Panama is a transcontinental country in Central America connecting North and South America via the Isthmus of Panama. It is internationally renowned for the Panama Canal, one of the world’s most strategically important waterways. Panama uses the US Dollar as its de facto currency alongside the Panamanian Balboa (at par with USD). Panama’s Tocumen International Airport (PTY) is a major regional hub for Latin American aviation. Panama maintains a relatively liberal visa policy and is known for its Friendly Nations Visa programme, which offers a path to permanent residency for citizens of 50 select countries.

2. Visa-Free Access — 180 Days

The United States and Canada are entitled to the longest visa-free stay in Panama, at 180 days (6 months).

180-Day Visa-Free Countries • United States of America • Canada

3. Visa-Free Access — 90 Days

A large number of countries receive 90-day visa-free access to Panama. This covers most of Europe, key Asian partners, and much of Latin America.

Key Countries — 90 Days Visa-Free • All European Union member states • United Kingdom • Australia, New Zealand • Japan, South Korea, Singapore • Israel • Russia • Turkey • UAE, Saudi Arabia • Brazil, Argentina, Chile, Colombia, Mexico, Peru • And approximately 60+ other countries

4. Visa-Free — 30 Days (Hong Kong)

Citizens of Hong Kong SAR are entitled to 30-day visa-free entry to Panama.

5. Non-Ordinary Passport Exemptions

Panama extends visa-free entry to holders of diplomatic, official, or service passports from countries whose ordinary passport holders are not entitled to visa-free access:

Non-Ordinary Passport Visa-Free Countries (Select List) • China (People’s Republic) — diplomatic/official/service passports • Cuba — diplomatic/official/service passports • Dominican Republic — diplomatic/official/service passports • Haiti — diplomatic/official/service passports • Philippines — diplomatic/official/service passports

6. Third-Country Substitute Visa

Panama allows 30-day visa-free entry for nationals of many countries who hold a valid multiple-entry visa from any of the following countries, even if those nationals would otherwise require a Panamanian visa:

Qualifying Countries for Third-Country Substitute Visa • Australia • Canada • European Union member states (Schengen visa) • Japan • Singapore • South Korea • United Kingdom • United States

This arrangement is particularly beneficial for Indian, Chinese, and other Asian and African nationals who hold multiple-entry US, UK, or Schengen visas and wish to transit or visit Panama without obtaining a separate Panamanian visa.

7. Friendly Nations Visa (FNV)

Established in 2012, the Friendly Nations Visa (FNV) programme allows citizens of 50 designated ‘friendly’ countries to obtain a permanent residency visa in Panama, provided they demonstrate professional or economic ties to Panama (such as employment with a Panamanian company, or incorporation of a Panamanian company). This has made Panama a popular destination for expatriates and retirees. The 50 friendly nations include most EU countries, the US, Canada, UK, Australia, Japan, South Korea, Singapore, and other OECD members.

8. Transit Policy

Transit rules at Tocumen International Airport (PTY):

• Cuba: Requires a transit visa even for airside transit
• Haiti: Requires a transit visa even for airside transit
• All other nationalities: 12-hour airside transit without a visa, provided they hold a confirmed onward ticket

9. Special Provisions — Panamanian Origin

A Panamanian birth certificate or Panamanian national identity document grants visa-free entry to Panama regardless of which country’s passport the person holds. This applies to Panamanians who have acquired foreign citizenship.

10. Entry Requirements

• Valid passport (minimum 3–6 months validity recommended beyond intended stay)
• Return or onward ticket from Panama
• Proof of sufficient funds (USD 500 or more is commonly requested)
• Proof of accommodation (hotel booking or invitation letter)
• Completed immigration arrival card
• Yellow fever vaccination certificate if arriving from or transiting through endemic countries

11. Summary Table

Category	Countries	Duration
180-Day Visa-Free	United States, Canada	180 days
90-Day Visa-Free	EU, UK, Australia, Japan, Singapore, South Korea, Israel, Russia, Turkey, UAE, Saudi Arabia, Latin America, ~60+ countries	90 days
30-Day Visa-Free	Hong Kong SAR	30 days
Non-Ordinary Passports	China, Cuba, Dominican Republic, Haiti, Philippines (diplomatic/official/service)	90 days
Third-Country Substitute Visa	Nationals holding valid multiple-entry AU/CA/EU/JP/SG/KR/UK/US visa	30 days
Friendly Nations Visa	50 countries — path to permanent residency	Residency basis
Transit	All nationalities (except Cuba, Haiti) — 12 hours airside	12 hours

12. Important Notes

• Tocumen International Airport (PTY) is a major Latin American aviation hub — Copa Airlines’ primary base
• Panama uses the US Dollar; no currency exchange required for American travellers
• The Panama Canal is a major tourist attraction; the Miraflores Locks Visitor Centre is highly recommended
• Panama’s Pensionado (Pensioner) Visa offers attractive discounts for retirees from all countries
• Extension of stay may be arranged through the Servicio Nacional de Migración
• For latest requirements, consult the Servicio Nacional de Migración or nearest Panamanian embassy