Panama entry requirements for Algeria passport holders
Updated weekly · Last reviewed June 28, 2026·View sources
Visa required
Max stay
No fixed limit
Passport validity
6 months
Beyond entry date
Return ticket
Required
Or onward travel proof
Proof of funds
Recommended
May be checked
Algerian passport holders need a visa to enter Panama in 2026. You must apply for and receive approval before you travel — there is no visa-on-arrival option for Algerian nationals. Plan ahead, as processing can take several weeks.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Visa application Apply for a visa at the nearest Panamanian embassy or consulate | Algerian passport holders need a visa before traveling to Panama. Submit your application at the Panamanian embassy or consulate in your country of residence. Processing times vary, so apply at least 4 weeks before your departure.Visit Migration Service | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for the duration of your stay | Your passport must be valid for at least the entire period you plan to stay in Panama. Airlines and immigration officers check this at check-in and upon arrival. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure from Panama | Immigration officers at Tocumen International Airport routinely ask for a confirmed return or onward ticket. Have a printed copy or a digital version on your phone ready to show. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or invitation letter | Have a hotel reservation or a letter of invitation from your host in Panama. Immigration may ask for it to confirm where you'll be staying. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can support yourself during your stay | Carry bank statements, a credit card, or cash to demonstrate you have at least $500 USD for your trip. Officers occasionally ask for this at entry. | Recommended |
Visa required — apply early
Panama does not offer visa on arrival for Algerian passport holders. You must get a visa from a Panamanian embassy before you fly. Start the process at least 6 weeks before your trip to avoid last-minute stress.
Passport validity counts from entry date
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from the day you arrive in Panama, not from when you leave. If it expires sooner, renew it first.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for a visa at a Panamanian embassy
Contact the Panamanian embassy in Algiers (or the nearest consulate if none in Algeria). Submit the visa application form, your passport, passport photos, flight itinerary, hotel booking, bank statements, and any other documents they request. Pay the visa fee (typically $50–$100). Wait for processing — this can take 2 to 6 weeks.
2
Receive your visa approval
Once approved, you'll get a visa sticker in your passport or an electronic authorization. Double-check the validity dates and the number of entries allowed.
3
Prepare for arrival at Tocumen International Airport (PTY)
Have your passport, visa, return ticket, and hotel booking ready. You'll go through immigration — the officer will stamp your passport and may ask about your plans. Answer clearly. Keep your documents accessible, not buried in your bag.
4
Collect your luggage and exit
After immigration, pick up your bags from the carousel and proceed through customs. If you have nothing to declare, use the green channel.
Download Panama Entry Checklist
PDF · Algeria Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated June 28, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Tourist visa (single entry)
Max stay90 days
Validity3 months from issue date
Cost$50 USD (approx.)
Standard single-entry visa for tourism.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay90 days per entry
Validity6 months from issue date
Cost$75 USD (approx.)
Allows multiple entries within validity period.
Long-stay visa
Max stay1 year
Validity1 year from issue date
Cost$200 USD (approx.)
For longer stays, requires proof of income or investment.
retirement visa
Pensionado Visa
1 year, renewable
~$200 USD (approx.)
For retirees with a lifetime pension of at least $1,000 USD per month. Offers discounts on services.
investor visa
Investor Visa
1 year, renewable
~$500 USD (approx.)
For investors who invest at least $300,000 USD in Panama. Requires proof of investment.
work visa
Work Visa
1 year, renewable
~$300 USD (approx.)
For those with a job offer from a Panamanian company. Requires employer sponsorship.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Tourist visa (single entry)Fee for a single-entry tourist visa for Panama. | $50 USD (approx.) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)Fee for a multiple-entry tourist visa for Panama. | $75 USD (approx.) |
| Stay extension feeFee for extending stay beyond initial visa period. | $20 USD (approx.) |
| Overstay fine per dayFine for each day of overstay, with a maximum cap of $1,000 USD. | $100 USD (approx.) |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds30%
No return ticket25%
Incomplete documents20%
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
Transit visa required
Algerian passport holders require a transit visa to change planes in Panama, even if staying airside.
Exceptions & conditions
- Holders of a valid US, Canada, UK, or Schengen visa may transit without a visa for up to 12 hours.
Transit hubsTocumen International Airport (PTY)
Health & vaccines for Panama
Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired if arriving from a country with risk of yellow fever transmission.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidRecommendedRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio)EssentialRabiesConsider
Health risks
DengueModerate risk
Mosquito-borne disease present in urban and rural areas.
ChikungunyaLow risk
Mosquito-borne disease with sporadic outbreaks.
ZikaLow risk
Mosquito-borne disease; pregnant women should take precautions.
Malaria risk: low
Low risk in rural areas of Darien and San Blas; prophylaxis not routinely recommended for most travelers.
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
Avenida Ricardo J. Alfaro, Edificio 2000, Panama City
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00
Main office for visa extensions and immigration matters.
David
Oficina Regional de Migración
Calle 3ra, Edificio 123, David, Chiriquí
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00
Regional office for western Panama.
Practical information for DZ 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. Panama does not offer visa on arrival for Algerian nationals. You must obtain a visa from a Panamanian embassy or consulate before you travel.
Processing typically takes 2 to 6 weeks. Start the application at least a month and a half before your planned departure. Some embassies may take longer depending on workload.
Visa fees vary by embassy but generally range from $50 to $100 USD. Check with the specific embassy or consulate where you apply for the exact amount.
You'll typically need: a valid passport (6+ months validity), completed visa application form, passport-sized photos, flight itinerary, hotel booking, bank statements (last 3–6 months), and sometimes a letter of invitation or employment letter. Requirements can vary — contact the embassy for the exact list.
Extensions are not generally available for visa holders. The visa will specify the allowed stay period — usually up to 90 days. Overstaying can result in fines or future entry bans.
Panama has an embassy in Algiers. If you're outside Algiers, check if there's a consulate in your region. Alternatively, you may apply at a Panamanian embassy in a neighboring country, but that's more complicated.
Panama does not require yellow fever vaccination for travelers from Algeria. However, if you've recently been in a country with yellow fever, you may need proof of vaccination. Check current health requirements before travel.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on June 28, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.