Planning a trip to Panama? Understanding the visa requirements is crucial for a smooth journey. Many nationalities can enter Panama visa-free for tourism purposes, while others may need to obtain a tourist card or a formal visa.
**Visa-Exempt Nationalities (Up to 90-Day Stay):**
Citizens holding passports from the following countries do NOT require a visa for stays 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 those born in Hong Kong or with UK passports issued in Hong Kong).
**Panama Tourist Card (30-Day Stay, Extendable):**
For citizens of certain countries, a Panama Tourist Card serves as an alternative to a traditional visa. This card can be purchased for $5.00 at the departure airport or upon arrival in Panama at the immigration area. The initial card is valid for 30 days. An extension for an additional 60 days may be granted at the discretion of Panamanian immigration authorities.
The following nationalities are eligible to purchase a 30-day tourist card:
Antigua & Barbuda, Aruba, Australia, Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Bermuda, Bolivia, Brazil, Canada, Colombia, Curacao, Ecuador, Greece, Grenada, Guyana, Jamaica, Japan, South Korea (Republic of), 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 Panama Tourist Card:**
If you wish to extend your 30-day tourist card for an additional 60 days, you will need to apply. The application typically requires the following documents:
* A passport valid for at least six months.
* Your original tourist card and two copies of the Panama immigration entry stamp in your passport.
* A round-trip airline ticket or voucher valid for the entire 60-day extension period.
* A notarized letter from a Panamanian citizen or resident sponsoring your visit and accepting responsibility for you. This letter must include a copy of their “cedula” (Panamanian ID).
* Proof of economic solvency, such as bank statements, credit card statements, or tax returns, either from yourself or your Panamanian sponsor.
* Three passport-sized photographs.
**Formal Visa Requirements:**
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 Philippines.