Visitor & short-stay visas
Panamanian Tourist Entry (Visa-Free Short Stay)
For nationals of many countries who visit Panama for tourism, family visits or business meetings, allowing visa-exempt entry on arrival without applying beforehand.
Expert reviewed Official guidance referenced
Under review — check current rules
Length of stay (90 days general / 180 days US-Canada) and passport-validity minimum are drawn from secondary sources and were not confirmed on a live migracion.gob.pa page; verify the current visa-exempt list and permitted stay against the SNM decree.
Important information
Immigration rules and fees can change. This information is for general guidance only and does not constitute legal advice. Always check the latest requirements on the official Panama government website before you apply.
- Official name
- Entrada en calidad de turista (visa-exempt short stay)
- Route type
- Non-resident / tourist entry
- Purpose
- Tourism, family visits, short business meetings
- Length of stay
- Short-stay permit set by SNM per nationality
- Commonly reported as up to 90 days for most nationalities and up to 180 days for US and Canadian citizens; confirm against the current SNM decree.
- Passport validity
- Valid passport required
- A minimum validity (commonly cited as 3 months) is required; confirm the current rule with SNM.
Who it is for
- Nationals of countries on Panama's visa-exempt list travelling for tourism
- Visitors coming for short family visits or short business meetings (not paid work)
- Travellers in transit who meet entry conditions
Requirements
- Passport valid for the required minimum period
- Belong to a nationality that is visa-exempt (or hold the required authorised/consular visa if not)
- Onward or return travel as requested by immigration officers
- Proof of economic solvency for the stay if requested
- No immigration bar or prior overstay issues
What you can do
- Stay for the period stamped on entry for tourism or visiting
- Attend meetings and short business activities that are not paid local employment
- Apply, in some cases, to extend the stay or change immigration category from inside Panama
How to apply
- If visa-exempt, no advance application is needed; the permit is granted on arrival
- If your nationality needs an authorised or consular tourist visa, apply before travelling
- Present passport, onward travel and any requested proof of funds to the immigration officer
Official sources
For the most accurate and up-to-date information, always refer to the official government sources.
Verified against official gov.uk sources · last reviewed 2026-08-21. Information only — not legal advice.