Written by:undefined undefined
Published: 18-04-2023
Panamanian entry requirements can be difficult to pin down. Government officials may say something different from the government website, and some rules seem to be in constant flux. That said, the website for Panama’s immigration and naturalization office usually has the most up-to-date information. Before you travel to Panama, check it for visa and other entry requirements. It’s not difficult for tourists to enter Panama, especially those coming on flights from North America or Australia. All foreign nationals need a passport that is valid for at least six months from the date of entry. Tourists must also be able to prove that they have at least US$500—a bank statement, traveler's checks, or a credit card usually works. Finally, all travelers entering Panama must have a return or onward ticket out of the country.
Currently, there are no restrictions or requirements specific to COVID-19 for entering Panama.
Panama Airport
UK Citizens
You should always check with your travel provider to make sure your passport and other travel documents meet their requirements.
Passport validity
If you are visiting Panama, your passport should be valid for a minimum period of 6 months from the date of exit from Panama. Your passport must also have an unused page.
If you are a resident in Panama, your passport must be valid for 6 months from the date you arrive.
Visas
British nationals don’t need a visa to visit Panama except if arriving by sea. You must have a return or onward ticket and the equivalent of USD 500 or a credit card. If you enter Panama by land from Costa Rica and are not a legal resident of Costa Rica, the immigration authorities may ask you to show proof of onward or return travel to your country of legal residence. You may be detained by immigration officials if you attempt to renew your tourist visa by visiting a neighboring country, including Costa Rica. You must follow the relevant rules and procedures when seeking to extend a visa. The British Embassy can’t intervene in decisions made by the immigration authorities. For more information visit the Panama National Migration Service website. From 1 October 2021, British nationals entering Panama now have a 90-day (3-month) tourist visa stamped in their passport to mark the entry to Panama. Extensions are not normally allowed unless you apply to change your immigration status within the 90-days (for business purposes, marriage, etc). For further information on entry requirements, check with the Embassy of the Republic of Panama in London. When transiting the Panama Canal, if you disembark the ship, your passport will be stamped by the immigration authorities. You do not need a visa unless you are staying in Panama for more than 90 days. Immigration officials do not board transiting cruise ships to check passports.
Air Panama Plane
If you arrive in Panama by sea, except via a cruise line, you will need a visa. There is a fee of USD 100 plus USD 5 registration per person for passengers and crew members of vessels. Other fees may be charged, for example for cruising permits. Make sure immigration officials properly stamp your passport with the date of entry into the country. Check with the Embassy of Panama in London for further details.
Arrival By Sea
Airport tax
A USD 40 airport tax is charged on departure. This is usually included in the airline ticket fare. Check with your carrier.
Yellow fever certificate requirements
Check whether you need a yellow fever certificate for travel to Panama by visiting the National Travel Health Network and Centre’s TravelHealth Pro website.
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US Citizens
A valid passport for at least three months past the date of entry into Panama
A return ticket to your home country or onward destination.
Money - either $500 in cash or its equivalent, or credit card, bank statement, letter of employment or travelers' checks.
Criminal Record Restriction - Panamanian immigration reserves the right to deny entry to any person with a criminal conviction.
Requirements for Exit:
180 Day Stay-Tourists can only remain in Panama for 180 days. This rule is strictly enforced by Panamanian immigration. Travelers must ensure that immigration officials place an entry stamp in their passports. For further information contact the Government of Panama Migration Service.
Traveling with Minors- Minors (children under 18) who are Panamanian citizens (including dual citizens) or legal residents of Panama are required to present both parents’ identification documents, birth certificates, and notarized consent (in Spanish) in order to exit the country if not accompanied by both parents. The consent must also be apostilled if it was signed in the United States. A child born in Panama may automatically obtain Panamanian citizenship. Non-resident foreign minors are excluded from these provisions.
HIV/AIDS Restrictions: Some HIV/AIDS entry restrictions exist for visitors to and foreign residents of Panama. Panamanian immigration does not require an HIV/AIDS test. The U.S. Embassy is not aware of any U.S. citizens who have been deported due to HIV/AIDS. Please verify this information with the Embassy of Panama before you travel.
Arriving by Sea
The Servicio Nacional de Migracion is currently enforcing an entry permit fee of $110 for sea travelers piloting their own boats and arriving as tourists to Panama. This fee allows entry into Panama for a period of three months and can be extended for up to two years through an approved application with the immigration authorities in Panama. U.S. citizens navigating private craft through the Canal should contact the Panama Canal Authority at (011) 507-272-4570 or consult the Panama Canal Authority website to make an appointment.
Panama Airport
Australian Citizens
Visa Exempt
Visa exempt for a stay of up to 180 days. The traveler must:
Hold a Machine Readable passport valid at least six months on entry with two blank visa pages
Hold proof of sufficient funds of at least USD $500.00
Hold proof of onward/return airline tickets
Hold proof of the purpose of the trip to Panama
Hold all documents required for the next destination
Hold a visa for the next destination, if required
Confirm with the airline that boarding will be permitted without a visa as these conditions are subject to change
CIBTvisas recommends that all travelers to Panama check with their airline prior to departure and that boarding will be permitted without a visa. There is no guarantee entry will be allowed.
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If you are from a different country and want to travel to Panama we recommend that you check with the Panama Embassy in your country :)
Happy Travels !
