Panama entry requirements for Egypt 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
Egyptian passport holders must apply for a visa before traveling to Panama. There is no visa-on-arrival or visa waiver program for Egyptian nationals in 2026. Plan ahead and submit your application at the nearest Panamanian embassy or consulate.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Visa application Apply for a visa at the Panama embassy or consulate | Egyptian passport holders need a visa before traveling to Panama. Submit your application at the nearest Panama embassy or consulate — processing takes 5–10 business days. You will need a valid passport, completed application form, passport-sized photos, flight itinerary, hotel bookings, bank statements, and a letter of employment.Visit Migration Service | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for the duration of your stay | Your passport must be valid for at least the length of your intended stay in Panama. Airlines check this at check-in — if your passport expires sooner, you may be denied boarding. Carry a photocopy of the bio-data page separately. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure from Panama | Immigration officers routinely ask for a confirmed onward or return ticket. Have a printed or digital copy of your flight booking showing you leave Panama within your visa validity. Without it, you risk being refused entry at Tocumen International Airport. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or invitation letter | Have a hotel reservation or a letter of invitation from your host in Panama ready. Officers may ask where you are staying — a simple booking confirmation on your phone works. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can support yourself during your stay | Carry bank statements or a credit card showing you have at least $500 USD available for your trip. Immigration may ask how you plan to cover expenses — a recent statement or cash works. | Recommended |
Visa required — plan ahead
Egyptian passport holders cannot enter Panama without a pre-approved visa. There is no visa-on-arrival or e-visa option. Start the application process at least 4–6 weeks before your trip.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for a visa at the embassy
Contact the Panamanian embassy in Cairo (or the nearest one if you're outside Egypt). Submit your application, passport, photos, and supporting documents. Pay the fee and wait for processing — typically 2–4 weeks.
2
Book your travel and accommodation
Once you have the visa, book a return flight and your first night's stay. Keep confirmations saved on your phone or printed.
3
Arrive at Tocumen International Airport (PTY)
At immigration, present your passport with the visa, return ticket, and accommodation proof. The officer may ask about your plans — answer clearly. You'll get a stamp allowing entry up to the visa's validity.
Download Panama Entry Checklist
PDF · Egypt 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
Cost$50 USD
Standard tourist visa; must apply at Panamanian embassy before travel.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay90 days per entry
Validity1 year from issue
Cost$75 USD
Ideal for frequent travellers; same application process.
Long-stay visa (pensionado/retirement)
Max stayIndefinite
Validity2 years, renewable
Cost$250 USD
Requires proof of permanent income (e.g., pension) of at least $1,000/month.
retirement visa
Pensionado Visa (Retirement Visa)
2 years, renewable indefinitely
$250 USD initial fee
For retirees with a permanent pension of at least $1,000/month. Offers discounts on services and tax benefits. Requires proof of income and background check.
digital nomad visa
Short-Term Stay Visa for Remote Workers
Up to 9 months (non-renewable)
$300 USD
For remote workers earning at least $3,000/month. Allows stay without work permit. Must apply from abroad.
investor visa
Investor Visa (Visa de Inversionista)
2 years, renewable
$5,000 USD minimum investment
Requires investment of at least $300,000 in real estate or business. Leads to permanent residency after 2 years.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Tourist visa (single entry)Standard fee for Egyptian passport holders; processing time 5-10 business days. | $50 USD |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)Allows multiple entries within validity period; same processing time. | $75 USD |
| Overstay fine per dayNo maximum cap; avoid overstay to prevent fines and future entry bans. | $100 USD per day |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds30%
No return ticket25%
Incomplete documentation20%
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
Egyptian passport holders need a transit visa to change planes in Panama, even if staying airside.
Exceptions & conditions
- Holders of a valid US, Canada, Australia, UK, or Schengen 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)EssentialRabiesConsider
Health risks
DengueModerate risk
Mosquito-borne; risk in urban and rural areas, especially during rainy season.
ChikungunyaLow risk
Occasional outbreaks; transmitted by mosquitoes.
ZikaLow risk
Pregnant women should take precautions; mosquito-borne.
Malaria risk: low
Risk exists in rural areas of Darién and San Blas; prophylaxis recommended for those regions.
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
Calle 50, Edificio 100, Panama City
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00
Main office for visa extensions and immigration procedures; bring all original documents.
David
Servicio Nacional de Migración - Regional Chiriquí
Avenida Obaldía, David, Chiriquí
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00
Regional office for western Panama; handles extensions and permits.
Practical information for EG 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
Processing usually takes 2 to 4 weeks, sometimes longer. Apply at least a month before your planned travel. The Panamanian embassy in Cairo handles applications for Egypt residents.
No. There is no visa-on-arrival for Egyptian nationals. You must obtain a visa before traveling.
Fees vary by embassy and visa type. Expect around $50–$100 USD for a tourist visa. Check with the Panamanian embassy in Cairo for the exact amount.
Panama requires yellow fever vaccination if you're arriving from a country with risk of yellow fever transmission. Egypt is not on that list, so you likely won't need it unless you've recently traveled to an affected country.
Extensions are not available for tourist visa holders. You must leave before your visa expires. Overstaying can result in fines or a ban.
Typically: a completed application form, your passport (valid 6+ months), two passport photos, flight itinerary, hotel booking, bank statements showing sufficient funds, and a cover letter explaining your trip. Check with the embassy for the exact list.
Panama is generally safe for tourists, but take normal precautions — avoid walking alone at night in unfamiliar areas, keep valuables secure, and use registered taxis or ride-sharing apps.
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.