Visa and Documentation
As in any other country you will visit, depending on your country of origin, and mainly on your passport.
In any case, in order to enter the country, you will need to have your passport with at least six months validity, prove that you have enough money to be able to spend your stay in the country, and the yellow fever vaccination certificate.
Our experience was the following, we arrived at the airport, went to immigration, presented the passport, had it stamped and that was the end of the story.
They did not ask us for information about our economic availability, nor did they ask for the yellow fever certificate, which we did have.
If you have a passport from Spain, or from most of the European Union countries, there is a visa exemption, that is, you do not need a visa to enter the country.
The need for a visa has been eliminated for the following countries: Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Uruguay, Paraguay and Nicaragua.
There is also the option of a tourist visa for the following countries: Canada, United States, Mexico, Puerto Rico and Venezuela
Visa
Northen America, Europe and Aussie people do NOT need a visa to travel for tourism and/or business purposes.
Upon entering the country, the immigration view seals the passport which must have a minimum validity of six months.
At the port of entry, the Panamanian immigration authority may ask for proof that you have the economic resources for your stay; the minimum amount to be proved is 500 US dollars in cash.
You can consult the complete list of entry requirements, types of visas and fees, at the Tourism Authority website.
(http://www.atp.gob.pa/requisitos-de-entrada-panamá)
*** remember: It is the exclusive power of the Panamanian authorities to grant or deny a visa to enter their territory.
Requirements to enter
Passport valid for at least six months at the time of entry and until the date your trip ends.
Evidence of accommodation during your stay.
Family, work or financial ties in the place of origin that will demonstrate your intention to return to your country of origin.
The Panamanian immigration authority may ask you at the port of entry to prove that you have the economic resources for your stay (the minimum amount to be proven is US$500 in cash).
For more information, contact the Panamanian Embassy in Mexico.
You can also refer to the website of the Panama Tourism Authority.
Enrance of Vehicles
The driver must apply to the Customs for a Vehicle Entry Permit, which allows the temporary entry of vehicles of foreign origin into the Republic of Panama.
The requirements are:
- Original and copy of the Vehicle Insurance in force in Panama.
- Original and copy of passport of the main and auxiliary driver.
- Original and copy of the title of ownership of the vehicle, issued by the country of origin.
- Original and copy of notarized authorization of the legal representative, in case the owner of the vehicle is a company or the driver is not the owner of the vehicle
To learn more about the entry of vehicles to Panama
Remember: The Panamanian authorities have the exclusive power to grant or deny entry to a foreign person to its territory, even if he/she has a visa.
If you enter with more than $10,000 USD or its equivalent in other currencies, you must report it to the immigration authorities upon arrival or departure.
Visitors can import up to 500 cigarettes or 50 cigars or 500 grams of tobacco as well as three bottles of alcohol.
If you have a doctor’s prescription, it is possible to import medicine into Panama for a period of up to 90 days.
The entry of firearms, tear gas and pepper spray is prohibited.
Foodstuffs derived from animals, flowers, fruits and vegetables may only be imported with a certificate issued by the Department of Agriculture of the country of origin.
For more information, you can refer to the website of the National Customs Authority of Panama (http://www.panamatramita.gob.pa/institucion/autoridad-nacional-de-aduanas)
In case of exceeding the 6 months of permitted stay in Panama, a fine of $50 will be applied.
Laws and Customs
Drug trafficking and transfer is a serious crime punishable by 80 to 100 months in prison without bail.
Driving while intoxicated or under the influence of drugs can result in your arrest and imprisonment, depending on where you are.
It is recommended that you always carry your passport with you, as Panamanian authorities may charge a fine of up to US$10 to tourists who do not carry this document in case of a search.
Visitors who wish to drive a rented car can do so by presenting their valid driver’s license or an international driver’s license.
Seat belts are mandatory when traveling by car.
I see that we can’t bring pepper spray but can I bring my flashlight that has a built in stun gun? Going soon with 2 other women and would feel better having something for protection. Do you have any other suggestions? Also, does that mean that we each should have $500 in cash while we come into the country? We are visiting for 5 days.
Hi Elena !
In Panama or in other Latin American countries, by following some simple rules, you can easily avoid this kind of trouble:
1. Always carry your papers in an inside pocket, like a flat fanny pack
2. Always divide your money: a part in the hotel, some emergency bills in the fanny pack, and a wallet that you will be ready to drop without having lost too much.
3. Always check in at hotels before 5pm. Never arrive at night.
4. At night, never go out with valuables, and take a cab.
This is only valid in the big cities. In the countryside, there is generally no insecurity.
Lastly, it is always recommended to have cash when arriving in a foreign country. However, you have dollar ATMs in Panama, so this should not be a problem.
Happy trip !