Panama entry requirements for Sri Lanka passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 25, 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
Sri Lankan passport holders need a visa to enter Panama in 2026. You must apply for a visa before traveling — there is no visa-on-arrival or e-visa option for Sri Lankan citizens. Plan ahead as processing can take several weeks.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Visa application Apply before travel | Sri Lankan passport holders need a visa before flying to Panama. Apply through the Panama National Migration Service website. Processing takes 5–10 business days — do not book non-refundable flights until approved.Apply for visa | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for entire stay | Your passport must be valid for the full duration of your stay in Panama. No minimum validity beyond departure is required by Panamanian law, but airlines often enforce a 6-month rule — check with your carrier. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Required for entry | Immigration officers at Tocumen International Airport routinely ask for proof of onward travel. Have a printed or digital copy of your return flight or a ticket to a third country ready. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Recommended to carry | Hotel bookings or a letter of invitation from your host in Panama can speed up the immigration process. Officers may ask where you are staying — have the address and contact number handy. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Recommended to carry | Carry bank statements or a credit card showing you can cover your stay. Panama does not publish a minimum amount, but having at least $500 USD available is a safe benchmark. | Recommended |
Visa required — apply early
Sri Lankan passport holders must obtain a visa before traveling to Panama. There is no visa-on-arrival or e-visa option. Start the application process at least 6 weeks before your trip to avoid delays.
Passport validity counts from entry date
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from the day you land in Panama, not from your departure date. If it expires sooner, renew it before applying for the visa.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for a visa at a Panamanian embassy
Contact the Panamanian embassy or consulate nearest you. Submit the visa application form, your passport, photos, and supporting documents (e.g., flight itinerary, hotel booking, bank statements). Pay the visa fee. Processing takes 2–6 weeks.
2
Wait for visa approval
Once submitted, the embassy will process your application. You may be asked for an interview. Keep checking your email and phone. Approved visas are stamped into your passport.
3
Prepare your documents for travel
Before you fly, print or save digital copies of: your visa (stamped in passport), return/onward ticket, first night hotel booking, and travel insurance. Keep them accessible in your carry-on.
4
Arrive at Panama's Tocumen International Airport (PTY)
At immigration, join the 'All Passports' queue. Present your passport with the visa, your return ticket, and hotel confirmation. The officer may ask about your trip purpose and length of stay. You'll receive an entry stamp with a maximum stay (typically up to 90 days).
Download Panama Entry Checklist
PDF · Sri Lanka Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 25, 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 (approx. 15,000 LKR)
Standard visa for tourism; must apply before travel.
Tourist visa multiple entry
Max stay90 days per entry
Validity6 months from issue
Cost$75 USD (approx. 22,500 LKR)
For frequent visitors; allows multiple entries.
Business visa
Max stay90 days
Validity3 months from issue
Cost$100 USD (approx. 30,000 LKR)
Requires invitation letter from Panamanian company.
retirement visa
Pensionado Visa (Retirement Visa)
1 year, renewable
~$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 Visa for Remote Workers
9 months, extendable
~$300 USD application fee
For remote workers earning at least $3,000 USD/month. Allows stay up to 9 months with possible extension.
investor visa
Investor Visa (Visa de Inversionista)
2 years, renewable
~$5,000 USD application fee + investment
For investors putting at least $300,000 USD in real estate or business. Leads to permanent residency.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Tourist visa (single entry)Required for Sri Lanka passport holders; apply at Panamanian embassy. | $50 USD (approx. 15,000 LKR) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)Allows multiple entries within validity period. | $75 USD (approx. 22,500 LKR) |
| Stay extension feeExtensions are not typically granted; check with immigration. | $20 USD per month (approx. 6,000 LKR) |
| Overstay fine per dayOverstay penalties are strictly enforced. | $50 USD per day (approx. 15,000 LKR), max $500 USD |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds30%
No return ticket25%
Incomplete documents20%
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
Transit visa required
Sri Lanka passport holders need a transit visa to change planes in Panama, even if staying airside.
Exceptions & conditions
- Holders of a valid US, Canada, Australia, Japan, South Korea, UK, or Schengen visa may transit without a visa for 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.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidRecommendedRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio)EssentialRabiesConsider
Health risks
Dengue feverModerate risk
Mosquito-borne; present in urban and rural areas.
ChikungunyaLow risk
Mosquito-borne; sporadic outbreaks.
Zika virusLow risk
Mosquito-borne; pregnant women should take precautions.
Malaria risk: low
Risk exists in rural areas near the Darien Gap and San Blas Islands; 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
Avenida Ricardo J. Alfaro, Edificio 2000, Panama City
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00
Main office for visa extensions and permits; arrive early.
David
Oficina Regional de Migración
Calle 3ra, David, Chiriquí
Mon–Fri 08:00–15:00
Regional office for western Panama; limited services.
Practical information for LK 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 Sri Lankan citizens. You must obtain a visa from a Panamanian embassy or consulate before traveling.
Processing times vary by embassy, but typically take 2 to 6 weeks. Apply at least 4–6 weeks before your planned departure to be safe.
You'll need a completed visa application form, your passport (valid 6+ months), passport-sized photos, flight itinerary, hotel booking, bank statements (proof of funds), and possibly a letter of invitation or employment letter. Check with the specific embassy for their exact requirements.
Visa fees vary by embassy and visa type. Expect to pay around $50–$100 USD. Contact the embassy directly for the exact fee.
Extensions are not available for visa holders. You must leave before your visa expires. Overstaying can result in fines and future entry bans.
Panama requires a yellow fever vaccination certificate if you are arriving from a country with risk of yellow fever. Sri Lanka is not a risk country, so you generally don't need it unless you've recently traveled to an endemic area. Check with the embassy.
You will be denied entry and sent back on the next available flight. Airlines may also refuse boarding if you don't have a valid visa. Always secure your visa before traveling.
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.