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Country Guide > Central America > Panama


Passport/Visa

 Passport Required?Visa Required?Return Ticket Required?
BritishYes1Yes
AustralianYes2Yes
CanadianYes2Yes
USAYes2Yes
OtherEUYes1/2/3Yes
JapaneseYes2Yes


Note
(a) No brief account of the complex Panamanian visa regulations is likely to be fully successful as passport and visa regulations are liable to change at short notice.
(b) Panamanian immigration procedures are rigidly enforced and non-compliance with the regulations may result in transportation at carrier’s expense to country of origin.
(c) Many nationals requiring visas also require authorisation from the Immigration Authorities in Panama before entry.


Passports
Passport valid for a minimum of six months required by all.

Visas
Required by all except the following for stays of up to 90 days (at the discretion of the Immigration Authorities):
1. nationals of Argentina, Austria, Belgium, Chile, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Finland, France, Germany, Guatemala, Honduras, Hungary, Israel, Italy, Luxembourg, Liechtenstein, The Netherlands, Nicaragua, Paraguay, Poland, Portugal, Singapore, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Uruguay and the UK (except for UK passports issued in Hong Kong (SAR) to those who were born in Hong Kong).


Note
2. Nationals of Cyprus, Czech Republic, Dominican Republic, Egypt, Peru and The Philippines may only enter Panama if they have a visa.

Tourist cards
A Tourist Card will be issued in lieu of a visa to the following for stays of up to 30 days (extendable to 90 days at the discretion of the Immigration Authorities):
3. nationals of Antigua & Barbuda, Aruba, Australia, The Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Bermuda, Bolivia, Brazil, Canada, Colombia, Curacao, Ecuador, Greece, Grenada, Guyana, Jamaica, Japan, Korea (Rep), Malta, Mexico, Monaco, New Zealand, Norway, St Kitts & Nevis, St Lucia, St Vincent & the Grenadines, Samoa, San Marino, São Tomé & Príncipe, Sweden, Surinam, Taiwan, Trinidad & Tobago, USA, Vatican City and Venezuela.


Types of visa and cost
Tourist: £20. Tourist Card: Prices vary, depending on nationality and also on where the Tourist Card is obtained from (eg prior to departure, on the flight or upon arrival at the airport). Some nationals can obtain the Tourist Card free of charge (including nationals of Colombia, Mexico, Norway, Sweden and the USA). Enquire at the Consulate for details.

Cost of Visa Conversion Table
£10US$18
£20US$36
£30US$55
£40US$73
£50US$91
£60US$109
£70US$127
£80US$146
£90US$164
£100US$182
£110US$200
£120US$218
£130US$236
£140US$255
£150US$273


Validity
Visas and Tourist Cards are valid within a three-month period from the date of issue and allow stays for up to 30 days (extendable to 90 days at discretion of Immigration Authorities).

Application to
Consulate (or Consular section at Embassy); see Contact Addresses section. A Tourist Card can be issued either by the travel agent or on the flight or at the airport.

Application requirements
(a) Passport valid for at least six months. (b) Two completed application forms. (c) Two passport-size photos. (d) Booking reservation. For countries requiring special authorisation: (a)-(c) and, (d) Copies of passport. (e) Copy of return or onward ticket. (f) Letter from the person in Panama taking responsibility for applicant. (g) Proof of financial stability in cash, traveller’s cheques or bank statements (at least US$500). (h) Fee, plus postage if necessary.

Working days required
Normally 24 hours if no authorisation is needed; 20 days if authorisation (which depends on nationality) is needed.


   
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