country of origin
-
Financial
Proof of economic solvency
Minimum funds: $5,000 USD
Documents you need
-
Passport
Blank pages required: 1; Validity months: 6
-
Proof of funds
Minimum amount: $5,000 USD
-
Employment letter
Provide a signed employer letter confirming your role, leave dates, salary and return to work.
Must include leave approval: No; Must include position: Yes; Must include salary: Yes
-
Police clearance
Validity months: 6
-
Health exam
Panel physician required: General health certificate; Validity months: 3
How to apply
-
Document gathering
Gather passport, economic activity proof, criminal record, medical certificate, and proof of funds
-
Document submission
Obtain employment contract or establish business ties in Panama
-
Fee payment
Pay application and processing fees
-
Processing wait
Wait for approval (1-3 months typical processing time)
Tourist visa (Tourist Visa-Free Access - Asia-Pacific (90 days))
Applies to all nationalities · Last updated: 25 June 2026
Visa free
- Maximum stay
- 90 days
- Processing time
- N/A - no application required
- Fee
- Free
- Validity
- 90 days
- Entry
- Single entry
Eligibility
-
Financial
Proof of economic solvency during stay (no less than USD $500.00)
Minimum funds: $500 USD
Documents you need
-
Passport
Blank pages required: 1; Validity months: 3
-
Proof of funds
Minimum amount: $500 USD
-
Flight reservation
Provide flight booking or itinerary evidence when the route asks for travel plans.
Must be confirmed: No; Must show return: Yes
Business visa (Business Visa - Short-Term)
Applies to all nationalities · Last updated: 25 June 2026
Embassy required
- Maximum stay
- 90 days
- Processing time
- 2-3 weeks
- Fee
- $50 USD
- Validity
- 90 days
- Entry
- Single entry
Business visa applies to foreigners who want to establish business subsidiaries, investors or businessmen entering Panama to analyze investment possibilities or to perform transactions in designated zones.
Eligibility
-
Purpose of visit
Entry for business meetings, investment analysis, or commercial transactions in designated zones
-
Financial
Proof of economic solvency
Minimum funds: $500 USD
Documents you need
-
Passport
Blank pages required: 1; Validity months: 6
-
Proof of funds
Minimum amount: $500 USD
-
Flight reservation
Provide flight booking or itinerary evidence when the route asks for travel plans.
Must be confirmed: No; Must show return: Yes
-
Invitation letter
Host requirements: Letter of invitation from Panamanian business partner or company
How to apply
-
Document gathering
Gather passport, business invitation letter, purpose documentation, and proof of funds
-
Appointment booking
Apply at Panamanian embassy or consulate
-
Document submission
Submit business visa application
-
Fee payment
Pay visa fee
-
Processing wait
Wait for approval (typically 2-3 weeks)
-
Visa collection
Receive business visa
Tourist visa (Tourist Visa-Free Access - UK (90 days))
Applies to all nationalities · Last updated: 25 June 2026
Visa free
- Maximum stay
- 90 days
- Processing time
- N/A - no application required
- Fee
- Free
- Validity
- 90 days
- Entry
- Single entry
Eligibility
-
Financial
Proof of economic solvency during stay (no less than USD $500.00)
Minimum funds: $500 USD
Documents you need
-
Passport
Blank pages required: 1; Validity months: 3
-
Proof of funds
Minimum amount: $500 USD
-
Flight reservation
Provide flight booking or itinerary evidence when the route asks for travel plans.
Must be confirmed: No; Must show return: Yes
Tourist visa (Tourist Stamped Visa (30 days))
Applies to all nationalities · Last updated: 25 June 2026
Embassy required
- Maximum stay
- 30 days
- Processing time
- Up to 30 business days
- Fee
- $50 USD
- Validity
- 3 years (multiple entries)
- Entry
- Multiple entry
Stamped visa is usually valid for 3 years and allows multiple entries. Applicants must appear in person at the consulate to receive the stamped visa.
Eligibility
-
Financial
Proof of economic solvency with at least US$500
Minimum funds: $500 USD
Documents you need
-
Passport
Blank pages required: 2; Validity months: 6
-
Photo
Count: 2; Specifications: Two passport photographs with white background (2x2)
-
Proof of funds
Minimum amount: $500 USD
-
Application form
Use the official application form for this route and complete all required fields.
Form name: Panama Visa Application Form
-
Visa fee payment
Accepted methods: Money order (non-refundable); Amount: $50 USD
How to apply
-
Document gathering
Gather all required documents including passport, photos, and proof of funds
-
Appointment booking
Schedule appointment at nearest Panamanian consulate or embassy
-
Document submission
Submit application and documents at the consulate
-
Fee payment
Pay visa fee of USD $50
-
Processing wait
Wait for approval (up to 30 business days)
-
Visa collection
Return to consulate in person to have visa stamped in passport
Tourist visa (Tourist Visa-Free Access - South America (90 days))
Applies to all nationalities · Last updated: 25 June 2026
Visa free
- Maximum stay
- 90 days
- Processing time
- N/A - no application required
- Fee
- Free
- Validity
- 90 days
- Entry
- Single entry
Eligibility
-
Financial
Proof of economic solvency during stay (no less than USD $500.00)
Minimum funds: $500 USD
Documents you need
-
Passport
Blank pages required: 1; Validity months: 3
-
Proof of funds
Minimum amount: $500 USD
-
Flight reservation
Provide flight booking or itinerary evidence when the route asks for travel plans.
Must be confirmed: No; Must show return: Yes
Work / Immigration visa (Work Visa - Temporary Specialist (9 months))
Applies to all nationalities · Last updated: 25 June 2026
Embassy required
- Maximum stay
- 270 days
- Processing time
- 1-2 months
- Fee
- $200 USD
- Validity
- Up to 9 months
- Entry
- Single entry
This relatively new visa comes with a work permit for a maximum of 9 months, intended as a temporary specialist position. Cannot work in professions reserved for Panamanian nationals (engineering, law, accounting, psychology).
Eligibility
-
Employment
Must be employed in a specialized position not reserved for Panamanian nationals. Cannot work in professions reserved for Panamanian nationals (engineering, law, accounting, psychology).
Required status: Specialized position with employer sponsorship
-
Purpose of visit
Maximum period of 9 months, intended as temporary specialist position
-
Criminal record
Clean criminal record
Documents you need
-
Passport
Blank pages required: 1; Validity months: 6
-
Employment letter
Provide a signed employer letter confirming your role, leave dates, salary and return to work.
Must include leave approval: No; Must include position: Yes; Must include salary: Yes
-
Police clearance
Validity months: 6
-
Academic transcript
Provide academic records for the course, qualification or training route.
Must be notarized: Yes; Must be translated: No
How to apply
-
Document submission
Employer initiates work permit application
-
Document gathering
Gather passport, employment contract, professional qualifications, and criminal record
-
Fee payment
Employer pays application fees
-
Processing wait
Wait for approval (1-2 months)
Tourist visa (Tourist Visa-Free Access - EU/Schengen Countries (90 days))
Applies to all nationalities · Last updated: 25 June 2026
Visa free
- Maximum stay
- 90 days
- Processing time
- N/A - no application required
- Fee
- Free
- Validity
- 90 days
- Entry
- Single entry
Eligibility
-
Financial
Proof of economic solvency during stay (no less than USD $500.00)
Minimum funds: $500 USD
Documents you need
-
Passport
Blank pages required: 1; Validity months: 3
-
Proof of funds
Minimum amount: $500 USD
-
Flight reservation
Provide flight booking or itinerary evidence when the route asks for travel plans.
Must be confirmed: No; Must show return: Yes
Student visa (Student Visa)
Applies to all nationalities · Last updated: 25 June 2026
Embassy required
- Processing time
- 4-6 weeks
- Fee
- $50 USD
- Validity
- Duration of academic program
- Entry
- Single entry
Student visa holders are able to apply for a work permit. Student visa is typically valid for the duration of the academic program.
Eligibility
-
Purpose of visit
Must be enrolled full-time in accredited Panamanian educational institution
-
Financial
Proof of financial means to support studies and living expenses
Minimum funds: $1,000 USD
-
Criminal record
Clean criminal record from country of origin
Documents you need
-
Passport
Blank pages required: 1; Validity months: 6
-
Proof of funds
Minimum amount: $1,000 USD
-
Admission letter
Must be notarized: No; Must be original: Yes; Must show program dates: No
-
Police clearance
Validity months: 6
-
Health exam
Panel physician required: Health certificate; Validity months: 3
How to apply
-
Document gathering
Obtain acceptance letter from Panamanian educational institution
-
Document submission
Submit student visa application to National Immigration Service or Panamanian embassy
-
Fee payment
Pay student visa application fee
-
Processing wait
Wait for approval (typically 4-6 weeks)
-
Visa collection
Receive student visa
Tourist visa (Tourist Authorized Visa (90 days))
Applies to all nationalities · Last updated: 25 June 2026
Embassy required
- Maximum stay
- 90 days
- Processing time
- 6 weeks to 4 months
- Fee
- $50 USD
- Validity
- Duration of approval
- Entry
- Single entry
Authorized visa requires approval from the National Directory for Migration (NDM). Early application recommended (at least 90 days before intended travel). Processing can take 6 weeks to 4 months.
Eligibility
-
Financial
Proof of economic solvency
Minimum funds: $500 USD
Documents you need
-
Passport
Blank pages required: 1; Validity months: 6
-
Photo
Count: 2; Specifications: Two passport photographs
-
Proof of funds
Minimum amount: $500 USD
-
Sponsorship letter
Accepted sponsors: Panamanian citizen or resident
-
Application form
Use the official application form for this route and complete all required fields.
Form name: Panama Visa Application Form
-
Visa fee payment
Accepted methods: Money order (non-refundable); Amount: $50 USD
How to apply
-
Document gathering
Gather all required documents including passport, photos, sponsor letter, and proof of funds
-
Appointment booking
Apply through Panamanian Embassy or Consulate, or with legal assistance in Panama
-
Document submission
Submit application for review by National Council of Public Safety and National Immigration Service (NDM)
-
Fee payment
Pay visa fee
-
Processing wait
Wait for approval (up to 60 business days, or up to 4 months if Panama Security & Defense Agency review is required)
-
Visa collection
Receive approval notification and collect visa