Panama entry requirements for Cambodia 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

Cambodian passport holders can enter Panama without a visa for stays up to 90 days. This policy is in effect for 2026, making Panama a straightforward destination for tourism or business.

Entry requirements

RequirementDetailsStatus
Valid passport
Must be valid for the duration of your stay
Your passport must be valid for at least the full 90 days you plan to stay in Panama. Airlines check this at check-in — if your passport expires sooner, you may be denied boarding.Required
Return or onward ticket
Proof of departure from Panama
Immigration officers routinely ask for a confirmed onward ticket out of Panama within 90 days. Airlines also enforce this at check-in — without one, you won't board.Recommended
Proof of accommodation
Hotel booking or host invitation
Have a printed or digital hotel reservation for at least the first few nights. Immigration may ask where you're staying, and a booking shows you have a plan.Recommended
Proof of funds
Show you can support yourself
Officers may ask for bank statements or cash to confirm you have enough for your stay. Carry at least $500 USD or a credit card with a visible limit.Recommended
Visa-free entry is straightforward
No visa application, no fee, no embassy visit. Just show up with a valid passport and a return ticket. This applies to tourism, business, and short-term visits.
Overstaying is costly
Overstaying your 90-day visa-free period can result in fines of around $100–$200 and potential difficulties re-entering Panama. Set a reminder to leave on time.

What happens at the border

1
Prepare your documents before departure
Check your passport validity (6+ months from entry), print or save your return ticket, and have your first night's hotel booking ready. Download an eSIM or buy a local SIM at Tocumen International Airport (PTY) after landing.
2
Arrive at Tocumen International Airport (PTY)
After landing, follow signs to 'Migración' (Immigration). There are two queues: one for Panamanian citizens/residents, one for foreigners. Join the foreigners queue.
3
Present your documents to the immigration officer
Hand over your passport and any supporting documents (return ticket, hotel booking) if asked. The officer will stamp your passport with a 90-day entry. No visa fee is charged.
4
Collect your luggage and exit
After immigration, proceed to baggage claim, then customs. You're free to enter Panama. Keep your passport handy for potential spot checks.
Download Panama Entry Checklist
PDF · Cambodia Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 25, 2026
Download PDF

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 applicable)

Visa-free entry already provides 90 days; no separate tourist visa needed.

Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay90 days per entry, not extendable
Validity1 year
CostFree (not applicable)

Not available for visa-free nationals; multiple entries require leaving and re-entering.

Long-stay visa (pensionado visa)
Max stayIndefinite (renewable annually)
Validity1 year, renewable
Cost~$250 USD (application fee)

For retirees with permanent income of at least $1,000 USD/month. Requires residency application.

Work visa
Max stayUp to 2 years, renewable
Validity2 years
Cost~$300 USD (employer-sponsored)

Requires a job offer and employer sponsorship. Must apply at immigration office.

retirement visa
Pensionado Visa (Retirement Visa)
1 year, renewable annually
~$250 USD application fee + $100 USD annual renewal
For retirees with a permanent pension of at least $1,000 USD/month. Offers discounts on services and is renewable indefinitely. Requires proof of income and background check.
digital nomad visa
Short Stay Visa for Remote Workers (proposed)
Up to 9 months (not yet implemented)
Unknown
Panama has proposed a digital nomad visa for remote workers, but as of 2025 it is not yet active. Check official sources for updates.
investor visa
Investor Visa (Visa de Inversionista)
2 years, renewable
~$5,000 USD (legal fees + investment minimum $300,000 USD in real estate or business)
For investors who purchase property or start a business. Requires minimum investment of $300,000 USD and legal representation. Leads to permanent residency after 2 years.
work visa
Work Visa (Visa de Trabajo)
Up to 2 years, renewable
~$300 USD (employer-sponsored)
Requires a job offer from a Panamanian employer. Employer must obtain work permit. Valid for up to 2 years and can be renewed.
Other fees
ServiceCost
Tourist visa (single entry)Visa-free entry covers tourism; no separate tourist visa needed.Free (not applicable)
Tourist visa (multiple entry)Visa-free entry is single entry per visit; multiple entries require leaving and re-entering.Free (not applicable)
Stay extension costVisa-free stay is not extendable; must leave after 90 days.Free (not applicable)
Overstay fine per dayOverstay fines are not officially published but can be high; avoid overstaying.~$100 USD per day (estimated)
Overstay maximum capNo official cap known; overstay may lead to deportation and ban.Unknown

Common reasons for entry denial

No return ticket30%
Insufficient funds25%
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

Cambodia passport holders transiting through Panama do not need a transit visa if staying airside and not passing immigration. For land border transit or leaving the airport, a visa may be required.

Airside transitAllowed up to 12h
Exceptions & conditions
  • Holders of a valid US, Canada, UK, Schengen, or Australia visa may transit without visa for up to 12 hours.
  • Transit through Tocumen International Airport only; other airports may have different rules.
Transit hubsTocumen International Airport (PTY) – Panama City

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)EssentialRabiesConsiderYellow Fever (if not required)Recommended
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

Malaria risk is low in most tourist areas, but present in Darien Province and remote jungle 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 waits.

David
Servicio Nacional de Migración – Regional Chiriquí
Calle 2da, Edificio Migración, David, Chiriquí
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00

Handles immigration matters for the western region. Useful for travellers near Costa Rica border.

Practical information for KH 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
updated May 29
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
Police104
Medical911
US EmbassyFind contact

Frequently asked questions

No, the visa-free entry is not extendable. You must leave Panama before the 90 days expire. Overstaying can result in fines of $100–$200 or future entry bans.
If you're transiting through Tocumen International Airport and staying airside (not passing immigration), you generally do not need a visa. But if you leave the transit area, you'll need to meet the visa-free entry requirements.
You will likely be denied boarding by the airline or refused entry by Panamanian immigration. Renew your passport before traveling.
No, there is no visa on arrival. Cambodian passport holders enter visa-free for up to 90 days. No application or fee is needed.
No, there is no official proof of funds requirement for visa-free entry. However, having a credit card or some cash (USD is widely accepted) is sensible for your stay.
Panama uses the Panamanian balboa (PAB), which is pegged 1:1 to the US dollar. US dollars are accepted everywhere, so you don't need to exchange money.
Yes, you can enter by land from Costa Rica at Paso Canoas or other border crossings. The same visa-free rules apply. For Colombia, there is no land border — you must fly or take a boat.

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.