Panama - Visa RequirementsPanama - Visa Requirements
U.S. citizens may enter Panama with a passport that does not expire for at least three months from the date of entry and a return airline ticket. They are automatically authorized to stay in the country for 180 days as a tourist. The 180-day period is nonrenewable. There is no tourist card requirement. Travelers should be ready to show that they are carrying “sufficient funds,” which is $500 or travelers’ checks. Travelers are not often asked and sometimes a credit card or display of wealth is enough, but failure to show funds if asked can result in refusal of entry. There are visas available to businesspersons wishing to spend extended periods of time in Panama:
There is a $40 departure tax on leaving the country. This charge is usually built into the return fare of the airline ticket.
U.S. Citizens are subject to Panamanian law when visiting Panama and penalties for possession, use, and trafficking in illegal drugs are severe.
If you plan to bring representatives or technicians to the U.S. for training, you should be aware that Panamanian nationals need a valid visa. Visa applicants should go to the following link: http://panama.usembassy.gov/non-immigrant_visas.html.
U.S. Companies that require travel of foreign businesspersons from Panama to the U.S. should be advised that visa issuance is managed by the U.S. Department of State’s Consular Section rather than the U.S. Department of Commerce. Visa applicants should go to the following links:
U.S. Companies that require travel of foreign businesspersons to the United States should be advised that security evaluations are handled via an interagency process. Visa applicants should go to the following links.
State Department Visa Website: http://travel.state.gov/visa/
U.S. Embassy Panama, Consular Section: http://panama.usembassy.gov/visas.html
Prepared by our U.S. Embassies abroad. With its network of 108 offices across the United States and in more than 75 countries, the U.S. Commercial Service of the U.S. Department of Commerce utilizes its global presence and international marketing expertise to help U.S. companies sell their products and services worldwide. Locate the U.S. Commercial Service trade specialist in the U.S. nearest you by visiting http://export.gov/usoffices.
- Inversionista (Investor): A minimum of $160,000 must be invested in setting up a company in Panama with a minimum of five Panamanian employees in its payroll, and $1,050 must be deposited in advance ($800 with the National Immigration Service and $250 with the National Treasury).
- Permiso Temporal (Temporary Permit): For executives transferred from an overseas office to work in Panama temporarily or technicians working with a company in Panama for a limited time. Executives must prove their income will come from outside of Panama. Foreign technicians shall not exceed 15% of the employees of the company. The visa is valid for one year and is renewable up for six years.
- Visa Corta Estancia Por Negocios (Short Stay Business Visa): For businesspersons coming to Panama for the purpose of setting up a branch office of a foreign company in Panama. The visa is valid for up to nine months and is nonrenewable.
- Permiso de Residencia para Nacionales de Paises con relaciones amistosas, económicas y de inversion con la República de Panamá (Friendly Nations Residency Permit). The U.S. is included in the friendly nations list. This residency status is granted to individuals coming to Panama with the purpose of pursuing commercial or professional activities in Panama. Once approved, this permit grants an indefinite residency in Panama. Applicants must show a bank account with approximately $5,000 or more and proof of a commercial or professional activity.
There is a $40 departure tax on leaving the country. This charge is usually built into the return fare of the airline ticket.
U.S. Citizens are subject to Panamanian law when visiting Panama and penalties for possession, use, and trafficking in illegal drugs are severe.
If you plan to bring representatives or technicians to the U.S. for training, you should be aware that Panamanian nationals need a valid visa. Visa applicants should go to the following link: http://panama.usembassy.gov/non-immigrant_visas.html.
U.S. Companies that require travel of foreign businesspersons from Panama to the U.S. should be advised that visa issuance is managed by the U.S. Department of State’s Consular Section rather than the U.S. Department of Commerce. Visa applicants should go to the following links:
- Panamanian Embassy in Washington, DC: www.embassyofpanama.org
- State Department Visa Website: http://travel.state.gov/visa/
- Panama U.S. Consular Section Website: http://www.panama.usembassy.gov
U.S. Companies that require travel of foreign businesspersons to the United States should be advised that security evaluations are handled via an interagency process. Visa applicants should go to the following links.
State Department Visa Website: http://travel.state.gov/visa/
U.S. Embassy Panama, Consular Section: http://panama.usembassy.gov/visas.html
Prepared by our U.S. Embassies abroad. With its network of 108 offices across the United States and in more than 75 countries, the U.S. Commercial Service of the U.S. Department of Commerce utilizes its global presence and international marketing expertise to help U.S. companies sell their products and services worldwide. Locate the U.S. Commercial Service trade specialist in the U.S. nearest you by visiting http://export.gov/usoffices.