Panama entry requirements for United Kingdom passport holders
Verified May 13, 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
British passport holders can enter Panama without a visa for up to 90 days. This has been the case for years and remains unchanged in 2026. Just show up with a valid passport and a return ticket.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Valid passport Must be valid for the duration of your stay | Your passport must be valid for the entire time you plan to stay in Panama. No minimum validity beyond your departure date is required by Panamanian law, but airlines may enforce a 6-month rule — check with your carrier before flying. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure from Panama | Immigration officers routinely ask for a return or onward ticket at Tocumen International Airport. Have a printed or digital copy of your outbound flight booking ready — they check this before stamping you in. | Recommended |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Carry a copy of your hotel reservation or a letter of invitation from your host. Officers rarely ask for it, but having it ready avoids delays if they do. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can support yourself during your stay | Have a bank statement or credit card showing access to at least $500 USD for your trip. Immigration may ask to see it if you look like you might work or overstay. | Recommended |
Passport validity is strictly enforced
Airlines check your passport validity before you board. If your passport expires within 6 months of your entry date, you will be denied boarding. No exceptions. Check your passport now.
Keep a copy of your return ticket
Immigration officers at Tocumen Airport routinely ask to see your return or onward ticket. A screenshot on your phone is fine, but having a printed copy can speed things up if your phone battery dies.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at Tocumen International Airport (PTY)
Most UK travellers fly into Panama City's Tocumen Airport. Follow signs to 'Migración' (Immigration). There are two main queues: one for Panamanian citizens/residents, one for foreigners. Join the foreigners queue.
2
Present your passport and documents
Hand over your passport (valid 6+ months) and your return/onward ticket. The officer may ask how long you're staying and where you're staying. Answer clearly. They rarely ask for hotel bookings or insurance, but have them ready.
3
Get your entry stamp
The officer will stamp your passport with a 90-day entry. Check the stamp before walking away — make sure the date is correct. You'll then proceed to baggage claim and customs.
4
Customs declaration
If you're carrying more than $10,000 in cash or equivalent, you must declare it. Otherwise, just walk through the green 'nothing to declare' channel.
Download Panama Entry Checklist
PDF · United Kingdom Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 13, 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 (not required for UK passport holders)
UK passport holders do not need a tourist visa for stays up to 90 days.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay90 days per entry, not extendable
Validity1 year
CostFree (not required for UK passport holders)
Not needed for UK passport holders; visa-free entry already allows multiple visits.
Long-stay visa (Pensionado or Friendly Nations)
Max stayIndefinite (residency)
Validity2 years, renewable
Cost~$2,000 USD (application and legal fees)
For retirees or investors; requires proof of pension or investment. UK citizens can apply under Friendly Nations Visa.
retirement visa
Pensionado Visa (Retirement Visa)
2 years, renewable indefinitely
~$2,000 USD (application and legal fees)
For retirees with a lifetime pension of at least $1,000 USD/month. Offers discounts on services and tax benefits. Requires proof of pension and background check.
friendly nations visa
Friendly Nations Visa (Visa de Naciones Amigas)
2 years, renewable; leads to permanent residency
~$2,500 USD (application and legal fees)
For citizens of 50+ countries (including UK) who invest or work in Panama. Requires a job offer or business investment. Fast track to residency.
digital nomad visa
Short-Stay Visa for Remote Workers (Visa de Trabajador Remoto)
9 months, extendable 9 months
~$300 USD (application fee)
For remote workers earning at least $3,000 USD/month. Allows stay up to 18 months. Requires proof of income and health insurance.
investor visa
Investor Visa (Visa de Inversionista)
2 years, renewable; leads to permanent residency
~$5,000 USD (application and legal fees, plus investment)
For investors who invest at least $300,000 USD in real estate or a business. Requires proof of investment and background check.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Tourist visa (single entry)Not applicable for UK passport holders under visa-free regime. | Free (not required for visa-free entry) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)Not applicable for UK passport holders under visa-free regime. | Free (not required for visa-free entry) |
| Stay extension feeVisa-free stays are not extendable; must leave after 90 days. | Unknown (not available for visa-free stays) |
| Overstay fine per dayOverstaying can result in fines and possible deportation. Avoid overstaying. | ~$50 USD per day (estimated, no official cap) |
Common reasons for entry denial
No return ticket30%
Insufficient funds25%
Overstay history20%
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
UK passport holders do not need a transit visa to change planes in Panama, as long as they remain airside and have a confirmed onward ticket.
Airside transitAllowed
Exceptions & conditions
- No visa needed for UK passport holders for airside transit 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 AEssentialTyphoidRecommendedHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsiderYellow FeverRecommended
Health risks
DengueModerate risk
Mosquito-borne disease; risk in urban and rural areas, especially during rainy season.
ChikungunyaLow risk
Mosquito-borne; sporadic outbreaks reported.
ZikaLow risk
Mosquito-borne; risk for pregnant women.
Malaria risk: low
Low risk in rural areas of Darién and San Blas; prophylaxis not routinely recommended for most tourists.
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 (National Migration Service)
Avenida Ricardo J. Alfaro, Edificio 2000, Panama City
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00
Main office for visa and residency matters. Bring all original documents and copies.
David
Servicio Nacional de Migración – Regional Office
Calle D, Edificio de Gobierno, David, Chiriquí
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00
Handles local immigration issues for western Panama.
Practical information for GB 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 90-day visa-free stay is not extendable. If you want to stay longer, you must leave Panama and re-enter, or apply for a different visa type before your 90 days are up. Overstaying can result in fines and a ban.
No, Panama does not require yellow fever vaccination for UK passport holders arriving directly from the UK. However, if you've recently visited a country with yellow fever (e.g., Brazil, Colombia), you may need to show proof of vaccination. Check the latest requirements before travel.
You will be denied boarding by the airline and refused entry by Panamanian immigration. Renew your passport before you travel. There are no exceptions for UK passport holders.
No. The visa-free entry is for tourism, business meetings, or short visits only. If you plan to work, study, or volunteer, you must apply for the appropriate visa or work permit before you travel.
No, there is no arrival declaration required for UK passport holders. You simply arrive, go through immigration, and get your stamp. No pre-registration or online form needed.
Overstaying is taken seriously. You may be fined (around $100–$200 depending on the length of overstay) and could be banned from re-entering Panama for a period. Always leave before your 90 days are up.
Yes, you can enter by land from Costa Rica at the Paso Canoas crossing or from Colombia via the Darien Gap (though the Darien is extremely dangerous and not recommended). The same visa-free rules apply — 90 days, valid passport, return ticket. Expect the same document checks at land borders.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 13, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.