Panama entry requirements for South Korea passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 17, 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
South Korean passport holders can travel to Panama visa-free for up to 90 days. This policy has been in place for years and remains valid in 2026. Simply arrive at Tocumen International Airport with your passport and a return ticket.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Valid passport Must be valid for the duration of your stay | Your passport needs to be valid for the entire time you plan to stay in Panama. Airlines check this at check-in, and immigration officers in Panama City will deny boarding if your passport expires before you leave. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure from Panama | Immigration at Tocumen International Airport routinely asks for proof of onward travel. Have a printed or digital copy of your return flight or a ticket to your next destination ready. Airlines also check this before issuing your boarding pass. | Recommended |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Immigration officers may ask where you're staying. Have a hotel confirmation or a letter from your host with their address and phone number. A booking on your phone is fine. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can support yourself | You might be asked to show you have enough money for your stay. Carry a credit card or bank statement showing at least $500 USD. Panama uses the US dollar, so cash in USD is widely accepted. | Recommended |
No arrival form needed
Panama doesn't require an arrival declaration for South Korean passport holders. Just your passport and return ticket.
Overstaying has consequences
Overstaying your 90 days can lead to fines ($100–$200) and a possible re-entry ban. Set a reminder to leave before day 90.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at Tocumen International Airport (PTY)
After landing, follow signs to 'Migración' (Immigration). There are separate queues for Panamanian citizens and foreigners. Join the 'Extranjeros' line.
2
Present your documents
Hand over your passport and return ticket (printed or on phone). The officer will scan your passport, ask a few questions (purpose of visit, where staying), and stamp you in. Usually takes 2-3 minutes.
3
Collect your luggage and exit
After immigration, proceed to baggage claim, then customs. You'll walk through a green channel if you have nothing to declare. No arrival form needed.
Download Panama Entry Checklist
PDF · South Korea Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 17, 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:
Tourist visa (single entry)
Max stay90 days, not extendable
Validity3 months from issue
CostFree (not required for visa-free entry)
For stays beyond 90 days, apply at a Panamanian embassy before travel.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay90 days per entry, not extendable
Validity1 year from issue
CostFree (not required for visa-free entry)
Allows multiple visits; must leave after 90 days each time.
Long-stay visa (e.g., work or student)
Max stayVaries by visa type
ValidityUp to 1 year, renewable
CostVaries (e.g., $50–$200 USD)
Requires employer or school sponsorship; apply at embassy.
retirement visa
Pensionado Visa (Retirement Visa)
1 year, renewable indefinitely
~$250 USD application fee + $1,000 USD deposit
For retirees with a lifetime pension of at least $1,000 USD/month. Offers discounts on services and is renewable annually.
digital nomad visa
Short Stay Visa for Remote Workers (proposed)
Up to 9 months
~$300 USD (estimated)
Panama is developing a visa for remote workers; currently, visa-free entry is used. Check official sources for updates.
investor visa
Investor Visa (Visa de Inversionista)
2 years, renewable
~$5,000 USD + investment of $300,000+ USD in real estate or business
For those investing at least $300,000 USD in Panama. Leads to permanent residency after 2 years.
work visa
Work Visa (Visa de Trabajo)
1 year, renewable
~$200 USD + employer fees
Requires a job offer from a Panamanian company. Employer must sponsor and handle paperwork.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Tourist visa (single entry)Not required for short stays; listed for reference. | Free (not applicable for visa-free entry) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)Not required for short stays; listed for reference. | Free (not applicable for visa-free entry) |
| Overstay fine per dayOverstaying beyond 90 days incurs a fine; maximum cap may apply. | $100 USD per day (estimated) |
| Stay extension (not available)Visa-free entry is not extendable; must leave and re-enter. | N/A |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds30%
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
No transit visa needed
South Korean passport holders do not need a transit visa for Panama. You can transit airside without passing through immigration.
Airside transitAllowed
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., Brazil, Colombia).
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidRecommendedRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio, influenza)EssentialRabiesConsider
Health risks
Dengue feverModerate risk
Mosquito-borne; common 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; prophylaxis recommended for remote regions like Darién Province.
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 issues; bring passport, photos, and any relevant forms.
David
Oficina Regional de Migración de David
Calle 3ra, David, Chiriquí
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00
Regional office for western Panama; limited services.
Practical information for KR 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 entry is not extendable. If you want to stay longer, you must leave Panama (e.g., to Costa Rica or Colombia) for at least 72 hours, then re-enter. Overstaying can result in fines or a ban.
Not if you're arriving directly from South Korea or another country without yellow fever. But if you've recently visited a country with yellow fever (like Brazil or Colombia), you'll need proof of vaccination. Check the CDC or WHO list before you go.
Technically, no — the visa-free entry is for tourism only. But many digital nomads do it quietly. Panama has a separate 'Short Stay Visa' for remote workers (up to 9 months), but that requires an application in advance. For 90 days, most people just work from cafes without issues.
You'll be fined approximately $100–$200 depending on how long you overstay. You may also be banned from re-entering Panama for a period. It's best to leave on time or apply for an extension before your 90 days are up (though extensions are not granted for visa-free entries).
No. Panama does not require an arrival declaration for South Korean passport holders. Just show your passport and return ticket at immigration.
Yes. The same visa-free rules apply at land borders. If crossing from Costa Rica, use the Paso Canoas border crossing. From Colombia, you'll need to fly or take a boat (San Blas islands route) — there's no road connection. Have your passport and return ticket ready.
No. There is no visa on arrival for South Korean passport holders. You must leave and re-enter to reset your 90-day clock. Alternatively, apply for a Panama visa at a consulate before travel if you plan to stay longer than 90 days.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 17, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.