Panama entry requirements for Myanmar passport holders

Checked daily · Updated May 26, 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

Myanmar passport holders need a visa to enter Panama. You must apply at a Panamanian embassy or consulate before traveling — there is no visa-on-arrival or e-visa option as of 2026.

Entry requirements

RequirementDetailsStatus
Visa required
Apply for a visa before travel
Myanmar passport holders need a visa to enter Panama. Apply at the nearest Panamanian embassy or consulate before departure — there is no visa on arrival or eVisa option for Myanmar nationals. Processing times vary, so start at least 4 weeks ahead.Apply for visaRequired
Valid passport
Must be valid for the duration of stay
Your passport must be valid for at least the entire period you plan to stay in Panama. Airlines check this at check-in — if your passport expires before you leave, you will 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 out of Panama. Have a printed or digital copy ready — they may deny entry if you cannot show one.Required
Proof of accommodation
Hotel booking or host invitation
Carry a hotel reservation or a letter of invitation from your host in Panama. Border officers sometimes ask where you are staying, especially if you arrive without a clear itinerary.Recommended
Proof of funds
Show you can support yourself
Immigration may ask for bank statements or cash to confirm you have enough money for your stay. Have at least $500 USD available per person, either in cash or on a card you can access.Recommended
No visa on arrival or e-visa
Myanmar passport holders cannot get a visa on arrival or use an e-visa for Panama. You must apply at a Panamanian embassy before you travel. Plan ahead — processing can take weeks.
Embassy locations are limited
Panama has embassies and consulates in only a handful of countries. If there is no Panamanian mission in your country, you may need to apply at the nearest one in a neighboring country. Contact them first to confirm jurisdiction.

What happens at the border

1
Contact the Panamanian embassy
Find the Panamanian embassy or consulate in your country. Call or email to confirm the exact visa requirements and application form — requirements can vary slightly by location.
2
Prepare your documents
Gather your passport, completed application form, passport-sized photos, return ticket, hotel booking, bank statements, and any other documents the embassy requests. Make copies of everything.
3
Submit your application
Submit the application in person or by mail (depending on the embassy). Pay the visa fee — typically around $50–$100 USD. Processing can take 2–6 weeks, so apply early.
4
Wait for approval
The embassy will process your application. If approved, you'll receive a visa sticker in your passport. Check the validity dates and any conditions (e.g., single or multiple entry).
5
Arrive in Panama
At Tocumen International Airport (PTY) or any land border, present your passport with the visa, return ticket, and accommodation proof. Immigration may ask a few questions — answer honestly. You'll typically be stamped in for up to 90 days.
Download Panama Entry Checklist
PDF · Myanmar Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 26, 2026
Download PDF

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 Myanmar holders; apply at embassy.

Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay90 days per entry
Validity6 months from issue
Cost$75 USD

Allows multiple entries; suitable for frequent travellers.

Long-stay visa (pensionado visa)
Max stayIndefinite (renewable annually)
Validity1 year initially
Cost$250 USD (approx.)

For retirees with permanent income; requires proof of pension.

retirement visa
Pensionado Visa
1 year, renewable annually
~$250 USD initial fee
For retirees with a permanent pension of at least $1,000 USD/month. Offers permanent residency after 5 years.
investor visa
Investor Visa (Visa de Inversionista)
1 year, renewable
~$5,000 USD (investment required)
Requires investment of at least $300,000 USD in real estate or business. Leads to permanent residency.
work visa
Work Visa (Visa de Trabajo)
1 year, renewable
~$200 USD (employer-sponsored)
Requires a job offer from a Panamanian company. Employer must obtain work permit.
Other fees
ServiceCost
Tourist visa (single entry)Standard fee for Myanmar passport holders; apply at Panamanian embassy.$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 cap $1,000 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

Myanmar 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 (e.g., Brazil, Colombia).
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidRecommendedRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio)EssentialRabiesConsider
Health risks
DengueModerate risk

Mosquito-borne disease; risk in urban and rural areas, especially during rainy season.

ChikungunyaLow risk

Mosquito-borne; sporadic outbreaks reported.

ZikaLow risk

Mosquito-borne; pregnant women should take precautions.

Malaria risk: low

Low risk in rural areas of Darien and San Blas; 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 (SNM)
Avenida Cuba, 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 MM 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. Panama does not offer visa on arrival for Myanmar passport holders. 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 4–6 weeks before your planned departure to be safe.
The visa fee is usually between $50 and $100 USD, depending on the embassy. Some embassies may charge an additional processing fee. Check with your local embassy for the exact amount.
Extensions are not guaranteed. You would need to apply at the National Immigration Service (Servicio Nacional de Migración) in Panama City before your visa expires. Approval is at their discretion.
Panama does not require yellow fever vaccination for entry from Myanmar. However, if you have recently traveled to a country with yellow fever, you may need proof of vaccination. Check with the embassy.
No. Panama's visa waiver for holders of US, UK, Canada, Australia, or Schengen visas does not apply to Myanmar passport holders. You still need a Panama visa.
No. There is no e-visa system for Myanmar citizens. You must apply in person or by mail at a Panamanian embassy or consulate.

Official sources

Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 26, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.