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.
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
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