Panama entry requirements for Colombia 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
Colombian passport holders can enter Panama without a visa for stays up to 90 days. This policy applies in 2026 for tourism, business, or transit. Bring your passport and a few key documents.
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. Airlines check this at check-in, and immigration officers in Panama will deny boarding if your passport expires before you leave. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure from Panama | Immigration officers routinely ask for a return or onward ticket at the border. Have a printed or digital copy of your flight booking out of Panama within 90 days of arrival. | Recommended |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Officers may ask where you're staying, especially if you arrive without a clear itinerary. A hotel confirmation or a letter from your host with their address and phone number works fine. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can support yourself during your stay | Immigration can request evidence of sufficient funds, typically around $500 USD or a credit card statement. A recent bank statement or a few hundred dollars in cash usually satisfies them. | Recommended |
Passport validity is strictly enforced
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your entry date. Airlines check this before boarding. If your passport expires sooner, you'll be denied boarding.
Keep a copy of your return ticket
Immigration at Tocumen Airport often asks for proof of onward travel. A screenshot on your phone is fine, but a printed copy is even safer.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at Panama airport
Fly into Tocumen International Airport (PTY) in Panama City. Follow signs to 'Migración' (Immigration).
2
Queue at immigration counter
Join the line for foreign passports. Have your passport, return ticket (if asked), and accommodation booking ready.
3
Present documents and get stamped
Hand over your passport. The officer may ask your purpose of visit and length of stay. They'll stamp your passport with up to 90 days. No fee.
4
Collect luggage and exit
After immigration, pick up your bags from the carousel and walk through customs. Green means nothing to declare; red means random check.
Download Panama Entry Checklist
PDF · Colombia 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, not extendable
Validity3 months from issue
CostFree (visa-free already applies)
Visa-free entry is the standard; no paid alternative for short stays.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay90 days per entry, not extendable
Validity6 months from issue
CostFree (visa-free already applies)
Visa-free entry allows multiple entries within 90-day limits.
Long-stay visa (Pensionado Visa)
Max stayIndefinite (renewable annually)
Validity1 year, renewable
Cost~$250 USD (application fee)
For retirees with permanent income of $1,000+/month. Requires residency application.
Digital nomad visa
Max stay9 months (extendable to 18)
Validity9 months
Cost~$300 USD (application fee)
For remote workers with income of $3,000+/month. Must apply from abroad.
retirement visa
Pensionado Visa (Retirement Visa)
1 year, renewable annually
~$250 USD application fee + annual renewal
For retirees with a permanent pension of at least $1,000/month. Offers discounts on services and is a path to permanent residency.
digital nomad visa
Short Stay Visa for Remote Workers (Digital Nomad Visa)
9 months, extendable to 18 months
~$300 USD application fee
For remote workers earning $3,000+/month. Allows stay without local tax liability. Must apply from outside Panama.
investor visa
Investor Visa (Visa de Inversionista)
2 years, renewable
~$5,000 USD (legal fees + investment)
For investors with a minimum investment of $300,000 in real estate or business. Leads to permanent residency.
work visa
Work Visa (Visa de Trabajo)
1 year, renewable
~$500 USD (employer-sponsored)
For those with a job offer from a Panamanian company. Requires employer sponsorship and labor ministry approval.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Tourist visa (single entry)Visa-free entry covers single-entry tourist visits. | Free (not applicable for visa-free) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)Visa-free entry does not require a visa. | Free (not applicable for visa-free) |
| Stay extension costVisa-free stay is not extendable. | Not available (N/A) |
| Overstay fine per dayOverstay fines are assessed at immigration discretion; avoid overstaying. | ~$50 USD per day (estimated) |
| Overstay maximum capNo official cap published; fines accumulate daily. | Unknown |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds30%
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
Colombia passport holders do not need a transit visa for airside transit through Panama airports for up to 12 hours, provided they have a confirmed onward ticket and do not pass through immigration.
Airside transitAllowed up to 12h
Exceptions & conditions
- Holders of a valid US, Canada, Schengen, UK, or Australia visa may transit without visa for up to 12 hours.
- Transit through Tocumen Airport (PTY) is visa-free for airside connections.
Transit hubsTocumen International Airport (PTY) – Panama City · Enrique Malek International Airport (DAV) – David · Albrook 'Marcos A. Gelabert' International Airport (PAC) – Panama City
Health & vaccines for Panama
Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired if arriving from a country with risk of yellow fever transmission (e.g., Colombia, Brazil).
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
Occasional outbreaks; transmitted by mosquitoes.
Zika virusLow risk
Risk for pregnant women; mosquito-borne.
Malaria risk: low
Low risk in rural areas of Darién and San Blas; 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) – Sede Principal
Avenida Ricardo J. Alfaro, Edificio 2000, Panama City
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00
Main office for visa and residency matters. Arrive early to avoid long waits.
David
Servicio Nacional de Migración – Regional Chiriquí
Calle 3ra, Edificio de Gobierno, David
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00
Handles extensions and permits for western Panama.
Practical information for CO 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 day 90. Overstaying can result in fines or a ban. If you need more time, you'd have to leave and re-enter.
Not required for Colombian citizens arriving directly from Colombia. However, if you've recently traveled to a country with yellow fever risk (e.g., Brazil, Peru), you may need proof of vaccination. Check with the Panamanian embassy if unsure.
You'll be fined approximately $100–$200 depending on the overstay duration. You may also be barred from re-entering Panama for a period. Always leave on time.
There is no direct road connection between Colombia and Panama due to the Darién Gap. You must fly into Tocumen Airport or arrive by sea (e.g., ferry from Cartagena to Colón).
No, Panama does not require an online arrival declaration for Colombian passport holders. You simply fill out a paper immigration card on the plane or at the airport.
Not officially, but immigration officers may ask how you'll support yourself. Having a credit card or cash (around $500) is a good idea, though rarely checked.
No, the 90-day visa-free stay is for tourism, business meetings, or transit only. You cannot take paid employment. For work, you need a proper work visa arranged before travel.
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.