Panama visa process

Panama visa process

Roxana Acosta Sosa02 June 20211458 views7 min. read
Panama visa process

In this post, we will tell you everything you need to know about how to get Panama visa to enjoy one of the most fascinating countries in Central America.

We are not lying to you if we tell you that Panama is very beautiful, indeed, for many tourists, it far exceeds the expectations they had for the country. The jungle, the beaches, nature, culture and gastronomy, it has it all.

It is a relatively small country, so to travel to Panama and enjoy it is much easier than in countries where the distances are enormous. So let’s get started!

What are the Panama Visa Free Countries?

embassy of panama

It is quite likely that you are wondering what you need to be able to get a tourist visa to enter Panama. Well, depending on your country of origin, the entry requirements will be different.

Next, you will find the Panama visa free countries list:

  • Andorra
  • Angola
  • Antigua and Barbuda
  • Argentina
  • Australia
  • Austria
  • Bahamas
  • Barbados
  • Belarus
  • Belgium
  • Belize
  • Bhutan
  • Bolivia
  • Bosnia and Herzegovina
  • Botswana
  • Brazil
  • Brunei Darussalam
  • Bulgaria
  • Cambodia
  • Canada
  • Cape Verde
  • chili
  • Colombia
  • Comoros
  • Costa Rica
  • Croatia
  • Cyprus
  • Czech republic
  • Denmark
  • Dominica
  • Ecuador
  • El Salvador
  • Estonia
  • Fiji
  • Finland
  • France
  • Gabon
  • Georgia
  • Germany
  • Greece
  • Grenada
  • Guatemala
  • Guyana
  • Honduras
  • Hong Kong
  • Hungary
  • Iceland
  • Ireland
  • Israel
  • Italy
  • Jamaica
  • Japan
  • Kenya
  • Kiribati
  • Kuwait
  • Latvia
  • Liechtenstein
  • Lithuania
  • Luxembourg
  • Madagascar
  • Malaysia
  • Maldives
  • Malta
  • Marshall Islands
  • Mauritius
  • Mexico
  • Micronesia
  • Moldova
  • Monaco
  • Mongolia
  • Montenegro
  • Namibia
  • Nauru
  • Netherlands
  • New zealand
  • Nicaragua
  • North Macedonia
  • Norway
  • Palau
  • Papua new guinea
  • Paraguay
  • Peru
  • Poland
  • Portugal
  • Qatar
  • Romania
  • Russia
  • Saint Kitts and Nevis
  • Saint Lucia
  • Samoa
  • San Marino
  • Sao Tome and Principe
  • Saudi Arabia
  • Serbia
  • Seychelles
  • Singapore
  • Slovakia
  • Slovenia
  • Solomon Islands
  • South Africa
  • South Korea
  • Spain
  • Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
  • Sweden
  • Switzerland
  • Taiwan
  • Thailand
  • Tonga
  • Trinidad and Tobago
  • Turkey
  • Tuvalu
  • Ukraine
  • United Arab Emirates
  • United Kingdom
  • United States of America
  • Uruguay
  • Vanuatu
  • Holy See (Vatican)
  • Vietnam

Of course, if you have any doubts, go to the Panamanian embassy or consulate in your country.

Still, even if you do not need a tourist visa to enter to the country, nor a Panama visa application form, you will have to have on hand the following documents to show at the airport:

  • Valid passport: All travelers who wish to enter Panama must carry a valid passport with more than three months of validity. The Panamanian authorities are very strict in complying with this requirement and systematically expel foreigners who try to enter the country with a passport valid for less than three months. Likewise, it is required that the passport book be in good condition, without any deterioration, since otherwise entry into the country will not be allowed
  • Return ticket and documents to enter another destination country (if you plan to visit another country)
  • Financial solvency: prove it, among other means, by means of a bank solvency letter from a bank stating that you have a balance of at least $ 500

What are The Requirements for The Panama Visa?

visa application form

If your country of origin is not on the list above, then you will need to apply for a tourist visa to enter the country. So the Panama visa requirements are:

  • Complete the Panama visa application form
  • Present original and complete copy of passport with a minimum of three months of validity
  • Air reservation verified with roundtrip tickets or electronic ticket
  • Copy of the identification document or residence card of the country where you have your domicile
  • Provide three passport-size photos with a white background
  • Pay for immigration services to the National Immigration Service
  • Proof of economic solvency for your support according to the days of stay in the country, which may not be less than $500
  • Confirmed hotel reservation or in case of having family or friends who invite you and take responsibility, with the exception of public entities, they must prove economic solvency in an invitation letter and proof of it
  • Affidavit of who invites
  • In case of being a minor, complete the Registry of National or Resident Minors visa application form

How much is Panama visa fee? The tourist visa costs $50 but is subject to change depending on the country of your residence.

How to get Panama visa? You must go to the Embassy of Panama in your country (by appointment) with the mentioned documents, including proof of the visa payment. Also, the duration tourist visa will depend on your country of origin.

Vaccinations Needed to Travel to Panama

covid vaccine

Although it does not appear as Panama visa requirements, it is important to note that depending on the areas of the country you want to visit, you will have to get some vaccinations.

If you are going to travel to the province of Guna Yala to enjoy the San Blas archipelago, the Panama Canal, the province of Darien or the province of Colon, you should get the yellow fever vaccine.

Other vaccines that are recommended to travel to Panama are hepatitis A and B, triple viral, tetanus-diphtheria, typhoid fever. And if you are also going to be close to the borders of Colombia and Costa Rica, the malaria vaccine is recommended.

Keep in mind that the yellow fever vaccine should be given at least ten days before your trip. And of course, take with you the card/certificate that indicates that it has been administered to you.

On the other hand, in case you want to apply to obtain a Panama residency visa, then we will provide you with such information below.

What is a Temporary Residence Permit?

items for trip passport

In case you need to apply for Panama visa to become a resident, you will need to meet a series of requirements, but first, let’s explain what is a temporary residence permit?

Panama residency visa or temporary residence permit is understood as the permission that the government grants to a foreigner to stay in the country for a certain time, either for study, work, religious services or family issues. The maximum time of said permit is 6 years and how much is Panama visa fee for a temporary residence permit? The fee will depend on the reason of your application.

Where to Apply for a Temporary Residence Permit?

residence permit

If you are wondering where to apply for the temporary residence permit, then you should go to the Panama Migration Department. It means that you have to be in the country to apply for Panama visa (temporary residence permit) for at least 15 days. In addition, you must stay in the country because it is possible that the immigration of Panama has your passport in their possession for a couple of business days to affix the corresponding stamps.

  • Address: Vía Ricardo J. Alfaro, Tumba Muerto, al lado de 3M
  • Telephone: +507 507-1800
  • It is open from Monday to Friday from 8:00 am to 4:00 pm

Among the main Visas or Temporary Resident Permits in Panama you have the following:

  • Visa for Personnel Hired by Companies under the Marrakesh Agreement
  • Visa for Foreign Personnel Hired by Private Companies within 10% of Ordinary Personnel
  • Visa or Temporary Permit for Foreign Personnel Hired as Expert or Technician within 15% of Specialized Personnel
  • Visa or Temporary Permit as Personnel Hired as Executives of International Companies, whose functions take effect abroad
  • Temporary Resident Dependents' Visa or Permit

What are The Covid-19 Protocols to Enter Panama Today?

covid vaccination record book

Upon arrival in the country, you must show your certificate proving that the PCR test for Covid-19 is negative with a maximum of forty-eight hours prior to entering the country. This test must be performed by laboratories certified by the Ministry of Health of Panama or the health authority of the country of origin.

If it is not possible to present a test within the established period, a fast COVID-19 test must be carried out at the airport (approximate waiting time of 30 minutes), which will be done by your own, prior to their passage through migration (approximate value of $50).

On the other hand, if you present a COVID test with more than 48 hours, a fast test will be mandatory, which will be done on your own, prior to your passage through migration as well.

If you want to read more, please check the Panama policy visa in Pickvisa.com

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