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The Tourist Visa is a formal visa that must be applied for by people from those countries that do not have permission to enter with a simple tourist card. This visa allows temporary entry into the Republic of Panama for a term not exceeding ninety (90) days, provided that the foreigners comply with the requirements of these regulations and without prejudice to the provisions of the international agreements ratified by Panama and the principles of reciprocity.
As an expert immigration law firm, Legalia Panama makes available to you all the available options and the application process to obtain a permanent residence visa in Panama.
The Tourist Visa is a permit that allows foreigners to enter Panama for a period of up to 90 days for recreational or vacation purposes. Some countries do not require a visa to enter Panama, but others must apply for it at their consulates.
The need for a visa depends on your nationality. Citizens of countries with visa waiver agreements can enter Panama with only their passport. However, if you are from a country that requires a visa, you will need to apply for it before your trip.
Immigration Classification for Visas
Visa Authorized: Cuba, Haiti, Suriname
Stamped Visa: Dominican Republic.
Stamped Visa or Tourist Card: Antigua and Barbuda, Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Canada, Dominica, United States, Grenada, Guyana, Jamaica, Mexico, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Trinidad and Tobago, Venezuela.
Visa Authorized: Albania.
Visa authorized: Afghanistan, Azerbaijan, Bahrain, Bangladesh, People’s Republic of China, India, Indonesia, Iran, Iraq, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Laos, Lebanon, Myanmar, Nepal, Oman, Pakistan, Philippines, People’s People’s Representative Republic of Korea, Sri Lanka, Syria, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, Yemen.
Stamped Visa: Fiji: Marshall Islands, Kiribati Solomon Islands, Micronesia, Nauru, Palau, Papua New Guinea, Western Samoa, Tonga, Tuvalu, Vanuatu.
Stamped Visa or Tourist Card: Australia, New Zealand.
Visa Authorized: Algeria, Benin, Burkina, Faso, Burundi, Chad, Côte d’Ivoire, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Djibouti, Eritrea, Egypt, Ethiopia, Gambia, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Kenya, Lesotho, Liberia, Libya, Mali, Mauritania, Morocco, Mozambique, Namibia, Niger, Nigeria, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Rwanda, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Somalia, Sudan, South Africa, Tanzania, Tunisia, Uganda, Zambia.
Stamped Visa: Angola, Botswana, Cameroon, Cape Verde, Central African Republic, Gabon, Ghana, Comoros Islands, Madagascar, Malawi, Mauritius, Republic of the Congo, Sao Tome and Principe, Seychelles, Swaziland, Tongo, Zimbabwe.
America
Visa Authorized: Cuba, Haiti, Suriname
Stamped Visa: Dominican Republic.
Stamped Visa or Tourist Card: Antigua and Barbuda, Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Canada, Dominica, United States, Grenada, Guyana, Jamaica, Mexico, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Trinidad and Tobago, Venezuela.
Europe
Visa Authorized: Albania.
Asia
Visa authorized: Afghanistan, Azerbaijan, Bahrain, Bangladesh, People’s Republic of China, India, Indonesia, Iran, Iraq, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Laos, Lebanon, Myanmar, Nepal, Oman, Pakistan, Philippines, People’s People’s Representative Republic of Korea, Sri Lanka, Syria, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, Yemen.
Oceania
Stamped Visa: Fiji: Marshall Islands, Kiribati Solomon Islands, Micronesia, Nauru, Palau, Papua New Guinea, Western Samoa, Tonga, Tuvalu, Vanuatu.
Visa Stamped or Tourist Card: Australia, New Zealand.
Africa
Visa Authorized: Algeria, Benin, Burkina, Faso, Burundi, Chad, Côte d’Ivoire, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Djibouti, Eritrea, Egypt, Ethiopia, Gambia, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Kenya, Lesotho, Liberia, Libya, Mali, Mauritania, Morocco, Mozambique, Namibia, Niger, Nigeria, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Rwanda, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Somalia, Sudan, South Africa, Tanzania, Tunisia, Uganda, Zambia.
Stamped Visa: Angola, Botswana, Cameroon, Cape Verde, Gabon, Ghana, Comoros Islands, Madagascar, Malawi, Mauritius, Republic of the Congo, Sao Tome and Principe, Seychelles, Swaziland, Tongo, Zimbabwe.
In Panama, there are two common types of visas for foreigners who wish to enter the country: the authorized visa and the stamped visa. Here we explain the main differences between the two:
The authorized visa is required for citizens of certain countries who, due to security reasons or immigration policies, need prior authorization from the National Migration Service of Panama. This approval process is done before the applicant can enter the country. Once approved, the visa is stamped in the passport at the Panamanian consulate in the applicant’s home country. This type of visa is more rigorous, as it involves a detailed review by the Panamanian immigration authorities(
On the other hand, the stamped visa is a simpler option for citizens of countries that do not require prior authorization. In this case, the Panamanian consulate in the applicant’s country of origin has the power to approve and stamp the visa directly in the passport, without the need for intervention by the Directorate of Migration in Panama. This visa is commonly granted to citizens of countries that do not present high migratory risks(
Below is the list of countries that need a tourist visa for Panama
1. Application Form
Complete the visa application form provided by the Panamanian consulate or embassy.
2. Passport
Original passport with a minimum validity of six (6) months from the date of entry into Panama.
Complete copy of passport, including all pages, especially those with entry and exit stamps.
3. Photographs
Three (3) passport-size photographs (2×2), from the front, without hats or glasses.
4. Proof of Economic Solvency
Demonstrate sufficient economic solvency to cover expenses during the stay in Panama. This can be tested in the following ways:
Bank statements with available balances.
Traveler’s checks.
Bank certification.
Credit card with your statement.
Proof of salary or income statement.
5. Return Ticket
Reservation of return ticket or departure ticket from Panama, confirmed by the airline.
6. Accommodation Booking
Proof of accommodation, such as a confirmed hotel reservation or invitation letter from a Panamanian resident (if applicable).
7. Letter of Invitation (if applicable)
If a citizen or resident of Panama is sponsoring the applicant, a letter of invitation with a copy of the inviting person’s identity document, along with their address and proof of economic solvency, is required.
8. Migration Fee
Payment of the corresponding fees:
$50 USD for the tourist visa process.
Proof of payment in favor of the National Treasury of Panama or National Migration Service.
9. Travel Insurance (if applicable)
Some embassies may require you to present international travel insurance to cover medical expenses during your stay in Panama.
10. Criminal Record Certificate (in some cases)
Depending on the country of origin, some applicants must submit an apostilled criminal record certificate , confirming that they have no criminal record.
11. Proof of Vaccinations (if applicable)
Depending on the global health situation or country of origin, it may be necessary to present the vaccination certificate, especially against diseases such as yellow fever.
These requirements may change without notice.
To learn more about our immigration or naturalization services in Panama, or to discuss your specific needs, please do not hesitate to contact us.
The National Migration Service shall issue tourist visas valid for a period not exceeding ninety (90) days, if the foreigners comply with the requirements of these regulations and without prejudice to the provisions of the international agreements ratified by the Republic of Panama and the principles of reciprocity.
Complete the visa application form.
Present the original and complete copy of the passport or travel document with a minimum of three (3) months of validity.
Reservation of the return ticket certified by the issuing airline, by ticket or electronic ticket.
Copy of the identification document or residence card of the country where you have your domicile.
Provide three (3) photographs; when visa applications are submitted abroad, except for the tourist visa filed with the National Migration Service in the Republic of Panama.
Pay for immigration services the sum of fifty balboas (B/.50.00), at the time of presentation to the National Migration Service.
Proof of economic solvency for their maintenance and sustenance according to the term of stay in the country, which may not be less than five hundred balboas (B/.500.00) and will be demonstrated with one of the following options:
Certified check or bank draft made out to the applicant.
Traveler’s checks in the name of the applicant.
Bank certification, with account statement for the last month that reflects available balances.
Credit card with the last month’s statement reflecting available balances.
Work certificate with last salary receipt or accreditation of independent worker, in the case of an employee of a public or private entity.
Document proving the pension or retirement with your proof of payment; if it is a pensioner or retired person.
If you are independent: income tax return for the last tax year.
Bank reference, if you are a merchant.
Letter of responsibility, certification proving the relationship and proof of economic solvency if it is an economically dependent person
Any other option that proves your income and is acceptable to the National Migration Service.
Provide the last permit that was approved by the immigration authority (if applicable).
Confirmed hotel reservation, (if applicable).
Submit, if applicable, a letter of invitation, in which case it may be made by:
Temporary or permanent residents or Panamanians from Panama, attaching the following as the case may be:
Authenticated copy of the national’s personal identity card.
Copy of the general passport and personal identification document of the foreigner.
Copy of the receipt of payment for the provision of public services, stating the location of the residence of the person responsible.
Private entities, attaching the following:
Certification of the Public Registry.
Copy of the Notice of Operations.
Copy of the operation code of the Colon Free Zone (if applicable).
Copy of the receipt of payment for the provision of public services stating the location of the responsible company.
If the previous paragraph is applied, the economic solvency of the person responsible for inviting may be accredited with one of the following documents:
Bank certification
Income tax return with your peace and safety.
Letter of work with last card of the Box of
Social Security in the case of natural persons.
It is important to note that the requirements may vary depending on the country of origin, so it is advisable to check with the nearest Panamanian consulate or embassy before starting the application process.
We specialize in immigration processes and offer personalized and professional advice to ensure a hassle-free experience.
We have a team of lawyers with extensive experience in immigration law and a thorough knowledge of Panamanian regulations.
Our commitment is to provide an efficient service tailored to the individual needs of each client, ensuring your peace of mind and success in the process of obtaining permanent residency in Panama.
