Panama entry requirements for Tanzania 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
Tanzanian passport holders need a visa to enter Panama. You must apply at a Panamanian embassy or consulate before you travel — there is no visa on arrival or e-visa option. Plan ahead, as processing can take several weeks.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Visa application Visa required | Tanzanian passport holders need a visa before traveling to Panama. Apply at the nearest Panamanian embassy or consulate — there is no eVisa system for Tanzania. Processing takes 5–10 business days; expect to submit a passport photo, flight itinerary, and proof of accommodation.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 departure may enforce a 6-month validity rule — check with your carrier before flying. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Required for entry | Immigration officers at Tocumen International Airport routinely ask for a return or onward ticket. Have a printed copy or a digital booking confirmation ready on your phone. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Recommended to carry | Hotel bookings or an invitation letter from a host in Panama can speed up the immigration interview. Officers rarely demand it, but having it 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–$1,000 USD equivalent is a safe benchmark. | Recommended |
No visa on arrival — apply in advance
Panama does not offer visa on arrival or e-visa for Tanzanian passport holders. You must apply at a Panamanian embassy or consulate before you travel. Start the process at least 6–8 weeks ahead.
Travel insurance strongly recommended
While not mandatory for entry, medical costs in Panama can be very high. A basic travel insurance policy covers hospital stays and emergencies — it's cheap peace of mind.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for a visa at the embassy
Contact the Panamanian embassy or consulate in your country (e.g., in Dar es Salaam or Nairobi) to get the application form and list of required documents. Submit your application in person or by mail, depending on the embassy's rules. Processing can take 2–4 weeks, so apply well before your planned travel.
2
Wait for visa approval
Once submitted, the embassy will process your application. You may be asked for an interview or additional documents. Approval is not guaranteed — the embassy will assess your ties to Tanzania, financial situation, and travel history.
3
Travel to Panama
With your visa approved, book your flight. At Tocumen International Airport (PTY) in Panama City, go to the immigration counter for foreign passports. Have your passport, visa, return ticket, and accommodation confirmation ready. The officer may ask about your plans — answer clearly and briefly.
4
Receive entry stamp
If everything is in order, the officer will stamp your passport with the date of entry. The visa determines how long you can stay — typically up to 90 days. Do not overstay, as penalties apply.
Download Panama Entry Checklist
PDF · Tanzania 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, extendable 30 days
Validity3 months from issue date
Cost$50 USD (approx. $50 USD)
Standard option for tourism; must apply before travel.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay90 days per entry, extendable 30 days
Validity6 months from issue date
Cost$75 USD (approx. $75 USD)
Ideal for multiple visits within validity.
Long-stay visa (pensionado/retirement)
Max stayIndefinite, renewable annually
Validity1 year initially
Cost$250 USD (approx. $250 USD)
Requires proof of pension or steady income; allows residency.
retirement visa
Pensionado Visa (Retirement Visa)
1 year, renewable annually
$250 USD (approx. $250 USD) initial fee
For retirees with a lifetime pension of at least $1,000 USD/month. Offers residency and discounts on services.
investor visa
Investor Visa (Visa de Inversionista)
2 years, renewable
$5,000 USD (approx. $5,000 USD) minimum investment
For those investing at least $300,000 USD in Panama real estate or business. Leads to permanent residency.
work visa
Work Visa (Visa de Trabajo)
1 year, renewable
$200 USD (approx. $200 USD) processing fee
Requires a job offer from a Panamanian employer. Employer must sponsor and prove need for foreign worker.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Tourist visa (single entry)Required for Tanzania passport holders; apply at Panamanian embassy. | $50 USD (approx. $50 USD) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)Allows multiple entries within validity period. | $75 USD (approx. $75 USD) |
| Overstay fine per dayPenalty for exceeding authorized stay. | $100 USD per day (max cap $1,000 USD) |
| Stay extension costExtension fee for additional stay, subject to approval. | $50 USD (approx. $50 USD) |
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
Tanzania 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 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., Tanzania).
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 reported.
Zika virusLow risk
Mosquito-borne; risk is low but pregnant women should take precautions.
Malaria risk: low
Low risk in rural areas of Darién and San Blas; prophylaxis not routinely recommended for most travelers.
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 extensions and residency applications.
David
Oficina Regional de Migración de David
Calle 3ra, David, Chiriquí
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00
Regional office for western Panama; less crowded.
Practical information for TZ 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 Tanzanian citizens. You must obtain a visa from a Panamanian embassy or consulate before you travel.
Processing typically takes 2–4 weeks, but can be longer depending on the embassy's workload and your application. Apply at least 6–8 weeks before your planned departure.
You'll generally need: a completed application form, your passport (valid 6+ months), passport-sized photos, proof of return/onward ticket, proof of accommodation, bank statements showing sufficient funds, and a cover letter explaining your travel purpose. Check with the specific embassy for their exact list.
Visa fees vary by embassy and are subject to change. Expect to pay around $50–$100 USD or equivalent. Contact the embassy for the current fee.
Extensions are not typically granted for tourist visas. You must leave before your visa expires. Overstaying can result in fines or future entry bans.
Panama requires proof of yellow fever vaccination if you are arriving from a country with risk of yellow fever transmission. Tanzania is not on that list, but if you have recently traveled to an affected country, you may need the vaccine. Check with the embassy.
You will be denied entry and sent back on the next available flight. There is no way to obtain a visa at the airport. Always secure your visa before traveling.
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.