Panama Visa & Documentation

Passport Requirements

Passport Validity

Your passport must be valid for at least three (3) months beyond your date of entry into Panama. We strongly advise you to check your passport’s expiration date immediately. As a best practice for all international travel, we recommend ensuring your passport has at least six months of validity remaining from your planned date of entry.

Blank Pages

Ensure you have at least one completely blank page in your passport. This is required for the Panamanian immigration authorities to place your entry stamp.

Panama Visa Policy: Do You Need a Visa?

Visa-Exempt Nationalities

Citizens of many countries do not require a visa for tourist stays of up to 180 days. This includes passport holders from:

• United States of America
• Canada
• United Kingdom
• European Union member states
• Australia
• New Zealand

CRITICAL: This list is not exhaustive and immigration policies can change without notice. It is your responsibility to verify the most current requirements. Please consult the official Panamanian immigration authority website for the definitive list.

• Official Panamanian National Immigration Service

Nationalities Requiring a Visa

If your nationality is not on the visa-exempt list, you must secure a visa before your arrival in Panama. There are generally two types: a “Stamped Visa” (Visa Estampada), which is affixed in your passport, and an “Authorized Visa” (Visa Autorizada), which requires pre-approval from immigration authorities in Panama and typically has a much longer processing time. Please contact the nearest Panamanian Embassy or Consulate in your country of residence well in advance of your trip to determine the correct procedure and application requirements.

Official Government Resources

For the most accurate and up-to-date information, always refer to official sources:

• Servicio Nacional de Migración (National Immigration Service of Panama)
• Directory of Panamanian Embassies and Consulates Worldwide

Entry Requirements Checklist (For All Travelers)

Please have the following documents readily accessible to present to the immigration officer upon your arrival at the airport in Panama.

1. Valid Passport

Your passport must meet the validity and blank page requirements as detailed in the section above.

2. Proof of Onward or Return Travel

You must possess a confirmed ticket for travel out of Panama within the 180-day period permitted for tourists. This can be a flight, bus, or boat ticket. Please be aware that this is a strictly enforced requirement. Airlines will check for this documentation at your departure airport and may deny boarding if you cannot produce it.

3. Proof of Economic Solvency

You must be prepared to demonstrate that you have sufficient funds for your stay. The official minimum requirement is the equivalent of $500 USD per person. While this is not always checked, you must be ready to show proof if asked. Acceptable forms of proof include:

• Cash (USD)
• A recent bank statement showing a sufficient balance
• A major credit card (the officer may ask to see the physical card)

Documentation for Minors (If Traveling with Children)

Traveling with Both Parents

Each child must travel with their own valid passport. We also highly recommend carrying a copy of each child’s birth certificate as a supplementary form of identification and proof of parentage.

Traveling with Only One Parent, Guardian, or Adult

To comply with international regulations aimed at preventing child abduction, specific documentation is mandatory in this situation. The importance of these documents cannot be overstated. You must carry:

• A notarized letter of consent from the non-traveling parent or parents. This letter must be in Spanish or accompanied by a certified Spanish translation. It should clearly state the child’s full name, the traveling parent’s full name, the specific travel dates, and grant explicit permission for the trip to Panama.
• A clear copy of the non-traveling parent’s passport (photo page) or other government-issued photo ID.
• If applicable, an original or certified copy of a death certificate or a court order granting you sole legal custody.

Carrying and Protecting Your Documents

During Your Trip

Upon entering Panama, your passport will be stamped. This entry stamp is your proof of legal entry and indicates the date you must exit the country. We recommend you keep your original passport, airline tickets, and other valuable documents in a secure location, such as your hotel room safe.

For daily activities and excursions, it is best to carry a high-quality color photocopy or a clear digital photo on your phone of your passport’s main photo page and the page with your Panama entry stamp. For most routine identification purposes (e.g., at shops or tourist sites), this is generally sufficient. Please note, however, that you may be required to present your original passport for domestic flights, official government business, or large financial transactions.

In Case of Loss or Theft

If your passport is lost or stolen, take the following steps immediately:

1. Go to the nearest police station to file a report (known as “una denuncia”). Obtain a copy of this report.
2. Contact your country’s embassy or consulate in Panama without delay. They will guide you through the process of obtaining an emergency travel document to allow you to return home.

We strongly advise that before your trip, you save the address, phone number, and emergency contact details for your embassy. Keep this information in multiple, separate places, such as in your phone’s contacts and also emailed to yourself, so it is accessible even if your passport and wallet are lost.