Panama entry requirements for Cameroon passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 30, 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
Cameroonian passport holders need a visa to enter Panama. You must apply at a Panamanian embassy or consulate before traveling. This rule has been in place since 2024.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Visa application Visa required | You need a visa before traveling to Panama. Apply at the Panama National Migration Service website or at a Panamanian embassy or consulate in your country of residence. Processing times vary, so apply well in advance of your planned travel dates.Apply for visa | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for the duration of stay | Your passport must be valid for at least the entire period you plan to stay in Panama. Airlines and immigration officers check this at check-in and upon arrival. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Recommended | Immigration officers may ask for proof of a return or onward flight out of Panama. Have a printed or digital copy of your ticket ready to show if requested. | Recommended |
| Proof of accommodation Recommended | Have a hotel booking or an invitation letter from your host ready. Officers may ask for it to confirm where you'll be staying during your visit. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Recommended | Carry evidence of sufficient funds for your stay, such as bank statements or credit cards. Immigration may ask to see that you can support yourself financially. | Recommended |
Visa required — apply early
Cameroonian passport holders cannot enter Panama without a pre-approved visa. Start the application process at least 4–6 weeks before your trip. No exceptions.
Yellow fever vaccination required
If you're traveling from Cameroon (a country with yellow fever risk), you must present a valid yellow fever vaccination certificate at Panama immigration. Without it, you may be denied entry or quarantined.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for a visa at a Panamanian embassy
Locate the Panamanian embassy or consulate nearest to you (e.g., in Abuja, Nigeria, or Yaoundé, Cameroon). Submit your application in person or by mail, depending on the embassy's rules. Processing takes 2–4 weeks.
2
Prepare your documents
Gather your passport (valid 6+ months), completed visa form, passport photos, flight itinerary, hotel booking, bank statements, and travel insurance. Make copies of everything.
3
Wait for visa approval
Once submitted, the embassy will process your application. You may be called for an interview. Approval is not guaranteed — ensure all documents are complete and truthful.
4
Travel to Panama
With your visa sticker in your passport, book your flight. At Tocumen International Airport (PTY) in Panama City, go to the immigration counter. Present your passport, visa, return ticket, and hotel booking. You'll get a stamp allowing your stay.
Download Panama Entry Checklist
PDF · Cameroon Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 30, 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
Cost$50 USD
Standard tourist visa; must apply at Panamanian embassy before travel.
Tourist visa multiple entry
Max stay90 days per entry
Validity6 months from issue
Cost$75 USD
Ideal for frequent travellers; same application requirements.
Long-stay visa (pensionado visa)
Max stayIndefinite (renewable annually)
Validity1 year initially
Cost$250 USD (approx.)
For retirees with permanent income; requires proof of pension or investment.
retirement visa
Pensionado Visa (Retirement Visa)
1 year, renewable annually
~$250 USD initial fee
For retirees with a permanent pension of at least $1,000 USD/month. Offers discounts on services and tax benefits. Requires proof of income and background check.
digital nomad visa
Short Stay Visa for Remote Workers (proposed)
Up to 9 months
~$200 USD (estimated)
Panama has introduced a visa for remote workers allowing stays up to 9 months. Requires proof of remote employment and income above $3,000/month. Not yet fully implemented; check official sources.
investor visa
Investor Visa (Visa de Inversionista)
2 years, renewable
~$5,000 USD (legal fees + investment)
For those investing at least $300,000 in real estate or a business in Panama. Requires proof of investment and business plan. Leads to permanent residency after 2 years.
work visa
Work Visa (Permiso de Trabajo)
1 year, renewable
~$500 USD (employer-sponsored)
For those with a job offer from a Panamanian company. Employer must obtain a labor certificate. Allows family reunification.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Tourist visa (single entry)Standard fee for Cameroon passport holders; apply at Panamanian embassy. | $50 USD |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)Allows multiple entries within validity period; same application process. | $75 USD |
| Overstay fine per dayNo maximum cap reported; avoid overstay to prevent fines and bans. | $100 USD per day |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds proof30%
No return ticket25%
Incomplete visa application20%
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
Cameroon passport holders need 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 48 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 (Cameroon is endemic). Must show certificate at entry.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidRecommendedRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio, influenza)EssentialRabiesConsider
Health risks
Dengue feverModerate risk
Mosquito-borne; risk in urban and rural areas, especially during rainy season.
ChikungunyaLow risk
Mosquito-borne; sporadic outbreaks reported.
Zika virusLow risk
Mosquito-borne; risk for pregnant women; avoid if pregnant.
Malaria risk: low
Low risk in rural areas of Darien and San Blas; prophylaxis not routinely recommended for urban travel.
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 permits; bring all original documents.
David
Oficina Regional de Migración de David
Calle 3ra, Edificio de Gobierno, David, Chiriquí
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00
Regional office for western Panama; less crowded than Panama City.
Practical information for CM 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 Cameroonian citizens. You must obtain a visa from a Panamanian embassy or consulate before traveling.
Processing typically takes 2 to 4 weeks, but can vary by embassy. Apply at least a month before your planned departure to be safe.
You'll need a passport valid for 6+ months beyond entry, completed visa application form, passport-sized photos, flight itinerary, hotel booking, bank statements (last 3 months), and travel insurance. Some embassies may ask for a letter of invitation or proof of employment.
Visa fees vary by embassy and visa type. Expect to pay around $50–$100 USD. Check with the specific embassy for exact fees.
Extensions are not available for tourist visa holders. You must leave before your visa expires or apply for a different visa type from within Panama, which is difficult.
Panama requires yellow fever vaccination if you are arriving from a country with risk of yellow fever transmission. Cameroon is on that list, so you'll need to show a yellow fever certificate at entry.
Overstaying can result in fines, deportation, and a ban from re-entering Panama. Fines are typically $100–$500 depending on the overstay duration. Leave on time.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 30, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.