Panama entry requirements for Sweden 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
Swedish passport holders can enter Panama without a visa for up to 90 days. This policy remains unchanged in 2026. Ensure your passport is 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're 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 flight out of Panama within 90 days. Airlines also check this before boarding — have a printed or digital copy ready. | Recommended |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | You may be asked where you're staying on arrival. A hotel confirmation or a letter from your host with their address and contact number covers this. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Evidence of sufficient money for your stay | Immigration can ask to see bank statements, cash, or credit cards showing you can support yourself. There's no fixed minimum, but having $500–$1,000 available is a safe bet. | Recommended |
Passport validity is strictly enforced
Panamanian immigration counts 6 months from the day you arrive. If your passport expires even one day before that 6-month mark, you will be refused entry. Check your passport's expiry date before booking flights.
No visa, no fee — but have documents ready
Entry is free and straightforward, but immigration officers can ask for proof of onward travel and accommodation. Keep digital copies on your phone to speed things up.
What happens at the border
1
Prepare documents before you fly
Check your passport validity (6+ months from arrival), save a return ticket screenshot, and have your first night's accommodation address handy. No visa application needed.
2
Arrive at Tocumen International Airport (PTY) or other entry point
Most travellers fly into Panama City's Tocumen Airport. Follow signs to 'Migración' (Immigration). There are separate queues for foreigners and nationals. Wait times vary from 10 to 45 minutes.
3
Present your passport and supporting documents
Hand over your passport. The officer may ask for your return ticket and accommodation. Answer clearly. They'll stamp your passport with a 90-day entry. No fee is charged.
4
Collect your luggage and proceed to customs
After immigration, pick up your bags from the carousel. Customs is usually a green/red channel system. If you have nothing to declare, walk through the green channel.
Download Panama Entry Checklist
PDF · Sweden 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, extendable up to 90 more days
Validity3 months from issue
Cost~$50 USD (estimated)
For those who want a formal visa; may allow extension beyond visa-free period.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay90 days per entry, extendable
Validity6 months to 1 year
Cost~$100 USD (estimated)
For frequent travellers; allows multiple entries within validity.
Long-stay visa (Pensionado or Friendly Nations)
Max stayIndefinite (residency)
Validity2 years, renewable
Cost~$2,000–$5,000 USD (estimated, including fees)
For retirees or investors; requires proof of income or investment. Swedish citizens may qualify under Friendly Nations visa.
retirement visa
Pensionado Visa (Retirement Visa)
2 years, renewable indefinitely
~$2,500 USD (estimated, including legal fees)
For retirees with a lifetime pension of at least $1,000 USD/month. Offers discounts on services and tax benefits.
friendly nations visa
Friendly Nations Visa (Visa de Naciones Amigas)
2 years, renewable
~$3,000–$5,000 USD (estimated, including legal fees)
For citizens of 50+ countries (including Sweden) who invest at least $200,000 in real estate or $100,000 in a business. Fast track to residency.
digital nomad visa
Short-Term Stay Visa for Remote Workers (proposed)
Up to 9 months (estimated)
~$300 USD (estimated)
Panama is developing a digital nomad visa. Expected to require proof of remote work and income. Check official sources for updates.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Tourist visa (single entry)Not applicable for visa-free travel; included for reference. | Free (not required for visa-free entry) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)Not applicable for visa-free travel; included for reference. | Free (not required for visa-free entry) |
| Overstay fine per dayOverstay fines are charged per day, with a possible maximum cap. 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
Swedish 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
Exceptions & conditions
- No exceptions needed; visa-free transit applies to all Swedish passport holders.
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; risk in urban and rural areas, especially during rainy season.
ChikungunyaLow risk
Mosquito-borne; sporadic outbreaks reported.
Zika virusLow risk
Mosquito-borne; pregnant women should take precautions.
Malaria risk: low
Malaria risk is low in most tourist areas, but exists in some rural regions (e.g., Darién Province). Prophylaxis not routinely recommended for standard 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) – Sede Principal
Avenida Ricardo J. Alfaro, Edificio 2000, Panama City
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00
Main office for extensions and visa issues. Bring passport, photos, and proof of funds.
David
Servicio Nacional de Migración – Regional David
Calle 4ta, Edificio 123, David, Chiriquí
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00
For travellers in western Panama. Limited services; call ahead.
Practical information for SE 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 allow extensions for visa-free visitors. You must leave after 90 days. Overstaying can result in fines and a ban.
You will be denied entry at the border. The 6-month validity rule is strictly enforced. Renew your passport before you travel.
Not if you're arriving directly from Sweden. However, if you've recently visited a country with yellow fever (e.g., Brazil, Colombia), you'll need proof of vaccination. Check the latest WHO guidelines.
Yes. The same visa-free rules apply at land borders. The Paso Canoas crossing from Costa Rica is the most common. Have your passport and return ticket ready. The Darién Gap means no road from Colombia — you'd fly or take a boat.
No. Swedish passport holders do not pay a tourist card fee. Entry is free.
You cannot extend a tourist stay. You'd need to leave Panama for at least 72 hours and re-enter to get a new 90-day stamp. Some travellers do a 'border run' to Costa Rica or Colombia. Immigration may question frequent re-entries.
No. There is no mandatory online pre-registration for Swedish passport holders. You simply fill out the standard immigration card on the plane or at the airport.
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.