🇵🇦Panama Visa 2026: Entry Requirements
Central America· Updated 10/10/2026
Do you need a visa for Panama?
It depends on your passport. Out of 196 nationalities documented by IziVisas, 115 enter Panama visa-free and 81 must apply at a consulate before travelling.
Visa-free
115
nationalities
Consular visa
81
nationalities
Check the rule for your nationality
Pick your passport for the exact 2026 rule: fee, processing time, allowed stay and documents.
- 🇬🇧United Kingdom
- 🇺🇸United States
- 🇳🇬Nigeria
- 🇬🇭Ghana
- 🇮🇳India
- 🇵🇰Pakistan
- 🇰🇪Kenya
- 🇺🇬Uganda
- 🇿🇦South Africa
- 🇵🇭Philippines
- 🇨🇦Canada
- 🇦🇺Australia
- All nationalities
Data updated on · Official source
Rules by nationality cross-checked against the official list (panamaconsulatehk.com), read on .
Pick your nationality to see the rule
Indicative information, drawn from official sources and Wikipedia, and updated automatically. Rules change: confirm with the embassy or the official portal before booking. Our methodology · Official portal
Panama visa requirements by nationality
The entry regime Panama applies to the passports most often checked on IziVisas. Open a row for the fee, the processing time, the documents and the allowed stay of that exact route.
- EcuadorVisa-freeStay: 90 days
- SpainVisa-freeStay: 90 days
- United StatesVisa-freeStay: 180 days
- ItalyVisa-freeStay: 90 days
- CanadaVisa-freeStay: 180 days
- ColombiaVisa-freeStay: 90 days
- GuineaVisa required
- SenegalVisa required
- Côte d'IvoireVisa required
- CameroonVisa required
- MoroccoVisa required
- AlgeriaVisa required
- TunisiaVisa required
- TogoVisa required
- BeninVisa required
- Burkina FasoVisa required
- NigeriaVisa required
- MaliVisa required
- Democratic Republic of the CongoVisa required
- CongoVisa required
Panama visa types, fees and processing times
Every visa category Panama publishes, with the official fee, the allowed stay and the processing time when the source states them. Eligibility depends on your nationality: open your route for the rule that applies to your passport.
| Visa | Category | Allowed stay | Official fee | Processing time | Entries | Official source |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Short-stay (tourism) | Short stay | Portal | ||||
| Business visa | Business | 180 days | 100 USD | 15 business days | Multiple | Portal |
| Friendly Nations visa | Long stay | 2 years | 1,050 USD | 60 business days | Multiple | Portal |
| Short-Stay Remote Worker visa | Work | 9 months (renewable) | 300 USD | 30 business days | Multiple | Portal |
| Family Reunification | Family | 2 years | 250-1,050 USD | 60 business days | Portal | |
| Pensionado visa (retiree) | Retirement | Indefinite | 1,050 USD | 60 business days | Multiple | Portal |
| Qualified Investor visa | Investor | 5 years (then permanent) | 10,000 USD | 30 business days | Multiple | Portal |
Visas
Visas from this country
Tours and activities (GetYourGuide)
Book excursions ahead, with free cancellation on most activities.
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Information
Capital
Panama City
Population
4,580,000
Currency
Panamanian Balboa (PAB B/.)
Languages
Spanish, English
Continent
Central America
Calling code
+507
Timezone
America/Panama
Area
75,420 km²
Government
Presidential Republic
National day
November 3 - Independence Day
Internet domain
.pa
About
Panama is a Central American country located on the isthmus connecting North and South America. It is globally known for the Panama Canal, a strategic waterway linking the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. The country has a diversified economy with an important financial sector and a multicultural population.
Nomad Insurance travel cover (SafetyWing)
Medical cover and repatriation, can be taken out mid-trip.
Partner link: IziVisas earns a commission if you buy, at no extra cost to you.
Safety
Risk areas
Crime(Medium)
- Avoid nighttime travel outside tourist areas
- Do not display signs of wealth (jewelry, expensive electronics)
- Use official taxis or trusted transport services
- Remain vigilant in shopping areas and public transportation
Terrorism(Low)
- No major terrorist threat identified
- Stay informed about local news
Transport
- Use official taxis with meters or authorized transport services
- Avoid public transportation late at night
- Follow traffic rules
Natural risks(Moderate risks including earthquakes, tropical storms, and seasonal floods)
- Familiarize yourself with evacuation procedures in case of an earthquake
- Follow weather alerts during storm season (May to November)
- Have an emergency plan and reserves of water and food
Health(Adequate healthcare system in urban areas. Panama is committed to increasing healthcare spending by over 11 million dollars. Private medical facilities are of good quality in Panama City.)
- Yellow fever vaccination recommended
- Prevention against dengue and Zika (use mosquito repellents)
- Obtain international health insurance
- Consult a doctor before travel for recommended vaccinations
- Tap water generally safe in main urban areas
Practical tips
- Register your contact details with your embassy
- Keep copies of important documents
- Keep emergency numbers handy
- Avoid protests and political gatherings
- Respect local laws, especially regarding drugs
Accommodation (Hotels.com)
Hotels and other stays, with a free-cancellation filter.
Partner link: IziVisas earns a commission if you buy, at no extra cost to you.
Cost of living
Accommodation
Food
Transport
Leisure
Health
Others
Indicative prices in USD in Panama City · estimated in October 2026
eSIM data (Saily)
Stay connected on landing, with no roaming charges. Requires an eSIM-compatible phone.
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Practical information
Electricity
Emergency numbers
Practical information
Right
Safe in main urban areas
10-15% at restaurants, optional but appreciated
Tours and activities (GetYourGuide)
Book excursions ahead, with free cancellation on most activities.
Partner link: IziVisas earns a commission if you buy, at no extra cost to you.
Photos
Panama
Davis Sánchez
Panama
Luis Quintero
Panama
Luis Quintero
Panama
Luis Quintero
Panama
Eliécer Gómez
Panama
Esdras Jaimes
Panama
Luis Quintero
Panama
Casey Casey
Panama
K
Panama
Bruno Storchi Bergmann
Panama
Luis Quintero
Panama
Krzysztof Biernat
Panama
Alex wolf mx
Panama
Alex wolf mx
Panama
Luis Quintero
Panama
ZaetaFlow Sec
Panama
Thilina Alagiyawanna
Panama
Lachcim Kejarko
Panama
Quang Le Xuan
Panama
Lenin Ramos
Plan your trip
Tours and activities (GetYourGuide)
Book excursions ahead, with free cancellation on most activities.
Nomad Insurance travel cover (SafetyWing)
Medical cover and repatriation, can be taken out mid-trip.
eSIM data (Saily)
Stay connected on landing, with no roaming charges. Requires an eSIM-compatible phone.
Accommodation (Hotels.com)
Hotels and other stays, with a free-cancellation filter.
Partner links, we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Guides to prepare your trip
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Schengen Visa Travel Insurance: The 3 Official Criteria and the Pitfalls (2026)
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Visa Refusal: The 10 Most Common Reasons and How to Avoid Them
Funds, home ties, insurance, inconsistencies… The 10 most common visa refusal reasons, how to avoid them, and your appeal options region by…
Frequently asked questions
Do you need a visa to travel to Panama?▾
It depends on your passport. IziVisas documents the entry regime for Panama across 196 nationalities: 115 visa-free, 81 with a consular visa. Pick yours for the exact rule, with documents, fees and processing times.
Check by my nationality →How much does a Panama visa cost?▾
Fees vary by visa type and nationality. The lowest published official fee is 100 USD (Business visa). These are government fees only, providers and visa application centres add their own service charge.
Is it dangerous to travel to Panama?▾
The overall risk level is currently rated "Moderate to high risk in certain areas. Panama recorded 12 homicides per 100,000 inhabitants in 2023. Major tourist areas are generally safe, but some neighborhoods in Panama City and border zones pose higher risks.". See the Safety tab on this page for details by topic (crime, transport, health, areas to avoid) and practical tips.
What currency is used in Panama?▾
The official currency is Panamanian Balboa (PAB B/.). See sample prices (accommodation, meals, transport) in the cost of living section above.
What is the capital of Panama?▾
The capital of Panama is Panama City. The main spoken languages are: Spanish, English.
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