Panama entry requirements for Kenya 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
Kenyan passport holders need a visa to enter Panama in 2026. Apply for a tourist visa at a Panamanian embassy or consulate before you travel — there is no visa-on-arrival or e-visa option for Kenyan citizens.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Visa application Apply at Panama embassy or consulate | Kenya passport holders need a visa before traveling to Panama. Submit your application at the nearest Panama embassy or consulate — there is no eVisa option. Processing takes 5–10 business days, so apply at least 3 weeks before your flight.Check visa requirements | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for the duration of stay | Your passport must be valid for at least the length of your stay in Panama. Airlines at JKIA check this before boarding — if your passport expires sooner, you will be denied boarding. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Required for entry | Immigration officers at Tocumen International Airport always ask for a return or onward ticket. Have a printed copy or show it on your phone — they scan the barcode to verify it is a real booking. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Recommended to carry | Hotel booking confirmations or a letter of invitation from your host in Panama speed up the immigration process. Officers rarely ask, but having it ready avoids delays. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Recommended to carry | Carry bank statements or a credit card showing you can cover your stay. Panama does not publish a minimum amount, but $500 USD for a week is a safe benchmark. | Recommended |
Apply well in advance
Panamanian visa processing can take weeks, and embassy appointments may be limited. Start the process at least a month before your trip to avoid last-minute stress.
No visa-free entry for Kenyans
Kenya is not on Panama's visa-waiver list. Even if you have a valid US or Schengen visa, you still need a separate Panamanian visa. Don't assume otherwise.
What happens at the border
1
Contact the Panamanian embassy
Find the nearest Panamanian embassy or consulate in your region (e.g., in Nairobi or a neighboring country). Call or email to confirm the exact application process, fees, and appointment availability — requirements can vary slightly by embassy.
2
Prepare your documents
Gather your passport, completed application form, passport photos, flight itinerary, hotel booking, bank statements, and any other documents the embassy requests. Make copies of everything.
3
Attend the visa interview
Go to the embassy in person with all your documents. The officer will review your application, ask about your travel plans, and collect the visa fee. Processing can take a few days to a couple of weeks.
4
Collect your visa
Once approved, you'll get a visa sticker in your passport. Check the validity dates and any conditions (like single or multiple entry).
5
Arrive in Panama
At Tocumen International Airport (PTY) in Panama City, proceed to immigration. Have your passport with visa, return ticket, and hotel booking ready. The officer may ask about your plans — answer clearly. You'll typically get a stamp allowing a stay up to the visa's validity.
Download Panama Entry Checklist
PDF · Kenya 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 (approx. 6,500 KES)
Standard option for tourism; must apply before travel.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay90 days per entry
Validity1 year from issue
Cost$75 USD (approx. 9,750 KES)
Ideal for frequent travellers; allows multiple visits.
Long-stay visa (pensionado visa)
Max stayIndefinite (renewable annually)
Validity1 year initially
Cost~$250 USD (approx. 32,500 KES) plus fees
For retirees with permanent income; requires proof of pension.
retirement visa
Pensionado Visa (Retirement Visa)
1 year, renewable annually
~$250 USD initial fee (approx. 32,500 KES)
For retirees with a permanent pension of at least $1,000 USD/month. Offers permanent residency after 2 years and discounts on services.
digital nomad visa
Short-Term Stay Visa for Remote Workers
Up to 9 months (non-renewable)
~$300 USD (approx. 39,000 KES)
For remote workers with proof of income. Allows stay without work permit; must apply from abroad.
investor visa
Investor Visa (Visa de Inversionista)
2 years, renewable
~$5,000 USD (approx. 650,000 KES) plus investment
Requires investment of at least $300,000 USD in real estate or business. Leads to permanent residency.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Tourist visa (single entry)Required for Kenyan passport holders; apply at Panamanian embassy. | $50 USD (approx. 6,500 KES) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)Allows multiple entries within validity period. | $75 USD (approx. 9,750 KES) |
| Overstay fine per dayNo maximum cap reported; avoid overstaying. | $100 USD per day (approx. 13,000 KES) |
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
Kenyan passport holders need 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 48 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 (e.g., Kenya).
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidRecommendedRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio)EssentialRabiesConsider
Health risks
Dengue feverModerate risk
Mosquito-borne; present in urban and rural areas, especially during rainy season.
ChikungunyaLow risk
Mosquito-borne; sporadic outbreaks occur.
Zika virusLow risk
Mosquito-borne; pregnant women should take precautions.
Malaria risk: low
Malaria risk is low in most tourist areas, but prophylaxis is recommended for travel to rural regions in Darién and Guna Yala.
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 Cuba, 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
Calle 10, Edificio de Gobierno, David
Mon–Fri 08:00–15:00
Regional office for western Panama; less crowded.
Practical information for KE 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 Kenyan citizens. You must obtain a visa from a Panamanian embassy or consulate before you travel.
Processing times vary by embassy, but typically take 5–15 business days. Apply at least 3–4 weeks before your planned departure to be safe.
Visa fees are set by each embassy and can change. Expect to pay around $50–$100 USD. Contact the embassy directly for the exact amount and payment method.
Yes. You need to provide a confirmed flight itinerary showing you will leave Panama before your visa expires. A refundable booking is fine if you're unsure of exact dates.
Extensions are possible but not guaranteed. You must apply at the National Immigration Service (Servicio Nacional de Migración) in Panama City before your current visa expires. Approval is at their discretion.
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.
No. Panama does not currently offer an e-visa for Kenyan passport holders. You must apply through a physical embassy or consulate.
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.