Panama entry requirements for New Zealand 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
New Zealand passport holders can enter Panama without a visa for up to 90 days. This has been the case for years and remains unchanged in 2026. Just show up at the 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 look for at least one blank page for the entry stamp. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure from Panama | Immigration officers routinely ask for a return or onward ticket showing you leave Panama within 90 days. Airlines also check this before boarding — have a printed copy or a screenshot ready on your phone. | Recommended |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Immigration may ask where you're staying. Have a hotel confirmation or a letter from your host with their address and phone number ready. A simple booking printout works fine. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can support yourself | Officers occasionally ask for proof you have enough money for your stay. Carry a bank statement or credit card showing access to at least $500 USD. I've never been asked, but it's better to have it. | Recommended |
Passport validity is strictly enforced
Airlines check your passport validity before boarding. If you have less than 6 months left, you won't be allowed to fly. Renew your passport well in advance.
No visa, no fee, no forms
New Zealanders get 90 days visa-free with zero paperwork. No tourist card, no online registration, no arrival declaration. Just your passport and a return ticket.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at Tocumen International Airport (PTY)
You'll land at Panama City's main airport. Follow signs to 'Migración' (Immigration). There are two queues: one for Panamanians/residents, one for foreigners. Join the foreigners queue.
2
Present your documents
Hand over your passport and return ticket. The officer may ask how long you're staying and where you're staying. Answer clearly. They'll stamp your passport with a 90-day entry.
3
Collect your luggage and exit
After immigration, go to baggage claim, then customs. Green channel means nothing to declare. Red channel means random inspection. Walk through and you're in Panama.
Download Panama Entry Checklist
PDF · New Zealand 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)
New Zealand passport holders do not need a visa for tourism; this option is for reference only.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay90 days per entry, not extendable
Validity1 year
CostFree (not required for visa-free entry)
Not required for visa-free travel; listed for completeness.
Long-stay visa (Pensionado visa)
Max stayIndefinite (renewable annually)
Validity1 year, renewable
Cost~$250 USD (application fee)
For retirees with a lifetime pension of at least $1,000 USD/month. Requires legal residency application.
Digital nomad visa (Short Stay)
Max stay9 months (extendable to 18 months)
Validity1 year
Cost~$300 USD (application fee)
For remote workers with proof of income. Must apply from outside Panama.
retirement visa
Pensionado Visa (Retirement Visa)
Indefinite, renewable annually
~$250 USD application fee + annual renewal fee
For retirees with a lifetime pension of at least $1,000 USD/month. Offers discounts on services and is a path to permanent residency.
digital nomad visa
Short Stay Visa for Remote Workers (Digital Nomad)
9 months, extendable to 18 months
~$300 USD application fee
For remote workers with proof of income (at least $3,000 USD/month). Allows work for foreign employers while living in Panama.
investor visa
Investor Visa (Visa de Inversionista)
2 years, renewable
~$5,000 USD (legal fees + government fees)
For individuals investing at least $300,000 USD in real estate or a business. Leads to permanent residency after 2 years.
work visa
Work Visa (Visa de Trabajo)
1 year, renewable
~$500 USD (employer-sponsored)
For those with a job offer from a Panamanian company. Requires employer sponsorship and labor market test.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Tourist visa (single entry)Not applicable for visa-free travel; listed for reference. | Free (not required for visa-free entry) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)Not applicable for visa-free travel; listed for reference. | Free (not required for visa-free entry) |
| Overstay fineOverstay penalties are assessed at immigration discretion; avoid overstaying. | ~$100 USD per month (estimated) |
Common reasons for entry denial
No return ticket30%
Insufficient funds25%
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
New Zealand passport holders do not need a transit visa to change planes in Panama, as long as they remain airside and have a confirmed onward ticket.
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
DengueModerate risk
Mosquito-borne; risk in urban and rural areas, especially during rainy season.
ChikungunyaLow risk
Mosquito-borne; sporadic outbreaks occur.
ZikaLow risk
Mosquito-borne; pregnant women should take precautions.
Malaria risk: low
Low risk in rural areas of Darién and San Blas; prophylaxis not routinely recommended for most travellers.
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 Ricardo J. Alfaro, Edificio 2000, Panama City
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00
Main office for visa extensions and residency applications. Arrive early to avoid long waits.
David
Servicio Nacional de Migración – Regional Chiriquí
Calle 3ra, Edificio de Gobierno, David
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00
Handles immigration matters for the Chiriquí region. Useful for travellers near the Costa Rican border.
Practical information for NZ 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 to get another 90 days. Overstaying can result in fines of around $100–$200 and possible deportation.
No. Panama does not require an arrival declaration or online pre-registration for New Zealand passport holders. Just show up with your passport and return ticket.
You will likely be denied boarding by the airline or refused entry by Panamanian immigration. The 6-month rule is strictly enforced. Renew your passport before traveling.
Yes. The same visa-free rules apply at land borders. At the Paso Canoas border from Costa Rica, you'll go through immigration on both sides. From Colombia, you'd fly or take a boat — there's no road connection through the Darién Gap.
No. New Zealand passport holders do not pay a tourist card fee. Entry is completely free for stays up to 90 days.
You'll be fined approximately $100–$200 depending on how long you overstay. Pay at the immigration office in Panama City before leaving. Overstaying can also affect future visa-free entries.
No. The visa-free entry covers all of Panama, including the Canal and the San Blas (Guna Yala) region. No additional permits needed.
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.