Panama entry requirements for Israel 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
Israeli passport holders can enter Panama without a visa for up to 90 days. This policy has been in effect since 2024. Ensure your passport is valid for at least six months from your arrival date.
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're in Panama. No minimum validity beyond your stay is required by Panamanian law, but airlines sometimes 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 Airport. Have a printed or digital copy of your flight booking ready — they won't let you through without one. | Required |
| 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 covers this — keep a copy handy. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can support yourself during your stay | Panama doesn't publish a fixed minimum, but having $500–$1,000 USD in cash or a credit card statement helps avoid secondary questioning. ATMs are widely available at the airport. | Recommended |
No visa needed — but don't skip the checklist
Panama is straightforward for Israeli passport holders, but immigration can still ask for proof of onward travel and accommodation. Have everything ready to avoid delays.
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 'All Passports' queue. Have your passport, return ticket (screenshot), and first night's accommodation ready. The officer will stamp your passport for up to 90 days.
2
Present documents at the counter
Hand over your passport. The officer may ask for your return ticket and where you're staying. Answer clearly. They'll take a photo and fingerprints (digital, not ink).
3
Receive entry stamp and proceed
Once approved, you get an entry stamp with the allowed stay duration. Collect your luggage and head to customs. No arrival declaration form needed.
Download Panama Entry Checklist
PDF · Israel 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
Cost~$50 USD (estimated)
For those who prefer a visa in advance; not necessary for visa-free entry.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay90 days per entry, not extendable
Validity6 months from issue
Cost~$100 USD (estimated)
Allows multiple entries; useful for frequent travellers.
Long-stay visa (Pensionado visa)
Max stayIndefinite (permanent residency)
ValidityLifetime
Cost~$2,000 USD (estimated, including fees)
For retirees with a lifetime pension of at least $1,000 USD/month. Requires legal representation.
Work visa
Max stay1 year, renewable
Validity1 year
Cost~$500 USD (estimated)
Requires a job offer and employer sponsorship. Processed by immigration.
retirement visa
Pensionado Visa (Retirement Visa)
Indefinite (permanent residency)
~$2,000 USD (estimated, including legal fees)
For retirees with a lifetime pension of at least $1,000 USD/month. Offers discounts on services and tax benefits. Requires legal representation.
digital nomad visa
Short Stay Visa for Remote Workers (proposed)
Up to 9 months (estimated)
~$300 USD (estimated)
Panama is developing a digital nomad visa for remote workers. Expected to require proof of income and health insurance. Not yet officially launched.
investor visa
Investor Visa (Visa de Inversionista)
1 year, renewable, leads to permanent residency
~$5,000 USD (estimated, including investment)
For investors who invest at least $300,000 USD in real estate or a business. Requires proof of investment and legal representation.
work visa
Work Visa (Visa de Trabajo)
1 year, renewable
~$500 USD (estimated)
For those with a job offer from a Panamanian employer. Employer must sponsor and process the visa. Leads to permanent residency after 2 years.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Tourist visa (single entry)Visa-free entry covers tourist visits; no separate tourist visa needed. | Not applicable |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)Visa-free entry covers multiple entries within the 90-day period. | Not applicable |
| Stay extension costVisa-free stay is not extendable; must leave after 90 days. | Not available |
| Overstay fine per dayOverstay fines are assessed at immigration discretion; avoid overstaying. | ~$50 USD per day (estimated) |
| Overstay maximum capNo official cap published; fines may accumulate. | 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
Israeli passport holders do not need a transit visa to change planes in Panama, as long as they remain airside and do not pass 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, DTaP, polio, flu)EssentialHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsider
Health risks
Dengue feverModerate risk
Mosquito-borne disease present in urban and rural areas; use insect repellent.
ChikungunyaLow risk
Occasional outbreaks; transmitted by mosquitoes.
Zika virusLow risk
Risk is low but present; pregnant women should take precautions.
Malaria risk: low
Risk is low in most tourist areas, but present in some rural regions near the border with Colombia. Prophylaxis not routinely recommended for standard 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) - Sede Principal
Avenida 12 de Octubre, Edificio 2000, Panama City
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00
Main office for visa applications, extensions, and residency. Arrive early to avoid long waits.
David
Servicio Nacional de Migración - David
Calle 3ra, Edificio 123, David, Chiriquí
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00
Regional office for western Panama. Useful for travellers near the Costa Rican border.
Practical information for IL 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 Panama before the 90 days are up. Overstaying can result in fines or a ban.
You'll likely be denied boarding by the airline or refused entry by Panamanian immigration. Renew your passport before traveling.
Not if you're arriving directly from Israel. But if you've recently been in a country with yellow fever (e.g., Brazil, Colombia), you may need proof of vaccination. Check current requirements before travel.
Yes, Israeli passport holders can enter Panama by land at the Paso Canoas crossing. The same visa-free rules apply — 90 days. Have your passport and return ticket ready.
No, Panama does not require an online arrival declaration for Israeli passport holders. Just show up with your documents.
The Panamanian balboa (PAB) is the official currency, but US dollars are used everywhere interchangeably. You don't need to exchange money — just bring USD.
Technically, the visa-free entry is for tourism only. Remote work for a foreign employer is usually tolerated, but it's a gray area. For official work, you'd need a work visa.
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.