Panama visa tourist
Panama Tourist Visa

Panama Tourist Visa

I will be visiting Panama. Do I need a tourist visa to enter? How do I get a tourist visa to enter Panama?

If the visitor’s nationality is not within all the nationalities requiring a stamped visa or authorized visa to enter to Panama (this list is at the end of this article) then getting a tourist visa (also called tourist card) is easy since it is acquired when you enter Panama by paying an entry fee of 5 dollars.

However, if the visitor’s nationality is in the list of countries you will see below, then he/she will need to obtain the respective entry permit (Visa) before entering the Republic of Panama.

Panama has two types of visas for tourists with controlled entry nationalities:

  • Stamped visa
  • Authorized visa

What are the differences between the stamped visa and the authorized visa to enter Panama?

Authorized visa

These must be requested by those citizens of countries which for reasons of Panamanian immigration policy must obtain prior authorization by the National Directorate of Immigration to enter Panama.

Authorization is done by the Panamanian Consulate in the applicant’s country; it can also be requested by a person interested who is a resident in Panama.

All requirements of Immigration must be fulfilled and, if the visa is approved, the Consulate of Panama in the respective country will be notified to stamp a visa in a foreign citizen’s passport to allow the applicant to travel and enter Panama without any problems.

When applying for this visa, foreigners must specify whether the visa is a tourist or immigrant visa, in order for the Panamanian Immigration Service to decide whether to grant it or not and the amount of time given to the foreigner to legally stay in Panamanian territory.

You will find a list of countries requiring authorized visas to enter Panama at the end of this article.

Stamped visa

This visa does not require prior authorization from the Immigration Directorate, but must be requested from the Panamanian Consul in the foreigner’s country of origin, in which case the Consul will decide the length of time granted to the foreigner to remain legally in Panamanian territory and will stamp the visa in the foreigner’s passport.

EXEMPTIONS:

If the applicant’s nationality is within the list of countries that require a stamped or authorized visa BUT at the same time the applicant has a valid Visa or Residency, duly issued by the United States of America, Canada, Republic of Korea, Commonwealth of Australia, State of Japan, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, Republic of Singapore and any of the States that make up the European Union, he/she may enter Panamanian national territory without requesting a stamped or authorized visa, provided that the visa granted by the countries mentioned is a multiple visa, and has been issued by the countries mentioned above, Republic of Singapore and any of the States that conform the European Union, will be able to enter the Panamanian national territory without requesting the stamped or authorized visa, as long as the visa granted by the mentioned countries is a multiple visa, and has been previously used in the territory of the granting State and its validity will not be less than six (6) months at the moment of entering Panamanian territory.

Countries requiring a stamped visa to enter Panama

(Arranged alphabetically from A to Z)

  • Cameroon
  • Cuba
  • Philippines
  • Ghana
  • India
  • Malawi
  • Central African Republic
  • Republic of China
  • Republic of Congo
  • Dominican Republic
  • Swaziland
  • Togo
  • Venezuela
  • Zimbabwe

Countries requiring an authorized visa to enter Panama

(Arranged alphabetically from A to Z)

  • Afghanistan
  • Albania
  • Algeria
  • Azerbaijan
  • Bahrain
  • Bangladesh
  • Benin
  • Burkina Faso
  • Burundi
  • Chad
  • Côte d’Ivoire
  • Egypt
  • Eritrea
  • Ethiopia
  • Gambia
  • Guinea
  • Guinea Bissau
  • Equatorial Guinea
  • Haiti
  • Indonesia
  • Iraq
  • Iran
  • Jordan
  • Kazakhstan
  • Kyrgyzstan
  • Kosovo
  • Laos
  • Lesotho
  • Lebanon
  • Liberia
  • Libya
  • Mali
  • Morocco
  • Mauritania
  • Mozambique
  • Myanmar
  • Nepal
  • Niger
  • Nigeria
  • Oman
  • Pakistan
  • Palestine
  • Democratic Republic of the Congo
  • People’s Republic of Korea
  • Rwanda
  • Senegal
  • Sierra Leone
  • Syria
  • Somalia
  • Sri Lanka
  • Sudan
  • Suriname
  • Tanzania
  • Tajikistan
  • Tunisia
  • Turkmenistan
  • Uganda
  • Uzbekistan
  • Yemen
  • Djibouti
  • Zambia

What are the requirements to obtain a stamped or authorized Visa in Panama?

  • Completed and signed visa application.
  • Copies of all pages of your passport, passport must have at least three months validity prior to intended travel.
  • An airline reservation with onward travel itinerary or e-ticket.
  • Copy of a valid identity card.
  • Three passport-size photographs (2×2, with white background).
  • To make the payment by money orders of WESTERN UNION or MONEYGRAM) A first money order for $ 50.00, made out to: NATIONAL MIGRATION SERVICE. b) A second money order for $ 10.00 payable to: CONSULATE OF PANAMA.
  • Provide proof of economic solvency during the stay, (not less than $ 500 U.S. dollars) This can be provided with one of the following documents:
    • Applicant’s bank statement for the last three months.
    • Credit card statements for the last three months.
    • Certified bank check with the applicant’s name on it.
    • Traveler’s checks with the applicant’s name.
    • Labor certification with the last paycheck or accreditation of independent worker, in case of being an employee of a public or private entity.
    • If you are a retired citizen, present a retirement or pension certification.
    • Letter from employer reflecting your monthly salary.
    • Tax returns for the previous fiscal year.
    • If you are an employer, submit a bank reference.
    • Any other reasonable proof of income accepted by the National Immigration Service of Panama.
  • Bring the last visa that was approved by the immigration authorities (if applicable).
  • Submit a hotel reservation (if applicable).
  • Present a letter of invitation, if applicable, which can come from a Panamanian resident or a private entity:
    • If they are temporary or permanent residents of Panama, they must provide:
      • Authentic copy of their resolution number.
      • ii. Passport and an identification document for the foreigner.
      • iii. Income tax return before the DGI.
    • If they are private entities, they must provide:
      • i. Certification from the Public Registry
      • ii. Copy of the notice of operations
      • iii. Copy of the operation code of the Colon Free Zone (if applicable).
      • iv. Income tax return before the DGI.
  • If you present a letter of invitation, you must demonstrate the economic solvency of the person who invites you with these documents:
    • Rental contract
    • Letter of employment with the last Social Security card in the case of citizens born in the country.
    • Bank reference
  • For the application of a minor, a parent or legal guardian must apply.
  • NOTE: ALL DOCUMENTS MUST BE TRANSLATED INTO SPANISH.

AbogadosPanama.Net under the direction of Panamanian Lawyer Lic. Julissa Ortega Hernandez has helped foreign investors to obtain their entry permit in Panama.

Within the firm we have advisors who will recommend the best options for banking or real estate investment, in addition to the correct process to obtain any work visa in the Panamanian Republic.

Julissa Ortega has helped hundreds of foreigners obtain their residence permits in Panama.

Contact the attorney with an email

DRESS CODE AT THE NATIONAL IMMIGRATION SERVICE OF PANAMA

The offices of the National Immigration Service will not allow the visit of persons wearing shorts, t-shirts or sandals.

Men: Long pants, shirt with collar and sleeves, closed shoes, (DO NOT wear shorts, cropped shirts or t-shirts, or any footwear that shows the toes).

Women: Dress or long pants, closed-toe shoes, collared shirt or blouse that covers the shoulders and formal footwear (shoes). No mini-skirts, shorts, cropped shirts or blouses that show the shoulders or T-shirts, no sandals or footwear that shows the toes.


Tips to start legal procedures in Panama

  • If possible, meet in person at the law firm’s business premises.
  • Request a professional services contract with your attorney.
  • If you decide to work with an independent attorney, check your attorney’s credentials against the Supreme Court’s database.

Why do more and more foreigners trust the of Mrs. Julissa Ortega to carry out their immigration procedures in Panama?

  • Assistance is given by an expert in the subject with a wide trajectory in migratory matters in Panama.
  • Provides continuous accompaniment for the applicant by the lawyer during the process of presentation of the procedure before the immigration authority.
  • Continuous follow-up by expert lawyers in the governmental process of the procedure of each applicant.
  • Opening of bank accounts in Panama.
  • Counseling in civil, mercantile and real estate law with our team of lawyers.
  • Consultation fees are reimbursable in the total cost of the process.

Or if you prefer priority attention then

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