Panama entry requirements for Pakistan 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
Pakistani 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 Pakistani citizens. Plan ahead, as processing can take several weeks.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Visa application Apply for a visa at the nearest Panamanian embassy or consulate | You need a visa before traveling to Panama. Apply at a Panamanian embassy or consulate in your country of residence — processing times vary by location. The official visa information is available from the Panama National Migration Service.Check visa requirements | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for the duration of your stay | Your passport must be valid for at least the length of your intended stay in Panama. Airlines and immigration officers at Tocumen International Airport check this at check-in and on arrival. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure from Panama | Immigration at Tocumen Airport routinely asks for a return or onward ticket showing you will leave Panama within your authorized stay. Have a printed or digital copy ready — airlines also check this before boarding. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or invitation letter | Have a hotel reservation or a letter of invitation from your host in Panama ready. Immigration officers may ask for it at the border, though enforcement is not strict. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can support yourself during your stay | Carry bank statements, credit cards, or cash to demonstrate you have enough money for your trip. Panama does not publish a fixed minimum amount, but having $500 USD or more in accessible funds is a safe bet. | Recommended |
No visa on arrival or e-visa
Panama does not offer visa on arrival or an e-visa system for Pakistani passport holders. You must apply at a Panamanian embassy or consulate in advance. Do not book flights without a confirmed visa.
Processing times vary by embassy
The nearest Panamanian embassy may be in a neighbouring country (e.g., India or UAE) if there is no embassy in Pakistan. Contact them directly for specific requirements and processing times. Some embassies require in-person submission.
What happens at the border
1
Contact the Panamanian embassy or consulate
Find the nearest Panamanian embassy or consulate in Pakistan (usually in Islamabad or via the embassy in a neighbouring country). Call or email to confirm the exact application process, fees, and appointment requirements. Some embassies require you to apply in person.
2
Prepare your documents
Gather all required documents: valid passport, completed application form, photos, hotel booking, flight itinerary, bank statements, and travel insurance if you have it. Make photocopies of everything. Have originals ready for verification.
3
Submit your application
Visit the embassy or consulate in person (or mail if allowed) with your documents and visa fee. Pay the fee — typically $50–$100 USD depending on the embassy. Get a receipt and note the reference number for tracking.
4
Wait for processing
Processing takes 2–4 weeks on average. Some cases take longer if additional checks are needed. Do not book non-refundable flights until you have the visa in hand.
5
Collect your visa
Once approved, collect your passport with the visa sticker from the embassy. Check the visa validity dates and any conditions (e.g., single or multiple entry). If you applied by mail, arrange for return shipping with tracking.
6
Arrive in Panama
At Tocumen International Airport (PTY) in Panama City, go to the immigration counter for foreign passports. Present your passport with the visa, return ticket, and hotel confirmation. The officer may ask about your plans — answer clearly. You'll receive an entry stamp valid for up to 90 days (or as per your visa).
Download Panama Entry Checklist
PDF · Pakistan 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 (50 USD)
Apply at Panamanian embassy; requires passport, photos, proof of funds, and return ticket.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay90 days per entry
Validity1 year from issue
Cost~$75 USD (75 USD)
Allows multiple entries; same requirements as single entry.
Long-stay visa (pensionado/retirement)
Max stayIndefinite
Validity5 years, renewable
Cost~$250 USD (250 USD)
Requires proof of lifetime pension of at least $1,000/month; includes residency benefits.
retirement visa
Pensionado Visa (Retirement Visa)
5 years, renewable indefinitely
~$250 USD application fee + $1,000/month pension requirement
For retirees with a lifetime pension of at least $1,000/month. Offers permanent residency path and discounts on services. Requires police clearance and medical exam.
investor visa
Investor Visa (Visa de Inversionista)
2 years, renewable
~$500 USD application fee + minimum investment of $300,000 in real estate or business
For individuals investing at least $300,000 in Panama. Includes residency rights and work permit. Requires proof of investment and business plan.
work visa
Work Visa (Visa de Trabajo)
1 year, renewable
~$300 USD application fee + employer sponsorship
For those with a job offer from a Panamanian company. Requires employer to obtain labor permit. Includes temporary residency.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Tourist visa (single entry)Fee for single-entry tourist visa for Pakistan passport holders. | ~$50 USD (50 USD) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)Fee for multiple-entry tourist visa, valid for up to 1 year. | ~$75 USD (75 USD) |
| Overstay fine per dayOverstay penalty; no official cap but may lead to deportation. | ~$100 USD per day (100 USD) |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds proof30%
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
Transit visa required
Pakistan passport holders require a transit visa to change planes in Panama, even if staying airside. Apply at a Panamanian embassy before travel.
Exceptions & conditions
- Holders of a valid US, Canada, UK, Schengen, or Australia visa may transit without a 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 (e.g., Brazil, Colombia).
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidRecommendedRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio, influenza)EssentialRabiesConsider
Health risks
Dengue feverModerate risk
Mosquito-borne; risk in urban and rural areas, especially during rainy season.
ChikungunyaLow risk
Mosquito-borne; sporadic outbreaks reported.
Zika virusLow risk
Mosquito-borne; pregnant women should take precautions.
Malaria risk: low
Low risk in rural areas of Darién and San Blas; prophylaxis recommended for those areas. No risk in Panama City or major tourist 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)
Avenida Ricardo J. Alfaro, Edificio 2000, Panama City
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00
Main office for visa extensions and residency applications. Bring all original documents and copies.
David
Oficina Regional de Migración de David
Calle 3ra, Edificio de la Gobernación, David, Chiriquí
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00
Regional office for western Panama; handles extensions and permits.
Practical information for PK 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 Pakistani citizens. You must obtain a visa from a Panamanian embassy or consulate before you travel.
Processing typically takes 2 to 4 weeks. It can take longer if the embassy needs to verify documents or if there are delays. Apply at least a month before your planned departure.
The visa fee varies by embassy but is usually between $50 and $100 USD. Check with the specific embassy or consulate where you apply for the exact amount. Fees are non-refundable if the visa is denied.
Yes. You need proof of accommodation for your entire stay in Panama. A hotel booking confirmation or an invitation letter from a host with their address is required.
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from the date you enter Panama. If it expires sooner, renew your passport before applying for the visa. The embassy will reject an application with insufficient validity.
Extensions are not generally available for tourist visa holders. You must leave before your visa expires. Overstaying can result in fines and a ban on future entry.
Panama does not require yellow fever vaccination for travellers from Pakistan. However, if you have recently visited a country with yellow fever, you may need proof of vaccination. Check with the embassy for the latest health requirements.
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.