Afghanistan
Nationals who require a visa to Panama and at the same time have a valid multiple-entry visa or residence issued by Canada, USA, Australia, South Korea, Japan, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, Singapore, and any member States of the European Union can enter Panama. The visa that is issued from the mentioned countries must be used. For example, if you have a valid USA visa, you must enter the USA with this visa to enter Panama without a visa. The validity of a visa or residence permit should be at least 6 months. Besides, the national must have a return ticket, a passport (at least valid for 3 months), and 500 USD upon entering.
Authorized Visa is required for citizens of some countries for reasons of migration policy need to ask for prior authorization from the National Directorate for Migration to be able to enter the country. This authorization has to be obtained at the Panama Consulate in your country. You must meet all requirements demanded by the Migration Department. If the visa is approved, the Panamanian Consulate will grant a visa stamp so that the person is able to travel to Panama. The applicant needs to specify whether he/she is applying for a Tourist visa (specify the duration you wish to stay) or an Immigration visa, The Migration Authorities decide whether the visa will be granted or not and determine the duration of stay granted in Panama.
If you are from one of the below-mentioned countries and do not qualify for the visa waiver mentioned above, you will need an Authorized visa:
Afghanistan
Djibouti
Iran
Liberia
Oman
Suriname
Albania
Egypt
Iraq
Libya
Pakistan
Syria
Azerbaijan
Eritrea
Ivory Coast
Mali
Palestine
Tajikistan
Bahrain
Ethiopia
Jordan
Mauritania
North Korea
Tanzania
Bangladesh
Equatorial Guinea
Kazakhstan
Morocco
Rwanda
Tunisia
Benin
The Gambia
Kosovo
Mozambique
Senegal
Turkmenistan
Burkina Faso
Guinea
Kyrgyzstan
Myanmar
Sierra Leone
Uganda
Burundi
Guinea Bissau
Laos
Nepal
Somalia
Uzbekistan
Chad
Haiti
Lesotho
Niger
Sri Lanka
Yemen
Congo DR
Indonesia
Lebanon
Nigeria
Sudan
Zambia
The processing time for Authorized visas is 60 business days. If the visa is granted, you must present your passport and other required documents to the consulate in order to get your stamped visa.
This visa does not require prior authorization from the Directorate of Migration. You can apply for this visa from the Panama Consulate in your country. It is always a Tourist visa. The Consul determines the duration of stay granted to the foreigner and stamps the visa into the passport. Only then the applicant may enter Panama.
If you are from one of the below-mentioned countries, and do not qualify for a visa waiver or do not require an Authorized visa, you will need a Stamped visa:
Cameroon
India
Swaziland
The Central African Republic
Malawi
Togo
Cuba
Philippines
Venezuela
Dominican Republic
Republic of China
Zimbabwe
Ghana
Republic of the Congo
The processing time for stamped visas is 30 business days. In order to get a stamped visa, you need to present your passport and other required documents to the consulate.
Panama Tourist visa is issued for applicants intending to visit Panama for tourism, sightseeing, carrying out employment, student activities, be a pensioner or retired, may travel independently up to 90 days. The validity of the Panama Tourist Visa is 90 days after issued.
2. Three Photos
3. Passport and Copy of the Main Page
4. Copy of ID Card
5. Residence Permit/Visa Copy
6. Flight Reservation
7. Proof of Financial Means
8. Proof of Accommodation (If applicable)
9. Invitation Letter (If applicable)
10. Economic Solvency of Inviter: (If applicable)
11. Documents That Showing the Activities of Visitor will Cary Out:
12. For Minors:
*Additional documents may be required by the embassy.
The average processing time for a Panama Tourist visa is 30-60 business days. It depends on your visa application country.
Panama Tourist visa fee is 50 USD. The fee may vary depending on your nationality or your country of submission.
You will apply for a Panama Tourist visa in Panama visa application centers, embassies, or consulates, whichever accepts visa applications in your country of residence. If there is none of them in your country, you need to apply to the nearest embassy or consulate to your location.
The seaman can apply for this visa in order to enter Panama to embark as a crew member in a ship with an international navigation license.
1. Marine Visa Application Form
2. Passport and Copy of the Main Page
3. Three Photos
4. Copy of ID Card
5. Residence Permit/Visa Copy
6. Copy of the Bill of Lading or Guarantee from the Contracting Company
7. Copy of the Seaman's License
*Additional documents may be required.
The average processing time for a Panama Seaman visa is 30-60 business days. It depends on your visa application country.
Panama Seaman visa fee is 100 USD. The fee may vary depending on your nationality or your country of submission.
The representative or agent of the ship will apply for a Panama Seaman visa at Immigration Department on behalf of the applicant.
The foreigner can apply for a Panama Domestic Worker visa if he/she plans to visit Panama and work as a service worker for up to 1 year. Panama Domestic Worker visa can be extended 4 times, as long as the worker and the employer meet the requirements and responsibilities required by the Service National of Migration.
2. Three Photos
3. Passport and Copy of the Main Page
4. Copy of ID Card
5. Residence Permit/Visa Copy
6. Guarantee Deposit
7. Proof of Utility Bill
8. Proof of Affiliation with the Foreign Social Security Fund
9. Letter of Responsibility from the Employer
10. Employment Contract
11. Economic Solvency of the Employer
12. Medical Certificate
13. Police Record
*Additional documents may be required by the embassy.
The average processing time for a Panama Domestic Worker visa is 30-60 business days. It depends on your visa application country.
Panama Domestic Worker visa fee is 100 USD. The fee may vary depending on your nationality or your country of submission.
You will apply for a Panama Domestic Worker visa in Panama visa application centers, embassies, or consulates, whichever accepts visa applications in your country of residence. If there is none of them in your country, you need to apply to the nearest embassy or consulate to your location.
The foreigner can apply for a Panama Show Worker visa if she/he intends to work in events and other organizations.
2. Three Photos
3. Passport and Copy of the Main Page
4. Copy of ID Card
5. Residence Permit/Visa Copy
6. Police Record
7. Medical Report
8. Proof of Affiliation to the Social Security Fund
9. Guarantee Deposit
10. Copy of Electronic Ticket
12. Proof of Accommodation
13. Paz y Salvo (Tax Clearance) Certificate
14. Paz y Salvo (Tax Clearance) Certificate
15. Letter of Responsibility of the Company
16. Proof of Payment of the Corresponding Income Tax
17. Affidavit of the Foreigner before a Notary
18. Proof of Social Security Affiliation
*Additional documents may be required by the embassy.
The average processing time for a Panama Show Workers visa is 30-60 business days. It depends on your visa application country.
Panama Show Workers visa fee is 250 USD. The fee may vary depending on your nationality or your country of submission.
You will apply for a Panama Show Workers visa in Panama Migration Department.
The foreigner may enter Panama to establish foreign subsidiaries, carry out commercial transactions and participate as a proponent in public tenders.
2. Three Photos
3. Passport and Copy of the Main Page
4. Copy of ID Card
5. Residence Permit/Visa Copy
6. Flight Reservation
7. Proof of Accommodation (If applicable)
8. Letter from the Legal Representative of the Foreign Company to Establish Subsidiaries
9. Certificate of Existence of the Foreign Company to Establish Subsidiaries
10. Invitation Letter
11. Economic Solvency of Inviter
*Additional documents may be required by the embassy.
The average processing time for a Panama Business visa is 30-60 business days. It depends on your visa application country.
Panama Business visa fee is 100 USD. The fee may vary depending on your nationality or your country of submission.
You will apply for a Panama Business visa in Panama visa application centers, embassies, or consulates, whichever accepts visa applications in your country of residence. If there is none of them in your country, you need to apply to the nearest embassy or consulate to your location.
Panama Family Visit visa allows you to travel to Panama to visit your family, who is legally residing in Panama up to the expiration date of your visa validity.
2. Three Photos
3. Passport and Copy of the Main Page
4. Copy of ID Card
5. Residence Permit/Visa Copy
6. Proof of Relationship
7. Proof of Financial Means
8. Flight Reservation
9. Proof of Accommodation (If applicable)
*Additional documents may be required by the embassy.
The average processing time for a Panama Family Visit visa is 30-60 business days. It depends on your visa application country.
Panama Family Visit visa fee is 100 USD. The fee may vary depending on your nationality or your country of submission.
You will apply for a Panama Family Visit visa in Panama visa application centers, embassies, or consulates, whichever accepts visa applications in your country of residence. If there is none of them in your country, you need to apply to the nearest embassy or consulate to your location.
If the foreigner is required to carry out his/her research or educational activities in Panama, he/she can apply for Panama Scientist and Researcher Visa.
2. Three Photos
3. Passport and Copy of the Main Page
4. Copy of ID Card
5. Residence Permit/Visa Copy
6. Flight Reservation
7. Letter from the Educational/Governmental Institution or Organization not Headquartered in Panama
8. Grant of Scholarship (If applicable)
9. Certification from the Ministry of Government and Justice (If applicable)
*Additional documents may be required by the embassy.
The average processing time for a Panama Scientist and Researcher visa is 30-60 business days. It depends on your visa application country.
Panama Scientist and Researcher visa fee is 100 USD. The fee may vary depending on your nationality or your country of submission.
You will apply for a Panama Scientist and Researcher visa in Panama visa application centers, embassies, or consulates, whichever accepts visa applications in your country of residence. If there is none of them in your country, you need to apply to the nearest embassy or consulate to your location.
Panama Visa for Medical purposes allows you to enter Panama, seek and receive medical treatment for your health condition. This visa is designated for those who need to receive medical care in Panama.
2. Three Photos
3. Passport and Copy of the Main Page
4. Copy of ID Card
5. Residence Permit/Visa Copy
6. Flight Reservation
7. Medical Certificate
8. Invitation Letter
9. Proof of Financial Means
10. Proof of Accommodation (If applicable)
*Additional documents may be required by the embassy.
The average processing time for a Panama Medical Treatment visa is 30-60 business days. It depends on your visa application country.
Panama Medical Treatment visa fee is 100 USD. The fee may vary depending on your nationality or your country of submission.
You will apply for a Panama Medical Treatment visa in Panama visa application centers, embassies, or consulates, whichever accepts visa applications in your country of residence. If there is none of them in your country, you need to apply to the nearest embassy or consulate to your location.
To apply for a Panama Short-stay Visa for Banking Sector, the foreigner may enter Panama in order to give or receive training, attend meetings, conventions, workshops, seminars, courses, internships, audits, verification, and oversight of programs and procedures in banking institutions that have a general, international or representative license, as long as the applicant meets the requirements and responsibilities required by the National Migration Service and the Ministry of Labor and Labor Development.
2. Three Photos
3. Passport and Copy of the Main Page
4. Copy of ID Card
5. Residence Permit/Visa Copy
6. Flight Reservation
7. Proof of Accommodation (If applicable)
8. Letter from Banking Institution
9. Certification of the Public Registry of the Banking Institution
10. Certification from the Superintendency of Banks
11. Proof of Financial Means
*Additional documents may be required by the embassy.
The average processing time for a Panama Short-stay Visa for Banking Sector is 30-60 business days. It depends on your visa application country.
Panama Short-stay Visa for Banking Sector fee is 250 USD. The fee may vary depending on your nationality or your country of submission.
You will apply for a Panama Short-stay Visa for the Banking Sector in Panama visa application centers, embassies, or consulates, whichever accepts visa applications in your country of residence. If there is none of them in your country, you need to apply to the nearest embassy or consulate to your location.
If you want to reside in Panama for a temporary duration, you can apply to different types of Panama Residency depending on your purpose.
Types of Panama Residence Permits:
The validity of Panama Temporary Residence Permit for Employment is 6 years.
The foreigner can apply to Residency depending on different purposes:
2. Three Photos
3. Passport and Copy of the Main Page
4. Copy of ID Card
5. Residence Permit/Visa Copy
6. Medical Report
7. Certification of Work Permit
8. Proof of Accommodation
9. Letter of Responsibility
10. Police Record
11. Power of Attorney
12. Certified Check for 250 Balboa
13. Certified Check for 800 Balboa
14. Form of Affidavit of Personal Background
15. Letter of Employment
16. Proof of Affiliation to the Social Security Fund and Copy of the Card
17. Foreigner Hired by the National Government/Autonomous/Semi-autonomous Entities:
18. Foreigner Hired by Companies under Contract with Government:
19. Foreigner Hired as an Executive in Companies in the Colon Free Zone:
20. Foreign Paid from Abroad who do not Have a Diplomatic Status:
21. Foreign Personnel Hired by Private Companies within 10% of Ordinary Personnel:
22. Foreign Personnel Hired as an Expert or Technician within 15% of Ordinary Personnel:
23. Personnel Hired as Correspondent for the International Written, Radio or Television Press and Paid Abroad:
24. Foreigner Hired by Companies under the Marrakesh Agreement:
25. As a Sports Professional:
26. As an Employee of Aviation Companies based in Panama
*Additional documents may be required by the embassy.
The average processing time for a Panama Temporary Residence Permit for Employment is 30-60 business days. It depends on your visa application country.
Panama Temporary Residence Permit for Employment fee is 1050 USD. The fee may vary depending on your nationality or your country of submission.
You will apply for a Panama Temporary Residence Permit for Employment in Panama Migration Department.
The foreigner who wishes to study full-time in educational institutions public or private, basic, intermediate, superior, and specialized levels, recognized by the Ministry of Education, can apply to Temporary Residence Permit for Educational Reasons. If a student wants to extend the permit, he/she must present Criminal Record Certificate and check official credits from the previous year (approved). You can apply for a Temporary Residency in the Immigration Department.
1. Application Form
2. Three Photos
3. Passport and Copy of the Main Page
4. Copy of ID Card
5. Residence Permit/Visa Copy
6. Power of Attorney and Request
7. Criminal Record Certificate
8. Health Certificate
9. Form of Affidavit of Personal Background
10. Admission/Acceptance Letter
11. Receipt of Tuition Payment (original and copy)
12. Documents indicating:
13. Proof of Economic Solvency
14. Letter of Responsibility (In case the third party is responsible)
15. For Minors:
*Additional documents may be required by the embassy.
The average processing time for a Temporary Residence Permit for Educational Reasons is 30-60 business days. It depends on your visa application country.
Panama Temporary Residence Permit for Educational Reasons fee is 250 USD. The fee may vary depending on your nationality or your country of submission.
You will apply for a Panama Temporary Residence Permit for Educational Reasons in Panama Migration Department.
Temporary Residence Permit for Family Reunion allows foreign spouses, children under 18 years of age, and parents of the resident to come to Panama and live with his/her family member. You can apply for a Temporary Residency in Panama Immigration Department.
1. Application Form
2. Three Photos
3. Passport and Copy of the Main Page
4. Copy of ID Card
5. Residence Permit/Visa Copy
6. Power of Attorney and Request
7. Criminal Record Certificate
8. Health Certificate
9. Form of Affidavit of Personal Background
9. Letter of Responsibility of the Temporary Resident
10. Proof of Relationship
11. Proof of Financial Means of the Resident in Panama
*Additional documents may be required.
The average processing time for a Temporary Permit for Family Reunion is 30-60 business days. It depends on your visa application country.
Panama Temporary Permit for Family Reunion fee is 850 USD. The fee may vary depending on your nationality or your country of submission.
You will apply for a Panama Temporary Permit for Family Reunion in Panama Migration Department.
Panama Temporary Residence Permit for Religious Service will be given when the foreigner comes to Panama for religious nature events to pursue religious activities, rather than tourism.
1. Application Form
2. Three Photos
3. Passport and Copy of the Main Page
4. Copy of ID Card
5. Residence Permit/Visa Copy
6. Power of Attorney and Request
7. Criminal Record
8. Health Certificate
9. Form of Affidavit of Personal Background
10. Letter Issued by Highest Authority
*Additional documents may be required.
The average processing time for a Temporary Residence Permit for Religious Service is 30-60 business days. It depends on your visa application country.
Panama Temporary Residence Permit for Religious Service fee is 250 USD. The fee may vary depending on your nationality or your country of submission.
You will apply for a Panama Temporary Residence Permit for Religious Service in Panama Migration Department.
If you are the national of one of the countries that do not require a visa to Panama, you can stay in Panama for up to 6 months without a visa. If you want to stay in Panama for for more than 6 months, you can extend your stay with the Offices of Immigration in Panama.
Yellow fever vaccine is not required to Panama.
The Embassy of Panama and its consulates cannot help you to find a job in Panama. In order to work in Panama, you must have a valid work permit and a legal status as a resident.
The required validity of passport is at least 3 months.
If you have a valid USA visa, you must enter USA with this visa in order to enter Panama without a visa.
You must have a valid passport (at least 3 months), a return ticket, and at least 500 USD (cash or credit card) upon entry.
You can find detailed information about Residency on the website of Panama Migration Department.
Regardless of nationality, no one can travel to Panama with an expired passport. The validity of passport must be at least 3 months.
If you want to extend the validity of your Tourist visa (additional 90 days), you must apply to the Migration Department before the expiration date of your visa. Here is the contact of the Immigration Office.
There is a taxi rank in the departure area at the airport. You can find it after passing through customs. The 30-minute taxi ride from Tocumen airport to Panama City can cost around 20 USD. The official fare is 10 USD per person if you share the taxi with 4 other passengers, 14 USD per person if you share with 2 other passengers. You can also buy a private taxi for 25 USD. The buses are not near the terminal and the nearest bus stop is at a considerable distance from the airport.
You can dial 311 for the Citizen Service Center. Operators can help you in English.
The only way to travel from Panama to any other country in South America (including Colombia), it is with an airplane. There are no official boats or ferry services. With respect to road services, the Pan-American Highway has a long rest in the dense jungle of Darien, Panama.