Planning a trip to Panama? Understanding the visa requirements is crucial for a smooth journey. This guide clarifies who needs a visa, who can enter visa-free, and the Panama Tourist Card option.
**Visa-Free Entry (Up to 90 Days)**
Citizens holding passports from the following countries can enter Panama without a visa for stays of up to 90 days:
Argentina, Austria, Belgium, Chile, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Finland, France, Germany, Guatemala, Honduras, Hungary, Israel, Italy, Luxembourg, Liechtenstein, Netherlands, Nicaragua, Paraguay, Poland, Portugal, Singapore, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Uruguay, and the United Kingdom (excluding individuals born in Hong Kong or holding UK passports issued in Hong Kong).
**Panama Tourist Card**
For passport holders from other eligible countries, the Panama Tourist Card serves as an alternative to a traditional visa. It can be purchased for $5.00 at your departure airport or upon arrival in Panama at the immigration area. This card allows a 30-day stay, with the possibility of a 60-day extension at the discretion of immigration authorities.
The following countries are eligible for the 30-day tourist card:
Antigua & Barbuda, Aruba, Australia, Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Bermuda, Bolivia, Brazil, Canada, Colombia, Curacao, Ecuador, Greece, Grenada, Guyana, Jamaica, Japan, Korea (Republic), Malta, Mexico, Monaco, New Zealand, Norway, St. Kitts & Nevis, St. Lucia, St. Vincent & the Grenadines, Samoa, San Marino, Sao Tome & Principe, Suriname, Taiwan, Trinidad & Tobago, USA, Venezuela, and Vatican City.
**Extending Your Tourist Card**
If you wish to extend your stay beyond 30 days, a 60-day extension of the tourist card may be possible. The application process typically involves:
* A passport valid for at least six months.
* Your Tourist Card and two copies of the Panama immigration stamp in your passport.
* A return airplane ticket or voucher valid for at least the sixty-day extension period.
* A notarized letter from a Panama citizen or resident sponsoring your visit and assuming responsibility for you, along with a copy of their Cedula (Panamanian ID).
* Documentation proving economic solvency, such as bank statements, credit card statements, or tax returns of either the tourist or the Panamanian sponsor.
* Three passport-sized photographs.
**Formal Panama Visa Required**
Citizens of the following countries must obtain a formal visa from a Panamanian embassy or consulate before traveling to Panama:
Czech Republic, Cyprus, Dominican Republic, Egypt, Peru, and the Philippines.