Panama entry requirements for United States passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 17, 2026·View sources
No visa required
180 days
Max stay
180 days
Passport validity
6 months
Beyond entry date
Return ticket
Required
Or onward travel proof
Proof of funds
Recommended
May be checked
US passport holders don't need a visa for tourism or business stays up to 180 days in Panama. As of 2026, just show up at the airport with a valid passport and get stamped in. Meet the standard entry requirements below.
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. Six months of remaining validity is not required by Panamanian law, but some airlines enforce it — check with your carrier before you fly. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure from Panama | Immigration officers routinely ask for a return or onward ticket at Tocumen International Airport. Have a printed copy or a digital version on your phone ready. If you're flying out to a third country, that ticket works too. | Recommended |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Officers sometimes ask where you're staying, especially if you arrive without a clear itinerary. A hotel confirmation email or a letter from a host with their address is enough. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can support yourself | Panama doesn't publish a fixed minimum, but having a credit card or bank statement showing a few hundred dollars is smart. I've never been asked, but I've seen others get pulled aside for not having any proof. | Recommended |
Overstay fines add up fast
If you overstay even by a day, you'll be fined. Pay at the immigration office in Panama City or at the airport before your flight. Don't ignore it — it can affect future travel to Panama.
Keep your entry stamp safe
The entry stamp shows your allowed stay. If it's smudged or missing, ask the immigration officer to re-stamp it before leaving the counter. You'll need it when you leave.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at Tocumen International Airport (PTY)
After landing, follow signs to 'Migración' (Immigration). There are two main queues: one for Panamanian citizens/residents and one for foreigners. Join the foreigner queue.
2
Present your documents to the officer
Hand over your passport, completed arrival card (if given on the plane), and any requested documents. The officer will ask your purpose of visit and length of stay. Answer clearly and briefly.
3
Get your entry stamp
The officer will stamp your passport with a date. Check the stamp says 180 days or the exact date you must leave. If it's less than 180, ask politely if you can get the full allowance.
4
Collect your luggage and exit
After immigration, head to baggage claim, then customs. There's usually a green 'nothing to declare' lane and a red 'goods to declare' lane. Walk through green unless you have items to declare.
Download Panama Entry Checklist
PDF · United States 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 stay180 days
Validity3 months from issue
CostFree (not required for US passport holders)
US passport holders do not need a visa for tourism; this option is for those who may need a visa for other purposes.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay180 days per entry
Validity1 year
CostFree (not required for US passport holders)
Not applicable for US passport holders under visa-free program.
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.
retirement visa
Pensionado Visa (Retirement Visa)
Indefinite, renewable annually
~$250 USD application fee + annual renewal fee ~$300 USD
For retirees with a lifetime pension of at least $1,000 USD/month. Offers discounts on services and tax benefits. Requires proof of pension and background check.
Apply digital nomad visa
Short Stay Visa for Remote Workers (proposed)
Up to 9 months
~$300 USD (estimated)
Panama has proposed a digital nomad visa for remote workers earning at least $3,000 USD/month. Allows stay up to 9 months without local tax liability. Not yet fully implemented; check official sources.
investor visa
Investor Visa (Visa de Inversionista)
2 years, renewable
~$5,000 USD (application + legal fees)
For investors who invest at least $300,000 USD in real estate or a business in Panama. Leads to permanent residency after 2 years. Requires proof of investment and clean criminal record.
Apply work visa
Work Visa (Visa de Trabajo)
1 year, renewable
~$500 USD (employer-sponsored)
For foreign workers with a job offer from a Panamanian company. Requires employer to obtain work permit. Allows multiple entries and family reunification.
Apply Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Tourist visa (single entry)Not applicable for US passport holders under visa-free program. | Free (not required for visa-free entry) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)Not applicable for US passport holders under visa-free program. | Free (not required for visa-free entry) |
| Stay extensionVisa-free stay is not extendable; must leave and re-enter. | Unknown (not available for visa-free entry) |
| Overstay fine per dayOverstay fines are assessed at immigration discretion; 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
US passport holders do not need a transit visa for airside transit through Panama. They can stay in the international transit area for up to 12 hours without passing through immigration.
Airside transitAllowed up to 12h
Exceptions & conditions
- Holders of a valid US visa may transit without visa for up to 12 hours.
- Holders of a valid Schengen visa may transit without visa for up to 12 hours.
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 disease present in urban and rural areas; use repellent and mosquito nets.
ChikungunyaLow risk
Occasional outbreaks; same prevention as dengue.
ZikaLow risk
Pregnant women should take precautions; avoid mosquito bites.
Malaria risk: low
Low risk in rural areas of Darien and San Blas; prophylaxis recommended for those visiting remote regions.
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 12 de Octubre, Edificio 2000, Panama City
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00
Main office for visa extensions and residency applications. Bring all original documents and copies.
David
Servicio Nacional de Migración – Regional Chiriquí
Calle 3ra, David, Chiriquí Province
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00
Handles immigration matters for the western region. Appointments recommended.
Practical information for US 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 180-day visa-free stay is not extendable. If you want to stay longer, you must leave Panama before the 180 days are up and re-enter. Overstaying can result in fines and a ban.
You will likely be denied boarding by the airline or entry by Panamanian immigration. Renew your passport before traveling. The 6-month rule is strictly enforced.
No, the yellow fever vaccine is not required for US citizens entering Panama directly from the US. It is only required if you are arriving from a country with yellow fever (e.g., Brazil, parts of Africa).
No, the visa-free entry is for tourism and business only (meetings, conferences, etc.). For work or study, you need a separate visa or permit. Working without authorization can get you deported.
You'll be fined approximately $1 per day overstayed, payable at the immigration office or airport before departure. Serious overstays (months) can lead to a ban from re-entering Panama.
No, there is no separate arrival or departure tax for tourists. The cost is usually included in your airline ticket. If flying out of Tocumen, you don't need to pay anything extra at the airport.
Yes, the same visa-free rules apply at land borders. You'll still need a passport valid for 6+ months and proof of onward travel. The Darien Gap between Panama and Colombia is impassable by road — you must fly or take a boat.
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.