Passport/Visa | Passport Required? | Visa Required? | Return Ticket Required? |
| British | Yes | 1 | Yes |
| Australian | Yes | 2 | Yes |
| Canadian | Yes | 2 | Yes |
| USA | Yes | 2 | Yes |
| Other EU | Yes | 1/2 | Yes |
Passport 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 authorization from the Immigration Authorities in Panama before entry.
PassportsPassport valid for a minimum of six months required by all nationals of countries referred to in the chart above.
VisasRequired by all nationals of countries referred to in the chart above except the following for stays of up to 90 days (at the discretion of the immigration authorities):
(a)
1. nationals of the EU and the UK (except for UK passports issued in Hong Kong (SAR) to those who were born in Hong Kong).
Note: Nationals of countries not referred to in the chart above are advised to contact the embassy to check visa requirements (see
General Info).
Visa NoteA 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 Australia, Canada and USA.
Types of Visa and CostTourist: £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 upon arrival at the airport). Some nationals can obtain the tourist card free of charge (including nationals of the USA). Enquire at the consulate for details.
ValidityVisas and tourist cards are valid within a three-month period from the date of issue and allow stays for up to 30 days (extendable to 90 days at discretion of immigration authorities).
Applications to:Consulate (or consular section at embassy); see
General Info. A tourist card can be issued either by the travel agent
or on the flight
or at the airport.
Working Days RequiredNormally 24 hours if no authorization is needed; up to 40 days if authorization (which depends on nationality) is needed.
WarningTravel to the Darien province should be conducted only with an organized group, and to recognized tourist destinations protected by the Panamanian police.
There are sporadic demonstrations in Panama City about various social and political issues. Travelers should avoid all demonstrations and monitor local radio and TV for up-to-date information.
If you transit the United States on your way to Panama, you must have a machine-readable passport or a valid US non-immigrant visa.
You should be aware of the global risk of indiscriminate terrorist attacks, which could be against civilian targets, including places frequented by foreigners.
This advice is based on information provided by the Foreign and Commonwealth Office in the UK. It is correct at time of publishing. As the situation can change rapidly, visitors are advised to contact the following organizations for the latest travel advice:
British Foreign and Commonwealth Office Tel: (0845) 850 2829.
Website:
www.fco.gov.uk US Department of State Website:
http://travel.state.gov/travel Health | Special Precautions | Certificate Required? |
| Yellow Fever | 1 | No |
| Cholera | 2 | No |
| Typhoid and Polio | 3 | N/A |
| Malaria | 4 | N/A |
Health CareModern and reliable private medical services are available. According to current legislation covering sanitary matters, Panama offers healthcare facilities to all nationals and foreign travelers who may require them, independent of any reciprocal agreement with a particular country. International travelers are, however, advised to take out medical insurance.
Note1Yellow fever vaccination is recommended for those over nine months traveling to Darién and Kunayala (San Blas), excluding the canal zone. Travelers 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.
2Following 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.
3Typhoid fevers are common, but polio is not present.
4There is a low malaria risk, predominantly of the
plasmodium vivax form in three provinces throughout the year: Bocas de Toro, Darién and San Blas. There is no risk in Panama City or in the former canal zone.
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