IMMIGRATION AND VISAS

Visa Exemption: There is a Law in effect regarding tourist visas for entering the Republic of Panama; EXECUTIVE DECREE # 521 states that:

Article 1: “Any person of nationality who requires a visa to enter the Republic of Panama, who has a valid Visa or Residence, duly issued by Canada, the United States of America, the Commonwealth of Australia, the Republic of Korea, the State of Japan, the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, Republic of Singapore and any of the States that make up the European Union, may enter the national territory ”

Article 2: The visa granted by the countries mentioned in the previous article must be a multiple entry visa, has been used previously in the territory of the granting State and its validity shall not be less than six (6) months at the time of entering Panamanian territory. If you meet the following requirements, you will qualify for the aforementioned decree:

MODIFICATION OF EXECUTIVE DECREE #521:

Executive Decree No. 196 of October 28, 2024

Article 1: Article 2 of Executive Decree No. 521 of August 6, 2018, is modified as follows:

Article 2: Upon entering Panamanian territory, foreign nationals must hold a valid visa issued by one of the countries mentioned in Article 1 of Executive Decree No. 521 of August 6, 2018.

Article 2: This Executive Decree shall take effect upon its promulgation.

For more information, you can access the link provided, which contains a copy of Executive Decree No. 196 of October 28, 2024.

https://www.migracion.gob.pa/wp-content/uploads/DECRETO-EJECUTIVO-196-DE-28-DE-OCTUBRE-DE-2024-QUE-MODIFICA-EL-ARTICULO-2-DEL-DECRETO-EJECUTIVO-521-DE-06-DE-AGOSTO-DE-2018.pdf.

If you meet the following requirements, you will qualify for the decree mentioned above:

• Has a valid passport with a minimum of three months validity.

• Upon entering Panamanian territory, foreign nationals must hold a valid visa issued by one of the countries mentioned: Canada, United States of America, Commonwealth of Australia, Republic of Korea, State of Japan, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland North, Republic of Singapore and any of the States that make up the European Union.

• You must also show proof of economic solvency for a minimum of US $ 500.00 upon entering.

NOTE: Make sure you have a minimum of three months of validity in your passport and a round trip ticket.

• The maximum amount of time that you can stay in Panama is 30 days.

For further information please access the following link which contains a copy of the law decree :

https://www.gacetaoficial.gob.pa/pdfTemp/28586_A/68706.pdf

To know if you require a visa, please click on the image below. ↓↓↓

Please note that the consulate is not responsible for determining the eligibility of tourists to enter Panama.

The responsibility for meeting entry requirements lies with the travelers themselves.

The Panamanian immigration authorities will make the final decision regarding entry to Panama.

If you require and want to apply for a visa, you will need to contact your closest consulate (TOKYO or KOBE).

• TOKYO: visa@panaconsul-tokyo.com

• KOBE : info@panakobeconsulate.jp