Panama Entry Requirements
U.S. citizens traveling by air to and from Panama must present a
passport valid for at least 3 months validity when entering. Sea travelers must have a valid U.S.
passport (or other original proof of U.S. citizenship, such as a
certified U.S. birth certificate with a government-issued photo ID).
American citizens can visit travel.state.gov or call 1-877-4USA-PPT
(1-877-487-2778) for information on applying for a passport.
The latest entry information may be obtained from the Embassy
of Panama, 2862 McGill Terrace NW, Washington, DC 20009, tel. (202)
483-1407, or the Panamanian consulates in Atlanta, Boston, Chicago,
Honolulu, Houston, Los Angeles, Miami, New Orleans, New York,
Philadelphia, San Juan, San Diego, San Francisco or Tampa.
U.S. tourists are allowed to stay in Panama visa-free for 180
days. To stay longer, tourists must apply for a "change
of migratory status visa"� through a Panamanian lawyer before the
expiration of the 180 days in country (See the National Migration
Service web site for explanations of types of visas and requirements).
Please note that the Panamanian Immigration Office has discretion in
the approval of this change in status.
U.S. citizens transiting the Panama Canal as passengers,
whether or not they intend to disembark, do not need to obtain visas,
report to customs, or pay any fees. If they are piloting private craft
or planes then they need to have a pre-stamped visa from a Panamanian
Embassy or consulate, as do persons crossing into Panama by land. The
Servicio Nacional de Migracion charges USD $110 for private boats
arriving as tourists. This fee would cover a three-month stay which may
be extended to up to two years once approved. U.S. citizens piloting
private craft through the canal should contact the Panama Canal
Authority at 011-507-272-1111 or consult the Canal Authority web site.
Minors who are citizens (including dual-citizens) or legal
residents of Panama are required to present birth certificates and
consent from both parents (in Spanish) in order to exit the country.
Note that these documents, even when already notarized in the U.S. must
still be authenticated with an Apostille stamp. This documentation is
required at all land, sea, and air ports.
Visit the
Embassy of Panama web site for the most current visa information.
Expedite Your Passport Now!
IMPORTANT: The foreign entry requirements listed here were
obtained from foreign embassies or consulates. This information is
subject to change. Verify the data with the consular officials of the
countries you plan to visit well in advance. For further information,
see our
embassy list.