Panama entry requirements for United Arab Emirates passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 25, 2026·View sources
No visa required
90 days
Max stay
90 days
Passport validity
6 months
Beyond entry date
Return ticket
Required
Or onward travel proof
Proof of funds
Recommended
May be checked
UAE passport holders can enter Panama without a visa for up to 90 days. This visa-free policy has been in effect since 2024, making Panama one of the easiest Central American destinations for Emirati travellers.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Valid passport Must be valid for the duration of your stay | Your passport needs to be valid for the entire time you plan to stay in Panama. Panama does not enforce a 6-month validity rule for UAE passport holders, but your airline may ask for it at check-in. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure from Panama | Immigration officers at Tocumen International Airport routinely ask for a return or onward ticket showing you leave within 90 days. Airlines also check this before boarding. | Recommended |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or invitation letter | Have a printed or digital hotel reservation for your first few nights. If staying with friends, a simple invitation letter with their address and phone number works. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can support yourself | Carry a bank statement or credit card showing access to around $500–$1,000 for your stay. Panama rarely asks for this, but having it ready avoids delays. | Recommended |
Passport validity is strictly enforced
Panamanian immigration requires your passport to be valid for at least 6 months from your date of entry. Airlines also check this before boarding. If your passport expires sooner, you will be denied travel.
No visa, no fee, no form
UAE passport holders do not need to apply for a visa, pay any fee, or fill out any online form before travelling. Just show up with a valid passport and a return ticket.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at Tocumen International Airport (PTY)
After landing, follow signs to 'Migración' (Immigration). There are separate queues for Panamanian citizens and foreigners. Join the 'Extranjeros' line. Have your passport and return ticket ready.
2
Present Documents to Immigration Officer
Hand over your passport and any requested documents. The officer will check your passport validity, stamp it, and may ask about your stay duration and accommodation. Answer clearly and briefly.
3
Receive Entry Stamp
The officer will stamp your passport with the date of entry and the allowed stay (usually 90 days). Check the stamp before leaving the counter to ensure the dates are correct.
4
Collect Luggage and Exit
After immigration, proceed to baggage claim, then customs. There is no arrival declaration form required for UAE passport holders. Walk through the green 'Nothing to Declare' channel if you have no goods to declare.
Download Panama Entry Checklist
PDF · United Arab Emirates Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 25, 2026
Overstay calculator
Enter your arrival date and we'll tell you exactly when you need to leave.
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Tourist visa (single entry)
Max stay90 days
Validity3 months from issue
Cost~$50 USD
For those who need a visa or want a longer stay; apply at Panamanian embassy.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay90 days per entry
Validity1 year
Cost~$100 USD
Allows multiple entries; suitable for frequent travellers.
Long-stay visa (pensionado/retirement)
Max stayIndefinite
Validity2 years, renewable
Cost~$250 USD
For retirees with permanent income; requires proof of pension.
retirement visa
Pensionado Visa (Retirement Visa)
2 years, renewable indefinitely
~$250 USD application fee
For retirees with a permanent pension of at least $1,000 USD/month. Offers permanent residency path and discounts on services.
digital nomad visa
Short Stay Visa for Remote Workers (proposed)
Up to 9 months
~$300 USD
For remote workers with proof of income. Allows extended stay without local tax liability. Check current availability.
investor visa
Investor Visa (Visa de Inversionista)
2 years, renewable
~$5,000 USD (investment required)
For those investing at least $300,000 in real estate or business. Leads to permanent residency.
work visa
Work Visa (Visa de Trabajo)
1 year, renewable
~$200 USD
Requires a job offer from a Panamanian company. Employer sponsors the visa.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Stay extension costVisa-free stay is not extendable. | Not applicable |
| Overstay fine per dayOverstay fines are applied daily; maximum cap may apply. | ~$50 USD per day (estimated) |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds proof30%
No return ticket25%
Suspicious travel pattern20%
Approval probability calculator
Answer 6 quick questions — we'll estimate how likely you are to be approved for entry based on typical immigration patterns.
Transiting through Panama
No transit visa needed
UAE passport holders do not need a transit visa for Panama if staying airside and not passing through immigration.
Airside transitAllowed
Transit hubsTocumen International Airport (PTY)
Health & vaccines for Panama
Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired if arriving from a country with risk of yellow fever transmission.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidRecommendedRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio)EssentialRabiesConsider
Health risks
Dengue feverModerate risk
Mosquito-borne; common in urban and rural areas.
ChikungunyaLow risk
Occasional outbreaks; transmitted by mosquitoes.
Zika virusLow risk
Risk for pregnant women; mosquito-borne.
Malaria risk: low
Risk exists in rural areas near the Darien region and some provinces; prophylaxis recommended for those areas.
Based on CDC and WHO guidance. Consult a travel medicine clinic 4–6 weeks before departure for personalised advice.
Immigration offices for extensions
Panama City
Servicio Nacional de Migración (SNM)
Avenida Ricardo J. Alfaro, Edificio 2000, Panama City
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00
Main office for visa extensions and immigration matters; bring all required documents.
David
Oficina Regional de Migración
Calle 1ra, David, Chiriquí
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00
Regional office for western Panama; less crowded.
Practical information for AE travellers
Country basics
CapitalPanama City
LanguageSpanish
Driving sideRight-hand traffic
US driving licenceUS visitors can drive with a valid US license for up to 90 days.
Money
CurrencyPanamanian balboa (PAB)
Exchange rate
1 USD = 1 PAB
Time zone
Local timeUTC-5
vs New Yorksame timezone
vs Los Angeles+3h
Electricity
Voltage120V / 60Hz
Plug types
A,BSame as US: two flat pins (Type A) or with grounding (Type B)
✓ No adapter needed for US plugs
Water & health
Tap water
Not safe — use bottled
Tap water is generally not safe to drink; stick to bottled water.
Emergency numbers
Frequently asked questions
No, the visa-free stay is not extendable. You must leave Panama before the 90 days are up. Overstaying can result in fines or a ban.
No, Panama does not require yellow fever vaccination for travellers arriving from the UAE. However, if you have recently visited a country with yellow fever, you may need proof of vaccination.
You will likely be denied boarding by the airline or entry by Panamanian immigration. Renew your passport before travelling.
No, you must have a return or onward ticket showing you will leave Panama within 90 days. Airlines check this before boarding.
No, there is no arrival declaration required for UAE passport holders. You simply present your passport at immigration.
Panama uses the Panamanian balboa (PAB), which is pegged 1:1 to the US dollar. US dollars are widely accepted everywhere. No need to exchange currency.
No, the visa-free entry is for tourism, business meetings, or transit only. Working or studying requires a separate visa or permit.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 25, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.