Panama entry requirements for Peru passport holders
Updated weekly · Last reviewed June 28, 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
Peruvian passport holders can enter Panama without a visa for stays up to 90 days. This policy started in 2024 and covers tourism, business, or transit. Your passport must be valid for at least six months from your arrival date.
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 at Lima and Tocumen check this before boarding — if your passport expires before you leave, you will be denied boarding. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure from Panama | Immigration officers at Tocumen International Airport routinely ask for a printed or digital onward ticket showing you leave within 90 days. Airlines also check this at check-in — if you do not have one, they will not let you board. | Recommended |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Have a printed or digital hotel reservation for at least the first few nights. If staying with friends, carry their name, address, and phone number — officers sometimes ask for this at the counter. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can support yourself during your stay | Officers may ask for bank statements or cash to confirm you have enough money. A reasonable amount is around $500 USD for a short trip — credit card statements also work. | Recommended |
6-month passport validity is strictly enforced
Airlines check this before you board. If your passport expires within 6 months of your arrival date, you will be denied boarding. No exceptions. Renew your passport well in advance.
Keep your immigration slip safe
When you enter Panama, the officer will give you a tear-off slip from the immigration form. You must return this when you leave. Losing it can cause delays and a small fine. Keep it with your passport at all times.
What happens at the border
1
Prepare your documents before departure
Check your passport is valid for 6+ months from your arrival date. Book your return/onward ticket and first night accommodation. Save screenshots of both on your phone. Consider getting travel insurance and a local eSIM.
2
Fill out the immigration form (if required)
Some airlines provide a paper immigration form on the flight. Fill it out legibly — you'll hand it to the officer at passport control. Keep the tear-off slip until you leave Panama.
3
Arrive at Tocumen International Airport (PTY) or other entry point
At passport control, join the 'Foreigners' queue. Have your passport, completed immigration form, and return ticket ready. The officer will check your passport, stamp it, and usually ask a few questions (purpose of visit, where staying, how long). Answer clearly and briefly.
4
Collect your luggage and proceed to customs
After passport control, collect your bags from the carousel. Customs may ask to see your luggage — declare any items over $500 or restricted goods. Green channel means nothing to declare; red channel means you have something.
5
Exit the airport and start your stay
Once through customs, you're free to leave. Keep your passport and the immigration slip safe — you'll need the slip when you depart. Your 90-day stay starts from the entry stamp date.
Download Panama Entry Checklist
PDF · Peru Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated June 28, 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
Cost~$50 USD (estimated)
For those who need a visa or want a longer stay; apply at Panamanian embassy.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay90 days per entry, not extendable
Validity1 year from issue
Cost~$100 USD (estimated)
Allows multiple entries; useful for frequent travellers.
Long-stay visa (pensionado visa)
Max stayIndefinite (renewable annually)
Validity1 year, renewable
Cost~$250 USD (estimated)
For retirees with a lifetime pension of at least $1,000/month; requires legal residency.
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/month. Offers permanent residency path and discounts on services.
investor visa
Investor Visa (Visa de Inversionista)
2 years, renewable
~$5,000 USD (estimated, plus investment)
For those investing at least $300,000 in real estate or a business. Leads to permanent residency.
work visa
Work Visa (Visa de Trabajo)
1 year, renewable
~$300 USD (estimated)
Requires a job offer from a Panamanian company. Employer sponsors the visa.
student visa
Student Visa (Visa de Estudiante)
1 year, renewable
~$200 USD (estimated)
For enrollment in a recognized educational institution. Allows part-time work with permission.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Tourist visa (single entry)Visa-free entry covers tourism; no visa required. | Not applicable |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)Visa-free entry covers tourism; no visa required. | Not applicable |
| Stay extension costVisa-free stay is not extendable. | Not available |
| Overstay fine per dayOverstay fines are enforced; avoid overstaying. | ~$50 USD per day (estimated) |
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
Peru passport holders do not need a transit visa for airside transit through Panama airports, provided they have a confirmed onward ticket and stay in the international transit area.
Airside transitAllowed up to 12h
Exceptions & conditions
- Holders of a valid US, Canada, Australia, Japan, South Korea, UK, or Schengen visa may transit without visa for up to 12 hours.
Transit hubsTocumen International Airport (PTY) · Panama Pacifico International Airport (BLB)
Health & vaccines for Panama
Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired if arriving from a country with risk of yellow fever transmission (e.g., Brazil, Peru).
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidRecommendedRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio, varicella)EssentialHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsider
Health risks
DengueModerate risk
Mosquito-borne disease; 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)
Avenida Ricardo J. Alfaro, Edificio 2000, Panama City
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00
Main office for visa and residency matters; bring all original documents.
David
Oficina Regional de Migración de David
Calle D, David, Chiriquí
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00
Handles local immigration issues; less crowded than Panama City.
Practical information for PE 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 stay is not extendable. You must leave Panama before the 90 days are up. Overstaying can result in fines or a ban. If you need to stay longer, you'd have to leave and re-enter, but immigration may question frequent back-to-back visits.
You will likely be denied boarding by the airline or refused entry at Panama immigration. The 6-month validity rule is strictly enforced. Renew your passport before traveling.
No, there is no yellow fever vaccination requirement for travelers from Peru. However, if you've recently been in a country with yellow fever (e.g., Brazil, Colombia), you may need proof of vaccination. Check the latest health requirements before travel.
Technically, the visa-free entry is for tourism, business meetings, or transit. Remote work for a foreign employer is in a gray area — it's not explicitly prohibited, but you cannot work for a Panamanian company. Many digital nomads do it, but be discreet. Panama has a specific digital nomad visa if you plan to stay longer.
Report the loss immediately to the nearest Peruvian embassy or consulate in Panama City. They can issue an emergency passport. Also file a police report — you'll need it for the embassy and for your insurance claim. Keep a photocopy or digital scan of your passport separately.
Yes, there is a departure tax of about $40 USD for international flights. It's usually included in your airline ticket price, but check your ticket or ask your airline. If not included, you pay at the airport before security — cash or card accepted.
Yes, you can enter by land from Costa Rica at the Paso Canoas or Sixaola crossings. From Colombia, you'd need to fly or take a boat (San Blas islands route) — there's no land border. The same visa-free rules apply at all entry points.
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.