INFORMATION ON MIGRATION
According to the migration policy of Panama, the National Migration Service classifies foreigners in 3 categories: those who do not require a visa, those who do and those who require either a visa or a tourist card to enter the country. It should be noted that foreigners from Asia and Africa have to request their visa far in advance.
Visa
It is the authorization granted to a citizen to enter the national territory as non-resident alien for a certain time and requested by those citizens of countries that, according to their migration policies, require prior authorization from the National Migration Service to enter the country. This authorization is requested from their respective countries (at the Consulate of Panama in their country) or through an attorney who resides in Panama. Applicants must meet all requirements under the migration policy and, if the visa is approved, the Consulate of Panama in that country will be informed and authorized to stamp the visa in the passport for travel purposes. The alien should specify whether he or she is asking for a tourist visa (in this case, the period of stay) or intends to reside, and the Migration authorities decide whether or not to grant the visa and the period of stay in Panama.
Tourist card
People from countries allowed to enter Panama with a tourist card do not need a visa. They just have to purchase a tourist card at the airline for an amount of US$ 5.00, fill in the requested information and submit it with their passport upon arrival to Panama.
If the person belongs to a country allowed to enter Panama with visa or tourist card, then he or she has two valid options to choose from: to apply for a visa to the Panamanian Consulate or purchase a tourist card at the airline or upon arrival. If the person belongs to a country allowed to enter Panama only with visa, he or she should apply for a visa to the Panamanian Consulate in advance.
Migration selection Countries that do NOT require a visa to enter Panama
Argentina
Bolivia
Brazil
Chile
Colombia
Costa Rica
El Salvador
Guatemala
Honduras
Nicaragua
Paraguay
Uruguay
Countries that require visa or tourist card to enter Panama
Bahamas
Barbados
Belize
Grenada
Guyana
Jamaica
Mexico
Trinidad and Tobago
Venezuela
Countries that require visa to enter Panama
Cuba
Ecuador
Haiti
Peru
Dominican Republic
Suriname
In all cases, applicants should also meet other requirements to enter Panama (economic solvency, passport valid for a minimum of six months and return ticket).
For detailed information on requirements to enter Panama, visit the link http://www.migracion.gob.pa
