Country
Passport Required?
Visa Required?
Return Ticket Required?
(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.
Passport valid for a minimum of 6 months required by all
(except nationals of USA holding a birth certificate or
naturalisation papers).
Required by all except the following for stays of up to 90
days (at the discretion of the Immigration
authorities):
(a) 1. nationals of Argentina,
Austria, Belgium, Chile, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Finland,
France, Germany, Guatemala, Honduras, Hungary, Israel, Italy,
Luxembourg, Liechtenstein, Netherlands, Nicaragua, Paraguay,
Poland, Portugal, Singapore, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland,
Uruguay and the UK (except for UK passports issued in Hong
Kong (SAR) to those who were born in Hong Kong).
Nationals of Czech Republic, Cyprus, Dominican Republic,
Egypt, Peru, Philippines and Singapore may only enter Panama
if they have a visa.
A Tourist Card will be issued in lieu of a visa to the
following for stays of up to 30 days (extendable to 90 days at
the discretion of the Immigration authorities):
2.
nationals of Antigua & Barbuda, Aruba, Australia,
Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Bermuda, Bolivia, Brazil, Canada,
Colombia, Curacao, Ecuador, Greece, Grenada, Guyana, Jamaica,
Japan, Korea (Rep. of), Malta, Mexico, Monaco, New Zealand,
Nicaragua, Norway, St Kitts & Nevis, St Lucia, St Vincent
& the Grenadines, Samoa, San Marino, S�o Tom� &
Principe, Surinam, Taiwan, Trinidad & Tobago, USA,
Venezuela and Vatican City.
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). The Consulate in London charges $15.
Some nationals can obtain the Tourist Card free of charge
(including nationals of Colombia, Denmark, Mexico, Norway,
Sweden and USA). Enquire at the Consulate for details.
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).
Consulate (or Consular section at Embassy). A Tourist Card can be issued either by the travel
agent or on the flight or at the airport.
(a) Passport valid for at least 6 months. (b) Completed
application form. (c) 2 passport-size photos. (d) Return or
onward ticket. For countries requiring special
authorisation: (a) and (b) 2 completed application forms.
(c) 2 passport size photos. (d) Copies of passport. (e) 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.
Normally 24 hours when applying in person; 2- 10 days
depending on nationality.
Apartado 4421, Centro de Convenciones ATLAPA, V�a Israel,
Panam� 5, Republic of Panam�
Tel: 226 7000 or 226
4614/3164. Fax: 226 5046.
E-mail: [email protected]
(general) or [email protected]
Website: http://www.ipat.gob.pa/
Yellow fever vaccination is recommended for those
travelling to Chepo, San Blas and Dari�n. Travellers arriving
from non-endemic zones should note that vaccination is
strongly recommended for travel outside the urban areas, even
if an outbreak of the disease has not been reported and they
would normally not require a vaccination certificate to enter
the country.
Following WHO guidelines issued in 1973, a cholera
vaccination certificate is not a condition of entry to Panama.
However, cholera may be a slight risk in this country and
precautions are essential. Up-to-date advice should be sought
before deciding whether these precautions should include
vaccination, as medical opinion is divided over its
effectiveness. See the Health appendix.
Typhoid fevers are common, but polio is not present.
There is a low malaria risk, predominantly of the P
vivax form in three provinces throughout the year: Bocas
de Toro, Dari�n and San Blas. The risk of transmission in the
remaining six provinces is negligible.
Mains water is normally chlorinated and safe. Bottled water
is available. Drinking water outside main cities and towns may
be contaminated and sterilisation is advised. Milk is
pasteurised and dairy products are safe for consumption. Local
meat, poultry, seafood, fruit and vegetables are generally
considered safe to eat.
Hepatitis A and E occur. Dengue fever
may occur. Rabies is present. For those at high
risk, vaccination before arrival should be considered. If you
are bitten, seek medical advice without delay. For more
information, see the Health appendix.
Modern and reliable private medical services are available.
According to current legislation covering sanitary matters,
Panama offers healthcare facilities to all nationals and
foreign travellers who may require them, independent of any
reciprocal agreement with a particular country. International
travellers are, however, advised to take out medical
insurance.
(a) For public holidays falling on a Sunday, the following
Monday will be observed as a holiday.
Destination Guide – Panama
Passport and Visa Application
Health
Holidays
Note
Passports
Visas
Note
Tourist Cards
Types of visa and cost
Validity
Application to
Application requirements
Working days required
Addresses
1
2
3
4
5
Other risks
Health care
Public Holidays
Note
| British | yes | 1 | yes |
| Australian | yes | 2 | yes |
| Canadian | yes | 2 | yes |
| USA | no | 2 | yes |
| Other EU | yes | 1/2 | yes |
| Japanese | yes | 2 | yes |
| Instituto Paname�o de Turismo (IPAT) (Institute of Tourism) |
|
|
|
|
| Health Precaution | Special Precaution | Certificate |
|---|---|---|
| Yellow Fever | 1 | no |
| Cholera | 2 | no |
| Typhoid and Polio | 3 | n/a |
| Malaria | 4 | n/a |
| Food and Drink | 5 | n/a |
|
Jan 1 New Year’s Day. Jan 9 National Martyrs’ Day. Feb 11/12 Carnival. Mar 29 Good Friday. May 1 Labour Day. Nov 3 Independence Day (from Colombia). Nov 10 First Call for Independence from Spain. Nov 28 Independence Day (from Spain). Dec 8 Mothers Day. Dec 25 Christmas. Jan 1 2003 New Year’s Day. Jan 9 National Martyrs’ Day. Mar 3/4 Carnival. Apr 18 Good Friday. May 1 Labour Day. Nov 3 Independence Day (from Colombia). Nov 10 First Call for Independence from Spain. Nov 28 Independence Day (from Spain). Dec 8 Mothers Day. Dec 25 Christmas. |