Traveling from the US to Panama, do I need a VISA?

Question: I am traveling from the USA to Panama as a tourist, and I want to know if I need a VISA to enter and exit the country of Panama and if I do then what does the VISA cost?

Answer: When you fly from the USA to Panama your airline should give you the VISA form when you check in for your flight. The VISA form costs $5.00.

However, for some reason the airlines do NOT always have VISA forms available at the check-in counter or on the airplane.

The very first time my wife & I came to Panama I did NOT even know that I needed a VISA form. So here is what happened to me.

We landed at the Tocumen Airport – located about 15 miles outside of Panama City. Very few people know that the Tocumen Airport was named after an Indian Chief who once lived near the airport area in the 1500’s – That’s correct, Panama City was founded in 1519. The Spanish Conquistadores were never able to defeat Chief Tocumen.

Back to my story – After I landed, I followed the yellow & black lettered signs directing me to Immigration (you have to walk down some stairs).
At the bottom of the stairs I took my position at the end of a very long line.

Immigration has improved since my very first visit. They have added staff and some even speak a little English. So the lines are usually not as long – unless you arrive on a Sunday night. On Sunday evening many flights all arrive at the same time. If you arrive in Panama on a Sunday evening it could take you 2 hours just to exit the airport.

But now the rest of my story –

Once I made it to the front of the immigration line and presented my Passport, the Agent started talking to me in Spanish. I replied with “Lo siento mi Espanol muy mal!” I’m sorry, my Spanish is very bad!

Fortunately for me the Agent spoke a little bit of English & he was able to advise me that I needed to go back to the very start of line to pay $5.00 for a VISA form.





The small kiosk (it actually looks like a wooden podium) which sells the VISA form is located at the bottom of the stairs that I mentioned above. I’ve seen the VISA kiosk located to your left, but I have also seen it located on the right. Go figure! Of course there is no signage telling you that this is the place to cough up your $5.00 bucks. Maybe it is only Gringos that need to know this little tip.

So remember when you come to Panama it is best for you to have paid your $5.00 for the VISA form before you enter the immigration line. The VISA form needs to be filled out – so have a pen with you. However, it doesn’t really matter how accurately you fill out the VISA form – the important thing is that your $5 bucks goes into Panama’s coffers.

I should also mention to you that as of this date October 11, 2008, as a Citizen of the USA you can legally stay in Panama for up to 90 days as a tourist. On or before the 90th day, if you still are in Panama as a tourist, you need to exit Panama for at least 72 hours before you will be allowed to return to Panama again.

The length of time a person is allowed to stay in Panama as a tourist can be different for people from different countries. And also the rules have been known to change. It wasn’t too long ago that Citizens of the USA could only stay in Panama 30 days on a tourist VISA, and back then USA Citizens were required to return to their country of origin - not just take a little trip to Costa Rica or Colombia for 72 hours.

So how can you be sure what the rules are in effect right now?

You are more than always welcome to contact me with any of your questions or concerns –
RICHN@remax.net