Panama entry requirements for Bangladesh passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 25, 2026·View sources
Visa required
Max stay
No fixed limit
Passport validity
6 months
Beyond entry date
Return ticket
Required
Or onward travel proof
Proof of funds
Recommended
May be checked
Bangladeshi passport holders must get a visa before traveling to Panama. As of 2026, there is no visa-on-arrival or e-visa option — you need to apply at a Panamanian embassy or consulate in advance.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Visa application Apply at Panama embassy or consulate | Bangladeshi passport holders must obtain a visa before traveling to Panama. Submit your application at the nearest Panama embassy or consulate with a valid passport, completed form, passport photos, flight itinerary, hotel bookings, bank statements, and proof of employment. Processing takes 2–4 weeks — apply well ahead of your travel date.Check visa requirements | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for entire stay | Your passport must be valid for at least the full duration of your stay in Panama. Immigration officers at Tocumen International Airport check this carefully — if your passport expires before you leave, you will be denied boarding. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Required for entry | Panama immigration requires proof of a return or onward flight out of the country. Airlines at departure check this before issuing your boarding pass — have a printed or digital copy ready. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or invitation letter | Immigration officers may ask for a hotel reservation or a letter of invitation from your host in Panama. Have a printed confirmation or digital copy on your phone. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Bank statements or cash | You may be asked to show you have enough money for your stay — around $500 USD or equivalent. Carry a recent bank statement or credit card as evidence. | Recommended |
No visa on arrival — plan ahead
Panama does not offer visa on arrival or e-visa for Bangladeshi passport holders. You must apply at a Panamanian embassy or consulate before you travel. Start the process at least 6 weeks before your trip.
Travel insurance is strongly recommended
While not mandatory for entry, medical costs in Panama can be very high. A basic travel insurance policy covering medical emergencies, trip cancellation, and lost luggage is cheap insurance against expensive surprises.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for a visa at a Panamanian embassy
Find the nearest Panamanian embassy or consulate (e.g., in New Delhi, Tokyo, or London). Submit the visa application form, your passport, photos, flight itinerary, hotel booking, bank statements, and any other documents they request. Pay the visa fee (varies by embassy — typically $50–$100). Wait for processing — this can take 2–6 weeks.
2
Prepare your documents for travel
Once your visa is approved, make sure you have: passport with visa sticker, printed return/onward ticket, first-night hotel confirmation, and travel insurance documents. Keep digital copies on your phone and a printed backup in your carry-on.
3
Arrive at Tocumen International Airport (PTY)
After landing, follow signs to 'Migración' (immigration). Join the queue for 'All Passports' (no separate line for Bangladeshi passports). Have your passport, visa, return ticket, and hotel confirmation ready. The officer will stamp your passport — check the stamp for the number of days allowed (usually matches your visa).
4
Exit and collect luggage
After immigration, proceed to baggage claim, then customs. You'll likely walk through a green channel if you have nothing to declare. Exit into the arrivals hall — taxis and ride-shares are available.
Download Panama Entry Checklist
PDF · Bangladesh Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 25, 2026
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 date
Cost$50 USD (approx. 4,250 BDT)
Requires application at Panamanian embassy or consulate. Must show proof of funds and return ticket.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay90 days per entry
Validity1 year from issue date
Cost$75 USD (approx. 6,375 BDT)
Allows multiple entries within validity. Same requirements as single entry.
Long-stay visa (Pensionado visa)
Max stayIndefinite (renewable annually)
Validity1 year, renewable
Cost~$250 USD (approx. 21,250 BDT) plus fees
For retirees with a lifetime pension of at least $1,000 USD/month. Requires proof of pension and background check.
retirement visa
Pensionado Visa (Retirement Visa)
1 year, renewable annually
~$250 USD (approx. 21,250 BDT) plus annual renewal fees
For retirees with a lifetime pension of at least $1,000 USD/month. Offers permanent residency after 5 years and discounts on services.
investor visa
Investor Visa (Visa de Inversionista)
2 years, renewable
~$5,000 USD (approx. 425,000 BDT) plus investment
For investors who invest at least $300,000 USD in Panama real estate or business. Leads to permanent residency.
work visa
Work Visa (Visa de Trabajo)
1 year, renewable
~$500 USD (approx. 42,500 BDT) plus employer fees
Requires a job offer from a Panamanian employer. Employer must obtain work permit. Allows family reunification.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Tourist visa (single entry)Fee for a single-entry tourist visa for Bangladesh passport holders. | $50 USD (approx. 4,250 BDT) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)Fee for a multiple-entry tourist visa, valid for up to 1 year. | $75 USD (approx. 6,375 BDT) |
| Overstay fine per dayOverstay penalty for each day beyond authorized stay. No maximum cap specified. | $100 USD per day (approx. 8,500 BDT) |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds30%
No return ticket25%
Incomplete documents20%
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
Transit visa required
Bangladesh passport holders require a transit visa to change planes in Panama, even if staying airside. Apply at a Panamanian embassy before travel.
Exceptions & conditions
- Holders of a valid US, Canada, UK, Schengen, or Australia visa may transit without a visa for up to 12 hours.
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 (e.g., Brazil, Colombia).
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidRecommendedRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio, influenza)EssentialRabiesConsider
Health risks
Dengue feverModerate risk
Mosquito-borne disease prevalent in urban and rural areas; use insect repellent.
ChikungunyaLow risk
Occasional outbreaks; transmitted by mosquitoes.
Zika virusLow risk
Risk for pregnant women; use mosquito protection.
Malaria risk: low
Low risk in rural areas of Darien and San Blas; prophylaxis not routinely recommended for most travelers.
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 immigration office for visa extensions and permits. Bring all original documents and copies.
David
Oficina Regional de Migración de David
Calle 2da, David, Chiriquí
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00
Regional office for western Panama. Limited services; call ahead for appointments.
Practical information for BD 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. Panama does not offer visa on arrival for Bangladeshi nationals. You must obtain a visa from a Panamanian embassy or consulate before you travel.
Processing times vary by embassy, but typically 2–6 weeks. Apply at least 4–6 weeks before your planned departure. The nearest embassy is in New Delhi, India, but you can also apply at any Panamanian consulate worldwide.
You'll generally need: a completed visa application form, passport valid for 6+ months, passport-size photos, flight itinerary, hotel booking, bank statements for the last 3–6 months, and a cover letter explaining the purpose of your visit. Some embassies may also ask for a letter from your employer or proof of ties to Bangladesh.
Visa fees vary by embassy — typically between $50 and $100 USD. Check with the specific embassy or consulate where you apply for the exact amount and accepted payment methods.
Extensions are not available for tourist visa holders. You must leave Panama before your visa expires. Overstaying can result in fines and future entry bans.
Panama does not require yellow fever vaccination for travellers from Bangladesh unless you have recently visited a country with yellow fever. However, it's always a good idea to check with the embassy at the time of application.
You will be denied entry and placed on the next flight back to your origin. There is no appeal or alternative process at the airport. You must have a valid visa before boarding your flight to Panama.
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.