Panama entry requirements for Chile passport holders
Updated weekly · Last reviewed July 3, 2026·View sources
No visa required
90 days
Max stay
90 days
Passport validity
6 months
Beyond entry date
Return ticket
Required
Or onward travel proof
Proof of funds
Recommended
May be checked
Chilean passport holders can enter Panama for tourism or business stays up to 90 days without a visa. As of 2026, you just show up at Tocumen International Airport with your passport and get stamped in. Make sure your passport is valid for at least six months from your arrival date.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Visa requirementYou can enter Panama without applying for a visa in advance. Visa-free entry | Chilean passport holders do not need a visa for Panama for stays up to 90 days. | Not required |
| Passport validityPanama requires your passport to be valid for at least 6 months beyond your arrival date. 6 months beyond stay | Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from the date of entry into Panama. | Required |
| Blank passport pagesImmigration officers need a blank page to stamp your passport upon arrival. At least 1 page | Your passport must have at least 1 blank page for the entry stamp. | Required |
| Return or onward ticketAirlines and immigration may require proof that you plan to leave Panama within the allowed stay. Proof of onward travel | You may be asked to show a return or onward ticket before boarding or at immigration. Although not always enforced, it is strongly recommended. | Recommended |
| Proof of sufficient fundsWhile not a strict requirement, carrying a credit card or some cash can help if questioned. Not formally required | Panama does not have a fixed minimum amount, but you should be able to demonstrate you can support yourself during your stay if asked. | Optional |
| Arrival declarationYou do not need to fill out any arrival form before traveling. Not required | Panama does not require an online arrival declaration for Chilean passport holders. | Not required |
| E-visa applicationYou can enter Panama directly with your passport without any electronic visa. Not applicable | No e-visa is needed for Chilean citizens visiting Panama. | Not required |
No visa needed, but be prepared
Chileans get 90 days visa-free, but immigration officers can still deny entry if they suspect you'll overstay or work illegally. Have your return ticket and accommodation details ready.
Passport validity is strict
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your arrival date. Airlines check this before boarding — if your passport expires sooner, you won't even get on the plane.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at Tocumen International Airport (PTY)
After landing, follow signs to 'Migración' (Immigration). There are two lines: one for Panamanian citizens/residents, one for foreigners. Join the foreigners line.
2
Present your documents at the immigration counter
Hand over your passport and any requested documents (return ticket, accommodation). The officer will scan your passport, ask a couple of questions (purpose of visit, length of stay), and stamp you in.
3
Collect your luggage and proceed to customs
After clearing immigration, grab your bags from the carousel. You may be selected for a random customs inspection. If not, walk through the green 'nothing to declare' channel.
4
Exit the airport
Once through customs, you're free to leave. Taxis and ride-shares are available outside. Keep your entry stamp handy — you'll need it when you leave.
Download Panama Entry Checklist
PDF · Chile Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated July 3, 2026
Overstay calculator
Enter your arrival date and we'll tell you exactly when you need to leave.
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Business visa
Max stay90 days
Validity1 year
Cost$50–$100
For business activities beyond tourism; requires invitation letter.
Multiple-entry visa
Max stay90 days per entry
ValidityUp to 5 years
Cost$100–$200
For frequent travelers; apply at Panamanian embassy.
digital nomad
Panama Digital Nomad Visa
Up to 9 months (renewable for 9 more)
$300 application fee
For remote workers; requires proof of income ($3,000+/month) and health insurance.
Apply via SNM retirement
Panama Pensionado Visa
Permanent residency
Variable
For retirees with lifetime pension ($1,000+/month); includes many discounts.
Apply via SNM Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Extension of stay (up to 90 additional days)Apply at immigration office; fee varies. | $50–$100 |
| Exit fee (departure tax)Usually included in airline ticket; if not, paid at airport. | $40 |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient passport validity30%
Previous overstay in Panama or other countries25%
Lack of onward/return ticket20%
Approval probability calculator
Answer 6 quick questions — we'll estimate how likely you are to be approved for entry based on typical immigration patterns.
Transiting through Panama
No transit visa needed
Chilean passport holders do not need a transit visa for Panama. Airside transit is allowed for up to 12 hours.
Airside transitAllowed up to 12h
Exceptions & conditions
- If leaving the airport transit area, standard visa-free entry applies (90 days).
Transit hubsTocumen International Airport (PTY)
Health & vaccines for Panama
Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired if arriving from a country with yellow fever risk (e.g., Brazil, Colombia).
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis ARecommendedTyphoidRecommendedTetanus-diphtheriaEssentialCOVID-19Recommended
Health risks
DengueModerate risk
Common in urban and rural areas; use mosquito repellent.
ChikungunyaLow risk
Occasional outbreaks.
ZikaLow risk
Pregnant women should take precautions.
Malaria risk: low
Risk exists in Darién Province and some rural areas; prophylaxis recommended for those areas.
Based on CDC and WHO guidance. Consult a travel medicine clinic 4–6 weeks before departure for personalised advice.
Immigration offices for extensions
Panama City
Servicio Nacional de Migración (SNM) – Sede Principal
Avenida Cuba y Avenida Perú, Edificio 2000, Panama City
Mon–Fri 8:00–16:00
David
Servicio Nacional de Migración – Regional Chiriquí
Calle Central, David, Chiriquí Province
Mon–Fri 8:00–16:00
Practical information for CL travellers
Country basics
CapitalPanama City
LanguageSpanish
Driving sideRight-hand traffic
US driving licenceUS visitors can drive with a valid US license for up to 90 days.
Money
CurrencyPanamanian balboa (PAB)
Exchange rate
1 USD = 1 PAB
Time zone
Local timeUTC-5
vs New Yorksame timezone
vs Los Angeles+3h
Electricity
Voltage120V / 60Hz
Plug types
A,BSame as US: two flat pins (Type A) or with grounding (Type B)
✓ No adapter needed for US plugs
Water & health
Tap water
Not safe — use bottled
Tap water is generally not safe to drink; stick to bottled water.
Emergency numbers
Frequently asked questions
No, the visa-free stay is not extendable. You must leave Panama before the 90 days are up. Overstaying can result in fines and future entry issues.
You will likely be denied boarding by the airline or entry by Panamanian immigration. Renew your passport before traveling.
Not if you're arriving directly from Chile. However, if you've recently traveled to a country with yellow fever (e.g., Brazil, Colombia), you may need proof of vaccination. Check current requirements before your trip.
It's risky. Panamanian immigration generally requires a valid passport with at least 6 months validity. Emergency documents are often rejected. Contact the Panamanian embassy in Santiago to confirm.
No, Panama does not require an online arrival declaration for Chilean passport holders. You just fill out the standard immigration card on the plane or at the airport.
You'll be fined. The exact amount depends on how long you overstay, but it's typically around $100–$200. You may also be barred from re-entering Panama for a period. Best to leave on time.
Technically, no — the visa-free entry is for tourism or business meetings, not remote work. However, many digital nomads do it quietly. Panama has a specific 'Short Stay Visa' for remote workers if you want to be fully legal.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on July 3, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.