Panama Travel Guide

Passports

Country	Passport Required	Visa Required	Return Ticket Required
Other EU	Yes	No/2	Yes
USA	Yes	No/1	Yes
Canadian	Yes	No/1	Yes
Australian	Yes	No/1	Yes
British	Yes	No	Yes

Passport valid for a minimum of six months required by all nationals referred to in the chart above.

Passport Notes

Many nationals requiring visas also require authorization from the Immigration Authorities in Panama before entry.

Visas

Not required by all nationals referred to in the chart above for stays of up to 90 days except:
1. nationals of Australia, Canada and USA who will be issued a tourist card in lieu of a visa for stays of up to 30 days (extendable to 90 days at the discretion of the immigration authorities);
2. nationals of Bulgaria and Romania who do require a visa.

Note: Nationals not referred to in the chart above are advised to contact the embassy to check visa requirements (see Important Addresses).

Types of Visa and Cost

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 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.

Validity

Visas 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 Important Addresses. A tourist card can be issued either by the travel agent or on the flight or at the airport.

Working Days Required

Normally 24 hours if no authorization is needed; up to 40 days if authorization (which depends on nationality) is needed.

Travel Warnings

Travel 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. Since 12 February 2008, there have been violent demonstrations occurring throughout Panama City and other parts of the country. This is the result of the shooting and death of a construction worker by the Panamanian Police. Travelers should avoid all demonstrations and construction sites and monitor local media for up to date information.

If transiting the USA on the way to Panama, you must have a machine-readable passport or a valid US non-immigrant visa.

Travelers should be aware of the global risk of indiscriminate terrorist attacks, which could be against civilian targets, including places frequented by foreigners.

There is a possibility of earthquakes in Panama. The most recent one struck on 23 January in the west of the country, at a magnitude of 5.5. The last major one struck the north of Panama on 4 July 2009, measuring 6.3 on the Richter scale. There was no major damage caused on either occasion.

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 Care

Modern 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.

Vaccinations

Vaccination	Special Precaution
Diphtheria	Sometimes
Hepatitis A	Yes
Malaria	Sometimes
Rabies	Sometimes
Tetanus	Yes
Typhoid	Yes
Yellow Fever	Yes

Special Notes

A yellow fever certificate is required from all travelers coming from infected areas.