Panama entry requirements for Iraq 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
Iraqi passport holders must get a visa before traveling to Panama. No visa-on-arrival or visa waiver exists for Iraqi citizens in 2026. Apply at a Panamanian embassy or consulate in advance.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Visa application Apply at Panama National Migration Service | You need a visa before traveling to Panama. Apply through the Panama National Migration Service website. Processing times vary, so submit your application well in advance of your planned departure.Apply for visa | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your stay | Your passport needs at least 6 months of validity remaining from your date of entry into Panama. Airlines check this before boarding, and immigration officers enforce it strictly. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure from Panama | Immigration officers routinely ask for a return or onward ticket showing you'll leave Panama within your authorized stay. Have a printed or digital copy ready. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or invitation letter | Keep a copy of your hotel reservation or a letter of invitation from your host. Officers may ask for it during immigration questioning. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Bank statements or cash | Carry bank statements or enough cash to cover your stay. Immigration may ask to see proof you can support yourself financially while in Panama. | Recommended |
Visa required — no exceptions
Iraqi passport holders cannot enter Panama without a pre-approved visa. There is no visa-on-arrival or e-visa option. Plan ahead and apply well in advance.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for a visa at a Panamanian embassy
Contact the Panamanian embassy or consulate in your region (or the nearest one that handles Iraqi passports). Submit the visa application form, your passport, photos, and supporting documents. Pay the visa fee. Processing can take 2–4 weeks.
2
Book your travel and accommodation
Once your visa is approved, book your flight to Tocumen International Airport (PTY) in Panama City. Reserve your first night's accommodation and print or save the confirmation.
3
Arrive at Panama immigration
At Tocumen Airport, join the immigration queue for foreign visitors. Present your passport with the visa sticker, return ticket, and accommodation proof if asked. The officer may ask about your plans — answer clearly. You'll receive a stamp allowing entry.
Download Panama Entry Checklist
PDF · Iraq 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
Cost$50 USD
Standard tourist visa for single entry.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay90 days per entry
Validity6 months from issue
Cost$75 USD
Allows multiple entries within validity.
Long-stay visa (Pensionado)
Max stayIndefinite (renewable annually)
Validity1 year initially
Cost$250 USD (approx.)
For retirees with permanent income; requires proof of pension.
retirement visa
Pensionado Visa (Retirement Visa)
1 year, renewable annually
$250 USD initial fee
For retirees with a lifetime pension of at least $1,000 USD/month. Offers permanent residency path and discounts on services.
investor visa
Investor Visa (Visa de Inversionista)
2 years, renewable
$5,000 USD minimum investment
For those investing at least $160,000 USD in real estate or a business. Leads to permanent residency after 2 years.
work visa
Work Visa (Visa de Trabajo)
1 year, renewable
$300 USD (approx.)
Requires a job offer from a Panamanian employer. Employer must sponsor and handle paperwork.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Tourist visa (single entry)Standard fee for single-entry tourist visa. | $50 USD (approx. $50 USD) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)Allows multiple entries within validity period. | $75 USD (approx. $75 USD) |
| Overstay fine per dayPenalty for overstaying visa-free or visa period. | $100 USD per day (max $1,000 USD) |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds proof30%
No return ticket25%
Suspicious travel pattern20%
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
Iraqi passport holders need a transit visa to change planes in Panama, even if staying airside.
Exceptions & conditions
- Holders of a valid US, Canada, Australia, Japan, South Korea, 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)Essential
Health risks
DengueModerate risk
Mosquito-borne disease present in urban and rural areas; use repellent.
ChikungunyaLow risk
Occasional outbreaks; same mosquito prevention as dengue.
ZikaLow risk
Risk is low but pregnant women should take precautions.
Malaria risk: low
Low risk in rural areas near borders; prophylaxis not routinely recommended for urban travel.
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)
Avenida Ricardo J. Alfaro, Edificio 2000, Panama City
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00
Main office for visa extensions and permits. Bring all original documents.
David
Oficina Regional de Migración de David
Calle 3ra, David, Chiriquí
Mon–Fri 08:00–15:00
Regional office for western Panama; less crowded.
Practical information for IQ 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 Iraqi citizens. You must obtain a visa from a Panamanian embassy or consulate before traveling.
Processing typically takes 2 to 4 weeks, but can vary by embassy. Apply at least 4 weeks before your planned departure to be safe.
You'll need a valid passport (6+ months validity), completed visa application form, passport-sized photos, return flight booking, hotel reservation or invitation letter, bank statements, and travel insurance. Some embassies may ask for additional documents.
Visa fees vary by embassy and visa type. Expect to pay around $50 to $100 USD. Check with the specific embassy for the exact amount.
Extensions are not available for tourist visa holders. You must leave before your visa expires. Overstaying can result in fines or future entry bans.
Panama does not require yellow fever vaccination for travelers from Iraq. However, if you've recently visited a country with yellow fever, you may need proof. Check current health requirements before travel.
You will be denied entry and sent back on the next available flight. Airlines also check visa requirements before boarding, so you won't be allowed to fly without a valid visa.
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.