(a) No brief account of the complex Panamanian visa regulations is likely to be fully successful as passport and visa regulations are liable to change at short notice. (b) Panamanian immigration procedures are rigidly enforced and non-compliance with the regulations may result in transportation at carrier’s expense to country of origin. (c) Many nationals requiring visas also require authorisation from the Immigration Authorities in Panama before entry.

Passport valid for a minimum of six months required by all.

Required by all except the following for stays of up to 90 days (at the discretion of the Immigration Authorities):
(a) 1. nationals of the EU and the UK (except for UK passports issued in Hong Kong (SAR) to those who were born in Hong Kong);
(b) nationals of Andorra, Argentina, Brazil, Bolivia, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Iceland, Israel, Liechtenstein, Monaco, Norway, Korea (Rep), Korea (Dem Rep), Nicaragua, Paraguay, San Marino, Singapore, Switzerland, Uruguay and the Vatican City.

A Tourist Card will be issued in lieu of a visa to the following for stays of up to 30 days (extendable to 90 days at the discretion of the Immigration Authorities):
2. nationals of Antigua & Barbuda, Aruba, Australia, The Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Bermuda, Canada, Curacao, Dominica, Grenada, Guyana, Jamaica, Japan, Mexico, New Zealand, St Kitts & Nevis, St Lucia, St Vincent & the Grenadines, Thailand, Taiwan (China), Trinidad & Tobago, USA and Venezuela.

Tourist: £30. Tourist Card: Prices vary, depending on nationality and also on where the Tourist Card is obtained from (eg prior to departure, on the flight or upon arrival at the airport). Some nationals can obtain the Tourist Card free of charge (including nationals of Mexico and the USA). Enquire at the Consulate for details.

Visas and Tourist Cards are valid within a three-month period from the date of issue and allow stays for up to 30 days (extendable to 90 days at discretion of Immigration Authorities).

Consulate (or Consular section at Embassy); see Top Things To Do. A Tourist Card can be issued either by the travel agent or on the flight or at the airport.

(a) Passport valid for at least six months. (b) Two completed application forms. (c) Two passport-size photos. (d) Booking reservation. For countries requiring special authorisation: (a)-(c) and, (d) Copies of passport. (e) Copy of return or onward ticket. (f) Letter from the person in Panama taking responsibility for applicant. (g) Proof of financial stability in cash, traveller’s cheques or bank statements (at least US$500). (h) Fee, plus postage if necessary.

Normally 24 hours if no authorisation is needed; up to 40 days if authorisation (which depends on nationality) is needed.

Embassy of the Republic of Panamá in the UK
Panama House, 40 Hertford Street, London W1J 7SH, UK
Tel: (020) 7493 4646.
Opening hours: Mon-Fri 1000-1700.
Consular Section: Tel: (020) 7409 2255.
Website: www.panaconsul.com
Opening hours: Mon-Fri 0930-1730.
Can also deal with tourism enquiries.

Embassy of the Republic of Panamá in the USA
2862 McGill Terrace, NW, Washington, DC 20008, USA
Tel: (202) 483 1407.
Website: www.embassyofpanama.org