Facts About Panama

Visa and Passport uirements for Visiting Panama

Visas and Passports

All travelers to Panama require a passport that is valid for six months beyond the intended stay in Panama, with the exception of US nationals with proof of US citizenship and photographic identification.

A tourist card is issued for certain nationals (listed below) which is provided in lieu of a visa, nationals not listed must obtain a visa.

Nationals eligible for a Tourist Card:
 
 Antigua & Barbuda, Aruba, Australia, Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Bermuda,
Bolivia, Brazil, Canada, Colombia, Curacao, Ecuador, Greece, Grenada,
Guyana, Jamaica, Japan, Malta, Mexico, Monaco, New Zealand, Norway, Republic of (South) Korea, St Kitts & Nevis, St Lucia, St Vincent & the Grenadines, Samoa, San Marino, São Tomé & Principe, Suriname, Taiwan, Trinidad & Tobago, United States, Venezuela, and Vatican City.

 The duration for the validity of the Tourist Card is 30 days, and the
documentation required for the application process includes:
- Valid passport, or proof of citizenship of one of the countries listed
- Statutory fee, dependent on country, some of which are exempt.

The Tourist card can be obtained at the airport on departure or arrival in Panama or in flight.

The Tourist Visa

This is normally issued for a period of 30 days within a three month period from date of issue, and can be extended for an additional 60 days while in Panama. All travelers, who do not qualify for the Tourist Card must apply for the Tourist Visa, with the exception of the following nationalities pertaining to stays for up to 90 days:

 Argentina, Austria, Belgium, Chile, Costa Rica, Czech Republic, Cyprus,
Dominican Republic, Egypt, El Salvador, Finland, France, Germany, Guatemala, Honduras, Hungary, Israel, Italy, Luxembourg, Liechtenstein, Netherlands, Nicaragua, Paraguay, Peru, Philippines, Poland, Portugal, Singapore, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Uruguay, and the United Kingdom.

The duration of the Tourist Visa is for 30 days and documentation required are:
- Completed Application form;
- 1 passport sized photo;
- Proof of sufficient funds;
- Return ticker or proof of onward travel;
- Statutory fee, dependent on nationality.
- An AIDS test is required for those adjusting length of stay whilst in Panama.

Restrictions

The Immigration laws and regulations of Panama are strictly enforced and any failure to comply with the regulations will inevitably result in forced return to the country of residence at the expense of the carrier. Any prior forced removals will require special authorization from the Panamanian Immigration Authorities, enquiries to the local embassy or consulate would be suggested.

The issuance of a visa as well as the duration thereof and the cost is dependent upon the nationality of the applicant. A variety of factors are taken into account in issuing a visa to Panama, and the best route to follow is to ascertain the exact requirements and fees at the closest Panamanian Consulate or Embassy.

Immunization

There are no required immunizations when traveling to Panama, however the Hepatitis A and B, typhoid, tetanus-diphtheria, measles, chickenpox immunizations are suggested. In addition to this a Yellow fever vaccination is recommended for all travelers over the age of one years old, and traveling outside of the urban areas of Panama.

Duty Free Items

Tobacco, in the form of 500 cigarettes, 50 cigars or 500gr of tobacco are permitted.
Alcohol – 3 bottles.
Perfume and eau de cologne in opened bottles are permitted for personal use.

Prohibited Items

Explosives
Narcotics
Fruit, vegetables and animal products.
Departure Formalities

In the event of staying in Panama in excess of 30 days, an exit permit is required. This permit known as the Paz y Salvo form is issued by the Treasury Ministry and is passed to immigration for attachment to your passport on exit. The exit stamp is valid for one week and an exit tax of $20 must be paid upon exit.

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