Is it safe to travel to Panama right now?

This information is for people travelling on a full ‘British citizen’ passport from the UK. It is based on the UK government’s understanding of Panama’s current rules for the most common types of travel.

The authorities in Panama set and enforce entry rules. If you’re not sure how these requirements apply to you, contact the Embassy and Consulate of Panama in the UK.

Passport validity requirements

If you are visiting Panama, your passport must have an ‘expiry date’ at least 6 months after the day you plan to leave Panama.

If you live in Panama, your passport must have an ‘expiry date’ at least 6 months after the day you arrive.

Your passport must have at least one blank page.

Check with your travel provider that your passport and other travel documents meet requirements. Renew your passport if you need to.

You will be denied entry if you do not have a valid travel document or try to use a passport that has been reported lost or stolen.

Dual nationals

When returning to the UK, British citizens must carry a valid British passport or certificate of entitlement. See Dual citizenship.

Checks at border control

Make sure you get your passport stamped.

Make sure immigration officials stamp your passport with the date you arrived in the country.

At Panamanian border control, you may need to:

• give the address of your accommodation and a contact telephone number
• show a return or onward ticket – particularly if you arrive by land from Costa Rica and are not a legal resident of Costa Rica
• prove you have at least 1000 US dollars (or the same amount in other currencies) or a credit card

Visa requirements

You can visit Panama for up to 3 months without a visa if you arrive by land or air. There are different visa requirements for sea arrivals.

You cannot normally extend your stay, unless you apply to change your immigration status (for example, for business purposes or marriage) within the 3 months.

If you try to extend your stay by visiting a neighbouring country and returning to Panama, immigration officials may detain you. The British Embassy cannot intervene in decisions made by Panama’s immigration officials.

If you arrive by sea

If you arrive on a vessel that is not a cruise ship, you must have a visa to enter Panama. You must pay a fee of 100 US dollars, plus 5 US dollars registration, for each passenger or crew member. There may be other fees, for example for cruising permits. Check in advance what permits you will need and how to get them.

If you arrive on a cruise ship or are travelling through the Panama Canal, you do not need a visa unless you are staying in Panama for more than 3 months. Immigration authorities will stamp your passport if you leave the ship. They do not board cruise ships travelling through the Canal to check passports.

Applying for a visa

If you need a visa, apply through the Embassy and Consulate of Panama in the UK. They can give you more information on entry requirements.

For information on extending your stay, check with the Panama National Migration Service (in Spanish).

Airport tax

There is a charge of 40 US dollars on departure. This is usually included in the price of your ticket. Check with your airline.

Vaccine requirements

To enter Panama, you must have a certificate to prove you’ve had a yellow fever vaccination if you’re coming from a country listed as a transmission risk.

For full details about medical entry requirements and recommended vaccinations, see TravelHealthPro’s Panama guide.

Customs rules

There are strict rules about goods you can take into or out of Panama. You must declare anything that may be prohibited or subject to tax or duty.

Some countries have imposed measures in response to the Ebola disease outbreak. These can include restrictions on entry and health screening measures for travellers having recently visited an affected country. If you are suspected of having symptoms, you may be subject to isolation, quarantine and/or travel restrictions. Contact the authorities of the country you are travelling to for more details.

The authorities of a country or territory decide who can enter or exit through its borders. The Government of Canada cannot intervene on your behalf if you do not meet your destination’s entry or exit requirements.

We have obtained the information on this page from local authorities. It can, however, change at any time.

Verify this information with the Foreign Representatives in Canada.

Passport

Entry requirements vary depending on the type of passport you're travelling with.

Before you travel, check with your transportation company about passport requirements. Its rules on passport validity may be more stringent than the country's entry rules.

Regular Canadian passport

Your passport must be valid for at least 3 months beyond the date you expect to leave Panama.

Passport for official travel

Different entry rules may apply.

Official travel

Passport with “X” gender identifier

While the Government of Canada issues passports with an “X” gender identifier, it cannot guarantee your entry or transit through other countries. You might face entry restrictions in countries that do not recognize the “X” gender identifier. Before you leave, verify this information with the closest foreign representative for your destination.

You should also be aware that current systems used by some countries and travel companies may not recognize the “X” gender identifier. You may still be asked to provide your sex/gender information as either male or female when travelling.

Other travel documents

Different entry rules may apply when travelling with a temporary passport or an emergency travel document. Before you leave, verify this information with the closest foreign representative for your destination.

Useful links

• Travel and your sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression and sex characteristics
• Foreign Representatives in Canada
• Canadian passports and other travel documents

Visas

Tourist visa: not required for stays up to 180 days
Business visa: required
Student visa: required

Length of stay

If you wish to stay in the country for more than 180 days, you must change your residency status.

To renew your stay as a tourist, you must exit Panama for at least 30 days. Immigration authorities may deny you re-entry if you try to renew your stay in Panama by travelling out of the country for a short period of time and returning as a tourist.

Panama National Immigration Service (in Spanish)

Coiba Island

You need a permit from Panama’s National Authority for the Environment to access Coiba National Park. Contact your tour operator to obtain it.

Criminal record

You may be refused entry to Panama, even for transit purposes, if you have a criminal record.

Other requirements

Entry stamp

You must obtain an entry stamp from immigration officials upon entry into Panama. You may be fined US$1,000 if you fail to do so.

Exit or onward ticket

Immigration officials may ask you to show them a return or onward ticket and proof of sufficient funds to cover your stay.

Biometrics

You must register your biometrics (fingerprints and facial scan) at the port of entry.

Cash or credit card

You are required to have the equivalent of US$500 or a credit card when entering Panama.

Children and travel

Learn about travelling with children.

Yellow fever

Learn about potential entry requirements related to yellow fever (vaccines section).