People who have restricted  citizenship and have a visa for the United States, Canada, Australia or the European Union may now enter the country with a tourist visa, as ordered by the government.

Citizens of countries like China, UAE, Philippines, India, Bulgaria, Angola, Cameroon, Zimbabwe, among others, and have a visa issued by United States, Canada, Australia and the European Union may now enter the country with tourist visa.

These individuals, who previously came to Panama with an approved visa, which required the consent of the Council for Public Security and National Defense and took up to six months to be approved, may now visit the country with a 48 hours in advance notice. They won’t have to pay fees to lawyers, which in these cases may be more $1,500 dollars.

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Who requires a visa?
Required by all except the following for stays of up to 90 days (at the discretion of the Immigration authorities):
Argentina, Slovenia, Latvia, Republic of Korea, Andorra, Estonia, Letonia, San Marino, Austria, Finland, Lichtenstein, South Korea, Belgium, France, Lithuania, Singapore, Bolivia, Germany, Luxembourg, Spain, Brazil, Greece, Malta, Sweden, Chile, Great Britain, Monaco, Switzerland, Costa Rica, Guatemala, Netherlands, The Uruguay, Colombia, Honduras, Nicaragua, Vatican City, Cyprus, Hungary, Norway, Czech Republic, Iceland, Paraguay, Denmark, Israel, Poland, El Salvador, Ireland, Portugal, Slovakia, Italy

Tourist cards: Antigua & Barbuda, Curacao, Jamaica, Trinidad and Tobago, Aruba, Japan, Australia, Canada, Mexico, Taiwan, Bahamas, Dominica, New Zealand, Thailand, Barbados, Grenada San Cristobal & Nevis, United States of America, Belize, Guyana, Saint Vincent & Grenadines, Bermuda, Saint Lucia, Venezuela

What documents will be required?
PASSPORTS: Passport valid for a minimum of 6 months required by all.
Application to: Consulate (or Consular section at Embassy); see Contact Addresses section. A Tourist Card can be issued either by the travel agent or on the flight or at the airport.

Application requirements: (a) Passport valid for at least 6 months. (b) Two completed application forms. (c) Two passport-size photos. (d) Booking reservation. For countries requiring special authorisation: (a) and, (b) Two completed application forms. (c) Two passport-size photos. (d) Copies of passport. (e) Copy of return or onward ticket. (f) Letter from the person in Panama taking responsibility for applicant. (g) Proof of financial stability in cash, traveller’s cheques or bank statements. (h) fee plus postage if necessary.

Time required to issue visa:
Normally 24 hours if no authorisation is needed; 20 days if authorisation (which depends on nationality) is needed.

What is the cost of a visa?
Tourist: £30. Tourist Card: Prices vary, depending on nationality and also on where the Tourist Card is obtained from (eg, prior to departure, on the flight or on arrival at the airport). Some nationals can obtain the Tourist Card free of charge (including nationals of Colombia, Mexico, Norway, Sweden and USA). Enquire at the Consulate for details.

How long is the visa valid for?
Visas and Tourist Cards are valid within a 3-month period from the date of issue and allow stays for up to 30 days (extendable to 90 days at discretion of Immigration authorities).

Other information:
Note: (a) No brief account of the complex Panamanian visa regulations is likely to be fully successful as passport and visa regulations are liable to change at short notice. (b) Panamanian immigration procedures are rigidly enforced and non-compliance with the regulations may result in transportation at carrier’s expense to country of origin. (c) Many nationals requiring visas also require authorisation from the Immigration authorities in Panama before entry; contact the Embassy (or Consular section at Embassy) if in doubt.