Panama, with its stunning beaches, vibrant culture, and strategic location, attracts thousands of visitors each year. Whether you want to explore the Panama Canal, relax in Bocas del Toro, or visit family, you may need a tourist visa to enter the country—especially if you are traveling from countries in Africa, Asia, or other regions with entry restrictions.
As a law firm with over 15 years of experience in Panamanian immigration law, we have successfully guided hundreds of clients through the Panama tourist visa application process, even from countries with higher visa requirements.
This comprehensive 2025 guide explains:
Updated Panama tourist visa requirements
Step-by-step application process
Processing times & costs
How to extend your stay
Mistakes to avoid
Tips for quick approval
Our professional legal services to ensure a smooth application
A Panama Tourist Visa is an official permit issued by the Panamanian government allowing foreign citizens to enter the country for a short stay, usually up to 90 days.
It is intended for purposes such as:
Recreational tourism (beaches, cultural sites, shopping)
Visiting family or friends
Attending unpaid business meetings
Participating in cultural, religious, or artistic events
Exploring potential investment or business opportunities (without paid work)
Important: This visa does not allow you to work or receive payment in Panama. If your visit involves paid work, you must apply for a different visa category.
Panama has visa-free agreements with many countries, including most of Europe and the Americas. However, citizens of many African and Asian countries require a visa.
Common examples of countries that require a Panama tourist visa:
India
China
Nigeria
Pakistan
Ghana
South Africa (depending on passport type)
Our firm has successfully obtained tourist visas for clients from these and other countries, even when local restrictions make the process more complex.
While requirements may vary slightly by country, in 2025 the general documentation includes:
We will prepare this document for you.
Must be printed on legal paper 8.5 x 13 inches, signed, and apostilled with the Hague Apostille.
Send the original to our office along with other documents.
Provided by our firm.
Must be completed accurately to avoid rejection.
Must be valid for at least 3 months after your intended entry date.
Provide original plus a full photocopy of all pages.
National ID or residence permit (if applying from a country where you are not a citizen).
Must be valid for 3–4 months and show return or onward travel.
Recent, color, white background.
USD $50, payable to the Government of Panama.
Recent bank statement
Credit card statement showing available balance
Pension or retirement payment letter
Employment certificate plus recent pay stub
Our attorneys will check each document for compliance before submission.
From the date we submit your complete file to immigration, the average processing time is 1 to 2 months.
We recommend starting at least 2–3 months before your planned travel date to allow time for:
Apostille services in your country
International document shipping to Panama
Review and corrections before submission
Applying from abroad requires a licensed Panamanian attorney. Here’s how our law firm manages the process:
Initial Consultation & Case Evaluation
We review your nationality, travel plans, and personal circumstances to confirm eligibility.
Document Preparation
We provide Power of Attorney and Official Application Form.
We guide you through obtaining apostilles, translations (if needed), and certified copies.
Submission of Originals
You send your physical documents to our Panama office via secure courier.
Formal Filing with Immigration Authorities
Our attorneys handle all communication and submission directly in Panama.
Follow-Up & Updates
We track your file daily and update you regularly.
Visa Approval Notification
Once approved, we guide you on visa stamping and entry procedures.
If you’re already in Panama and want to stay longer, you can request an extension before your current visa expires.
Requirements for extension:
Valid reason for longer stay (family visit, tourism, health reasons)
Updated proof of financial means
Payment of extension fee
Application through a Panamanian attorney
Extensions are usually granted for an additional 30–60 days, depending on your case.
Applying on your own can be confusing, especially with changing immigration regulations. By hiring our experienced legal team, you get:
Up-to-date legal knowledge – we track every change in Panama’s immigration rules.
Higher approval rates – our application error rate is extremely low.
Time savings – we manage all paperwork and filings.
Representation in Panama – you don’t need to travel to file your application.
Experience with complex cases – including applicants from high-restriction countries.
With a Panama tourist visa, you can legally engage in:
Recreational travel to beaches, mountains, and national parks
Visiting family (must show proof of relationship)
Attending official invitations from Panamanian institutions
Participating in unpaid business meetings or negotiations
Attending religious, cultural, or artistic events
No paid work allowed
No long-term residency rights – for that, you need a residency permit
Must leave Panama before visa expiry (unless extended)
Gather all documents before starting the process
Apostille every required document correctly
Check passport validity (minimum 3 months after travel date)
Don’t wait until the last minute
Use an attorney experienced in Panama immigration law
Currently, no mandatory vaccinations are required for most tourists. However:
If you are traveling from a yellow fever risk country, proof of vaccination may be required.
If you are from a country in active conflict or under strict travel bans, a tourist visa may not be the best option. Our law firm also assists with:
Humanitarian visas
Residency by protection status
Family reunification processes
The Panama Canal – engineering marvel connecting two oceans
Casco Viejo (Old Town) – colonial charm and vibrant nightlife
Bocas del Toro – Caribbean paradise
San Blas Islands – home to the Guna Yala indigenous community
Volcán Barú – hike to Panama’s highest point
Playa Blanca – popular Pacific beach destination
Coiba National Park – UNESCO World Heritage Site
1. How much does the Panama tourist visa cost?
Government fee: $50 USD. Our legal service fee is provided upon consultation.
2. Can I work in Panama on a tourist visa?
No, paid work is not permitted.
3. Can I enter Panama without a visa?
This depends on your nationality. Contact us to check.
4. How long can I stay in Panama on a tourist visa?
Usually up to 90 days, with possible extension.
5. How long does approval take?
1–2 months after full submission.
The Panama tourist visa is your gateway to exploring one of Latin America’s most dynamic and beautiful countries. With our law firm’s experience, you can enjoy a fast, secure, and stress-free process from anywhere in the world.
Contact us now for a consultation and start your journey to Panama today.
