Discover Panama
Panama, a vibrant bridge between North and South America, enchants with its Panama Canal, lush rainforests, and bustling Panama City. In 2025, travelers from over 100 countries enjoy visa-free entry for up to 90 days, while others can enter with a valid visa or residence permit from select nations like the U.S. or EU, under Executive Decree 521, or apply for a tourist visa through a Panamanian consulate.
Required Documents
Valid Passport
Must be valid for 3+ months beyond entry with 1 blank page.
Tourist Visa (if required)
Apply at a Panamanian consulate; or use a valid multiple-entry visa/residence from U.S., Canada, EU, etc.
Passport Photo
2 recent photos (2 x 2 inches, white background) for consulate visa applications.
Travel Itinerary
Proof of return or onward ticket, required at entry.
Accommodation Proof
Hotel booking or host details, recommended for immigration.
Travel Insurance
Recommended; covers medical emergencies (not mandatory).
Proof of Funds
Minimum $500 USD in cash, credit card, or bank statement, required at entry.
Visa Fee (if applicable)
Consulate visa: $50-$140 USD (varies by nationality); visa-free or exemption: free.
How to Apply
Application Steps
Check Eligibility
Gather Documents
Apply for Visa (if needed)
Submit & Pay
Processing
Receive Visa
Enter Panama
Check Eligibility
Gather Documents
Apply for Visa (if needed)
Submit & Pay
Processing
Receive Visa
Enter Panama
1. Check Eligibility
Confirm if visa-free (e.g., EU, UK), exempt with U.S./EU visa (e.g., India), or consulate visa required (e.g., Cuba).
2. Gather Documents
Prepare passport, itinerary, funds proof, and photos if applying for a visa.
3. Apply for Visa (if needed)
Submit application at a Panamanian consulate with notarized docs; visa-free/exempt travelers skip this.
4. Submit & Pay
Pay $50-$140 USD at consulate (if applicable); provide documents; visa-free entry is free.
5. Processing
Consulate visa: Up to 30 business days; visa-free/exempt: immediate at border.
6. Receive Visa
Collect visa-stamped passport from consulate; visa-free/exempt get entry stamp.
7. Enter Panama
Present passport, visa (if required), and funds proof at entry; 90-day stay granted (180 for U.S./Canada).
Visa Fees
- Visa-free entry (90 days): Free for 100+ countries (e.g., EU, UK, Japan)
- Visa-exempt entry with U.S./EU visa (30 days): Free (e.g., India with valid multiple-entry visa)
- Tourist Visa (90 days, single-entry): $50-$140 USD (e.g., Cuba, Haiti; varies by consulate)
- Sea Arrival Permit (90 days, private vessels): $100 USD + $5 registration
*Fees subject to change. Confirm details at migracion.gob.pa.
FAQ
Do I need a visa for Panama in 2025?
Over 100 countries (e.g., EU, UK) are visa-free for 90 days; others need a visa or valid U.S./EU visa (6+ months validity).
Can I enter Panama with a U.S. visa?
Yes, if it’s multiple-entry, used once, and valid for 6+ months, per Decree 521; 30-day stay.
Can I extend my stay in Panama?
No extension for 90-day tourist stays (except U.S./Canada at 180 days); apply for residency for longer stays.
What’s Panama’s passport rank in 2025?
Ranked 28th globally, with visa-free access to 147 destinations (Henley Passport Index).
Is a yellow fever vaccine required?
Yes, if arriving from Brazil or other risk countries; certificate required at entry.
References
- Panama National Migration Service: migracion.gob.pa
- Embassy of Panama: embassyofpanama.org
- Panama Tourism Authority: tourismpanama.com