Panama

🇵🇦

Phone Code

+507

Capital

Panama City

Population

4.4 Million

Native Name

Panamá

Region

Americas

Central America

Timezone

Eastern Standard Time (North America

UTC-05:00

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Money & CurrencyVisa OverviewVisa TypesImportant NotesCitiesEmbassies abroadEmbassies in country

Panama is a Central American country forming the bridge between North and South America, bordered by Costa Rica and Colombia, with coastlines on both the Caribbean Sea and Pacific Ocean. Panama City serves as the capital and largest urban area. The country is globally renowned for the Panama Canal, an engineering marvel connecting the Atlantic and Pacific oceans that handles approximately 6% of world trade. Panama has a population of 4.4 million and offers extraordinary biodiversity with tropical rainforests, cloud forests, coral reefs, and over 900 bird species. The economy centers on services including banking, shipping, the Panama Canal, and the Colón Free Trade Zone (world's second-largest after Hong Kong). Tourism has grown significantly with attractions including the Panama Canal (Miraflores Locks visitor center), Panama City's modern skyline and historic Casco Viejo (UNESCO World Heritage colonial quarter), San Blas Islands (Guna Yala indigenous territory with Caribbean beaches), Bocas del Toro archipelago, Boquete mountain town (coffee region and expat retirement haven), Barro Colorado Island rainforest research station, and Pacific/Caribbean diving. Panama uses the US Dollar as currency and offers visa-free entry for citizens of many countries. The country has become a popular retirement destination for North Americans and Europeans due to pensionado visa benefits, affordable healthcare, and tropical climate.

Visa Requirements for Panama

Panama offers visa-free entry to citizens of many countries for tourism purposes. Citizens of the United States, Canada, United Kingdom, most EU countries, Australia, New Zealand, and many others can enter without advance visa for stays typically ranging from 90 to 180 days depending on nationality. Passport must be valid for at least 3 months (preferably 6 months) beyond intended stay. Return or onward ticket required. Immigration officials may request proof of funds (approximately $500 or valid credit card). Entry process at Tocumen International Airport in Panama City is generally straightforward. Tourist card fee of approximately $10-20 USD may be collected (sometimes included in airline tickets). For nationalities requiring visas, applications are processed through Panamanian consulates. Panama has streamlined immigration procedures to encourage tourism and foreign investment. The country offers various residence visa categories including the popular Pensionado (retiree) visa for those with guaranteed monthly pension income, and the Friendly Nations visa for citizens of 50 countries with economic/professional ties to Panama. The country is safe for tourism with relatively low violent crime rates compared to regional neighbors, though standard precautions regarding petty crime apply in urban areas.

Common Visa Types

Visa-Free Entry (Tourist)

30 to 180 days depending on nationality; most Western countries receive 180 days; passport valid 3-6 months beyond stay; return/onward ticket required; proof of funds may be requested ($500 or credit card); tourist card fee ~$10-20 (often included in airline ticket); no advance application needed; entry stamp at arrival; extensions available through Servicio Nacional de Migración for additional 60-90 days; straightforward entry process at Tocumen International Airport or land borders.

For tourism or business for citizens of approximately 90+ countries including US, Canada, UK, EU, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, and others.

Authorized Stay Visa (Visa Estampada)

30-90 days typically; requires application form, passport (valid 6+ months), passport photos, bank statements, return ticket, invitation letter or hotel reservation, yellow fever certificate (if arriving from endemic countries), visa fee ($50-150 depending on nationality and processing); processing 5-15 business days; approval allows single or multiple entry; granted for tourism, business, or transit purposes; approximately 60 nationalities require advance visa.

For nationalities requiring advance visa, applied through Panamanian consulate before travel.

Pensionado Visa (Retiree Visa)

Permanent residence status; requires proof of lifetime pension or retirement income of at least $1,000/month (can include spouse with additional dependents); application through lawyer in Panama; documents include pension letter, police clearance, health certificate, marriage certificate (if applicable), passport; processing 6-12 months; benefits include 50% off entertainment, 25% off airline tickets, 25% off restaurants, 30-50% off hotel stays, 15% off hospital bills, 25% off utilities; extremely popular among North American and European retirees; one of world's best retirement visa programs; Panama has large expat retiree communities in Boquete, Coronado, Panama City.

Popular residence visa for retirees with guaranteed monthly pension income, offering significant discounts on services.

Friendly Nations Visa

2-year temporary residence, converts to permanent after 2 years; requires economic or professional connection (employment letter from Panamanian company, own business registration, or bank deposit of $5,000); eligible nationalities include US, Canada, UK, EU countries, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, Singapore, South Korea, and others; application through lawyer; documents include economic ties proof, police clearance, health certificate, passport; processing 6-12 months; allows work in Panama; popular for entrepreneurs, remote workers, and those seeking Latin American residence; pathway to citizenship after 5 years of permanent residence.

Residence visa for citizens of 50 'friendly nations' with economic/professional ties to Panama.

Important Travel Information

Panama Canal Engineering Marvel: The Panama Canal is one of world's greatest engineering achievements, connecting Atlantic and Pacific oceans through a 50-mile (80 km) waterway. Opened 1914 after massive US construction project (1904-1914) following French failure (1881-1889). Expanded 2016 with new Neopanamax locks allowing larger vessels. Approximately 14,000 ships transit annually carrying 6% of world trade. Miraflores Locks Visitor Center (Panama City) offers viewing platforms, museum, IMAX theater explaining canal operations. Watching massive container ships and cruise ships navigate locks is impressive experience. Partial canal transits available on tourist boats. Canal remains under Panamanian control since handover from US in 1999. Major source of government revenue (tolls generate $2+ billion annually). Engineering marvel worth visiting - allows travelers to see ships lifted 85 feet above sea level through series of locks.

US Dollar Currency: Panama uses US Dollar as official currency alongside Panamanian Balboa (pegged 1:1 with dollar, coins only, dollars used for bills). No currency exchange needed for US travelers. ATMs dispense US dollars. Credit cards widely accepted in urban areas and tourist zones. This dollarization (since 1904) provides monetary stability and facilitates trade/tourism. US coins and Panamanian coins circulate interchangeably. No foreign exchange fees for dollar users. Travelers from other countries should exchange to dollars before arrival or use ATMs (widely available in cities). Prices often displayed in dollars. Small businesses and rural areas prefer cash. Tipping culture similar to US (10-15% at restaurants, $1-2 for service staff).

Casco Viejo UNESCO World Heritage: Casco Viejo (Casco Antiguo, Old Quarter) is Panama City's historic colonial district, founded 1673 after original Panama Viejo was destroyed by pirates. UNESCO World Heritage site with beautifully restored Spanish colonial architecture, colorful buildings, churches, plazas, and narrow streets. Gentrification has transformed formerly dilapidated area into trendy neighborhood with boutique hotels, rooftop bars, restaurants, galleries, and nightlife. Key sites include Plaza de la Independencia, Metropolitan Cathedral, San José Church (golden altar), Teatro Nacional, Palacio de las Garzas (Presidential Palace), Panama Canal Museum. Walkable area best explored on foot. Evening ambiance with lit buildings and ocean views. Some areas still undergoing restoration. Safety improved significantly but exercise caution at night in less-developed blocks. Budget 2-3 hours for exploration. Popular area for tourists staying in Panama City.

Cities with missions

Where this country maintains embassies or consulates

Panama City
States & Regions in Panama

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Hosted missions

Embassies in Panama

These foreign embassies and consulates are based here. Choose a mission to open its in-depth guide and contact details.

Key origin countries

United Kingdom in Panama
United States in Panama

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