Panama entry requirements for Libya passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 28, 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
Libyan passport holders need a visa to enter Panama. You must apply at a Panamanian embassy or consulate before traveling. As of 2026, there is no visa-on-arrival or e-visa option for Libyan citizens.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Visa application Apply for a visa at the Panamanian embassy or consulate | Libyan passport holders must obtain a visa before traveling to Panama. Submit your application at the nearest Panamanian embassy or consulate with your passport, photos, flight itinerary, and proof of accommodation. Processing times vary — apply at least 4 weeks before your departure.Check visa requirements | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for the duration of your stay | Your passport must be valid for at least the entire period you plan to stay in Panama. Airlines and immigration officers will check this at check-in and upon arrival. If your passport expires within your stay, you may be 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. Have a printed copy or show it on your phone. Without one, you risk being refused entry and placed on the next flight out. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or invitation letter | Officers may ask where you are staying. Have a hotel reservation confirmation or a letter from your host with their address and contact number. A simple booking printout or email works. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can support yourself during your stay | Immigration may ask for bank statements or cash to confirm you have enough money for your trip. Carry at least $500 USD or a credit card with available limit. ATMs are widely available in Panama City. | Recommended |
No e-visa or visa on arrival
Panama does not offer an e-visa or visa on arrival for Libyan passport holders. You must apply for a visa at a Panamanian embassy or consulate before you travel. Plan ahead.
Embassy contact is essential
Since there is no Panamanian embassy in Libya, you'll need to contact the nearest embassy (e.g., in Cairo, Egypt, or Tunis, Tunisia) to confirm application procedures, fees, and required documents.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for a Visa at a Panamanian Embassy
Contact the Panamanian embassy or consulate in your region (or the nearest one that handles Libyan applications). Submit the completed application form, your passport, photos, and any supporting documents. Pay the visa fee. Processing can take several weeks, so apply at least 1-2 months before your trip.
2
Wait for Visa Approval
Once submitted, the embassy will process your application. You may be called for an interview. After approval, you'll receive a visa sticker in your passport. Check the validity dates carefully.
3
Prepare for Arrival in Panama
Before you fly, print or save digital copies of your visa, passport, return ticket, hotel booking, and insurance. At Tocumen International Airport (PTY) in Panama City, go to the immigration queue for foreign visitors. Present your passport with the visa, and be ready to show your return ticket and accommodation details if asked.
Download Panama Entry Checklist
PDF · Libya Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 28, 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 single entry.
Tourist visa multiple entry
Max stay90 days per entry
Validity1 year from issue
Cost$75 USD
Allows multiple entries within one year.
Long-stay visa (Pensionado)
Max stayIndefinite
Validity2 years, renewable
Cost$250 USD (approx.)
For retirees with permanent income; requires proof of pension.
retirement visa
Pensionado Visa
2 years, renewable indefinitely
$250 USD (approx.)
For retirees with a permanent pension of at least $1,000 USD/month. Offers permanent residency path and discounts on services.
investor visa
Investor Visa (Visa de Inversionista)
2 years, renewable
$5,000 USD (approx.)
For investors who invest at least $300,000 USD in real estate or business. Leads to permanent residency.
work visa
Work Visa (Visa de Trabajo)
1 year, renewable
$300 USD (approx.)
For those with a job offer from a Panamanian company. Requires employer sponsorship and labor ministry approval.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Tourist visa (single entry)Standard fee for single-entry tourist visa. | $50 USD (approx. $50 USD) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)Allows multiple entries within validity period. | $75 USD (approx. $75 USD) |
| Overstay fine per dayPenalty for overstaying visa-free or visa period. | $100 USD per day (max $1,000 USD) |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds30%
No return ticket25%
Incomplete documentation20%
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
Libya passport holders require a transit visa to change planes in Panama, even if staying airside.
Exceptions & conditions
- Holders of a valid US, Canada, 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)Essential
Health risks
Dengue feverModerate risk
Mosquito-borne disease present in urban and rural areas.
Zika virusLow risk
Risk is low but present; pregnant women should take precautions.
Foodborne illnessModerate risk
Common from contaminated food or water; practice good hygiene.
Malaria risk: low
Low risk in rural areas near borders; prophylaxis not routinely recommended for urban 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
Avenida Balboa, Edificio 2000, Panama City
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00
Main office for visa extensions and immigration matters.
David
Oficina Regional de Migración
Calle 3ra, David, Chiriquí
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00
Regional office for western Panama.
Practical information for LY 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 Libyan citizens. You must obtain a visa from a Panamanian embassy or consulate before you travel.
Processing times vary by embassy, but typically take 2 to 6 weeks. Apply at least 1-2 months before your planned departure to avoid delays.
Visa fees depend on the embassy and visa type. Expect to pay around $50 to $100 USD. Check with the specific embassy for the exact fee.
Panama does not require yellow fever vaccination for travellers from Libya. However, if you have recently visited a country with yellow fever, you may need proof of vaccination. Check current health requirements before travel.
Extensions are possible but not guaranteed. You must apply at the National Immigration Service (Servicio Nacional de Migración) in Panama City before your visa expires. Fees and processing times vary.
Overstaying can result in fines, deportation, and a ban on re-entry. The fine is typically around $100 USD per month of overstay. Always leave before your visa expires.
Panama does not have an embassy in Libya. You may need to apply through the Panamanian embassy in a neighbouring country, such as Egypt or Tunisia, or through a consulate that handles Libyan applications. Contact the nearest embassy for guidance.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 28, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.