Panama entry requirements for Lebanon passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 27, 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
Lebanese passport holders need a visa to enter Panama in 2026. You must apply at a Panamanian embassy or consulate before you travel — there is no visa on arrival or e-visa option for Lebanese citizens.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Visa application Apply at Panama National Migration Service | You need a visa before traveling to Panama. Apply online through the Panama National Migration Service website. Processing times vary, so submit your application at least 2–3 weeks before your departure.Apply for visa | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for the duration of stay | Your passport must be valid for at least the length of your stay in Panama. Airlines may enforce a 6-month validity rule, so 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. Have a printed or digital copy of your flight itinerary ready. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or invitation letter | Carry a hotel reservation or a letter of invitation from your host in Panama. Officers may ask for it at the border. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Bank statement or cash | Have a recent bank statement or at least $500 USD in cash to show you can cover your stay. Immigration may request this randomly. | Recommended |
Visa required — no exceptions
Panama strictly requires a visa for Lebanese passport holders. There is no visa on arrival, no e-visa, and no waiver. Do not book flights until your visa is approved.
Plan ahead for embassy appointments
Some Panamanian embassies require an appointment weeks in advance. Check the embassy website or call ahead to confirm availability and document requirements.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for a visa at a Panamanian embassy
Contact the Panamanian embassy or consulate in your country of residence. Submit the visa application form, your passport, photos, flight itinerary, hotel booking, and any other documents they request. Pay the visa fee (typically around $50–$100, varies by embassy). Processing takes 2–4 weeks.
2
Wait for visa approval
Once submitted, the embassy will process your application. You may be asked for an interview. If approved, you'll receive a visa sticker in your passport.
3
Arrive at Tocumen International Airport (PTY)
When you land in Panama City, go to the immigration counter. Present your passport with the visa, your return ticket, and proof of accommodation. The officer may ask about your plans — answer clearly. They'll stamp your passport with your allowed stay.
Download Panama Entry Checklist
PDF · Lebanon Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 27, 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 for short stays.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay90 days per entry
Validity1 year from issue
Cost$75 USD
Ideal for frequent travellers.
Long-stay visa (Pensionado)
Max stayIndefinite
Validity2 years, renewable
Cost$250 USD
For retirees with permanent income; requires proof of pension.
retirement visa
Pensionado Visa
2 years, renewable
$250 USD initial fee
For retirees with a permanent pension of at least $1,000 USD per month. Offers permanent residency path and discounts.
investor visa
Investor Visa (Visa de Inversionista)
2 years, renewable
$5,000 USD minimum investment
For investors in real estate or business. Requires minimum investment of $300,000 USD in real estate or $160,000 in a business.
work visa
Work Visa (Visa de Trabajo)
1 year, renewable
$200 USD
For those with a job offer from a Panamanian employer. Employer must sponsor and handle paperwork.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Tourist visa (single entry)Standard fee for single-entry tourist visa. | $50 USD |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)Allows multiple entries within validity period. | $75 USD |
| Overstay fine per dayOverstay fines are steep; avoid overstaying. | $100 USD per day |
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
Lebanon passport holders transiting through Panama do not need a transit visa if they remain airside and have a confirmed onward ticket within 12 hours.
Airside transitAllowed up to 12h
Exceptions & conditions
- Holders of valid US, Canada, UK, or Schengen visas may transit without visa for up to 48 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.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidRecommendedRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio)Essential
Health risks
DengueModerate risk
Mosquito-borne disease; present in urban and rural areas.
ChikungunyaLow risk
Occasional outbreaks; transmitted by mosquitoes.
ZikaLow risk
Risk is low; pregnant women should take precautions.
Malaria risk: low
Low risk in rural areas near borders; prophylaxis not routinely recommended for most travellers.
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
Avenida Ricardo J. Alfaro, Edificio 2000, Panama City
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00
Main office for visa extensions and permits.
David
Oficina Regional de Migración
Calle 2da, David, Chiriquí
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00
Regional office for western Panama.
Practical information for LB 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. Panama does not offer visa on arrival for Lebanese citizens. You must obtain a visa from a Panamanian embassy or consulate before you travel.
Processing typically takes 2–4 weeks, but can take longer depending on the embassy. Apply at least 4–6 weeks before your planned departure.
The visa fee varies by embassy but is usually between $50 and $100. Some embassies may charge additional processing fees. Check with the specific embassy for exact costs.
Typically: a completed visa application form, your passport (valid 6+ months), passport-sized photos, flight itinerary, hotel booking or invitation letter, proof of sufficient funds, and travel insurance. The embassy may request additional documents.
Extensions are not available for visa holders. You must leave before your authorized stay expires. If you need more time, you would need to leave and re-enter with a new visa.
No. Panama does not offer an e-visa for Lebanese passport holders. You must apply through a physical embassy or consulate.
You will be denied entry and sent back on the next available flight. The airline may also fine you. Always have your visa approved before boarding.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 27, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.