Panama entry requirements for Hong Kong 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
Hong Kong passport holders can enter Panama visa-free for up to 90 days. This policy remains unchanged in 2026. Just bring your passport and a return ticket.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Valid passport Must be valid for the duration of your stay | Your Hong Kong passport needs to be valid for at least the length of your stay in Panama. Airlines check this at check-in — if your passport expires before you leave Panama, you risk being denied boarding. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure from Panama | Immigration officers at Tocumen International Airport routinely ask for a return or onward ticket showing you leave Panama within 90 days. Airlines enforce this too — have a printed or digital copy ready. | Recommended |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Panama immigration may ask where you're staying. A hotel confirmation or a letter from a host with their address is enough. Keep a copy on your phone or printed. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can support yourself | Officers can ask for bank statements or cash to confirm you have enough for your stay. Around $500 USD for a short trip is a safe benchmark — have a recent statement or card handy. | Recommended |
Passport validity is strictly enforced
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your entry date. Airlines check this before you board. If your passport expires sooner, you won't be allowed to fly.
No visa, no fee, no form
Hong Kong passport holders get 90 days visa-free with zero paperwork. No application, no fee, no arrival form. Just show your passport and return ticket.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at Tocumen International Airport (PTY)
You'll go through immigration at Panama City's main airport. Join the 'Foreign Passports' queue. Have your passport, return ticket (printed or on phone), and first night's accommodation ready. The officer will ask your purpose of visit and how long you're staying. Answer clearly and briefly.
2
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. If you need more time, ask then, not later.
3
Collect luggage and exit
After immigration, collect your bags from the carousel, then walk through customs (green channel if nothing to declare). You're in.
Download Panama Entry Checklist
PDF · Hong Kong 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 (not required for HK passport holders)
Visa-free entry already covers 90 days; no need to apply.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay90 days per entry, not extendable
Validity1 year
CostFree (not required for HK passport holders)
Visa-free entry allows multiple entries; no visa needed.
Long-stay visa (Pensionado / Retirement)
Max stayIndefinite (renewable annually)
Validity1 year initially
Cost~$250 USD (application fee)
Requires proof of lifetime pension of at least $1,000 USD/month. Allows permanent residency path.
Digital nomad visa (Short Stay Visitor)
Max stay9 months (extendable to 18 months)
Validity1 year
Cost~$300 USD (application fee)
Requires proof of remote work income of at least $3,000 USD/month. Not yet officially launched; check current status.
retirement visa
Pensionado Visa (Retirement Visa)
1 year, renewable annually
~$250 USD application fee
For retirees with a lifetime pension of at least $1,000 USD/month. Offers permanent residency after 5 years and discounts on services.
digital nomad visa
Short Stay Visitor Visa (Digital Nomad)
9 months, extendable to 18 months
~$300 USD application fee
For remote workers earning at least $3,000 USD/month. Allows stay up to 18 months with extension. Not yet officially launched; check current status.
investor visa
Investor Visa (Visa de Inversionista)
2 years, renewable
~$5,000 USD (legal and application fees)
Requires investment of at least $300,000 USD in real estate or a business. Leads to permanent residency after 2 years.
work visa
Work Visa (Visa de Trabajo)
1 year, renewable
~$500 USD (employer-sponsored)
Requires a job offer from a Panamanian company. Employer must obtain work permit. Allows residency path.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Tourist visa (single entry)Visa-free entry covers tourism; no separate tourist visa needed. | Free (not applicable) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)Visa-free entry covers multiple entries within 90-day stay limit. | Free (not applicable) |
| Stay extensionVisa-free stay is not extendable; must leave and re-enter. | Not available |
| Overstay fine per dayOverstay penalties apply; maximum cap unknown. Avoid overstaying. | ~$50 USD per day (estimated) |
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
Hong Kong passport holders do not need a transit visa for Panama. Airside transit is allowed without passing through immigration.
Airside transitAllowed
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)EssentialHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsider
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; pregnant women should take precautions.
Malaria risk: low
Risk exists in rural areas near the Colombian border (Darién province) and some indigenous regions. 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 extensions and residency applications. Arrive early to avoid long queues.
David
Servicio Nacional de Migración – Regional Chiriquí
Calle 3ra, Edificio 2000, David, Chiriquí
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00
Handles immigration matters in the western region. Useful for travellers near the Costa Rican border.
Practical information for HK 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 entry is not extendable. You must leave before day 90. Overstaying can result in fines or a ban. If you need longer, you'd have to apply for a visa or leave and re-enter (but re-entry isn't guaranteed).
If you're staying airside and not passing immigration, you don't need a visa. But if you leave the transit area, you'll need to meet the same visa-free entry requirements (passport validity, return ticket).
You'll likely be denied boarding by your airline or refused entry by Panamanian immigration. Renew your passport before traveling. No exceptions.
Yes, the same visa-free rules apply at land borders. You'll still need a passport valid for 6+ months and a return ticket. The Darien Gap between Panama and Colombia is impassable by road — you'd fly or take a boat.
No, Panama does not require an arrival declaration for Hong Kong passport holders. Just your passport and return ticket.
The Panamanian balboa (PAB) is the official currency, but US dollars are used everywhere interchangeably. No need to exchange money — just bring USD. Credit cards are widely accepted in cities.
No, there's no visa on arrival for Hong Kong passport holders. You must leave within 90 days or overstay (which is not recommended).
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.