Panama entry requirements for Saudi Arabia passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 25, 2026·View sources
No visa required
90 days
Max stay
90 days
Passport validity
6 months
Beyond entry date
Return ticket
Required
Or onward travel proof
Proof of funds
Recommended
May be checked
Saudi Arabian passport holders can enter Panama without a visa for stays up to 90 days. This visa-free policy started in 2024 and covers tourism, business, and transit.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Valid passport Must be valid for the duration of your stay | Your passport needs to be valid for the entire time you plan to stay in Panama. Airlines and immigration officers check this at check-in and on arrival. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure from Panama | Immigration officers routinely ask for proof of a return or onward flight out of Panama. Have a printed or digital copy of your ticket ready when you land. | Recommended |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Carry a copy of your hotel reservation or a letter from your host. Officers rarely ask for it, but having it avoids delays at the counter. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can support yourself during your stay | Have a bank statement or credit card ready. There is no fixed minimum amount, but showing at least $500 USD for a short trip covers you. | Recommended |
Visa-free entry is straightforward
Saudi passport holders get 90 days visa-free. No application, no fee. Just show up with a valid passport and onward ticket.
Passport validity is strictly enforced
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your entry date. Airlines check this before boarding. If you're close to expiry, renew first.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at Tocumen International Airport (PTY)
Most travellers fly into Panama City's Tocumen Airport. Follow signs to 'Migración' (Immigration). There are separate queues for nationals and foreigners — join the 'Extranjeros' line.
2
Present your passport and documents
Hand over your passport. The officer may ask for your return ticket and accommodation details. Answer clearly. They'll stamp your passport with the entry date and allowed stay.
3
Collect your luggage and proceed to customs
After immigration, collect your bags from the carousel. You may be asked to scan your luggage through an X-ray machine. Green means go, red means a secondary check.
Download Panama Entry Checklist
PDF · Saudi Arabia Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 25, 2026
Overstay calculator
Enter your arrival date and we'll tell you exactly when you need to leave.
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Tourist visa (single entry)
Max stay90 days, not extendable
Validity3 months from issue
CostFree (not required for visa-free entry)
Visa-free entry already covers 90 days; no need to apply.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay90 days per entry, not extendable
Validity6 months from issue
CostFree (not required for visa-free entry)
Visa-free entry already covers multiple entries; no need to apply.
Long-stay visa (Pensionado visa)
Max stayIndefinite (permanent residence)
ValidityLifetime
Cost~$2,000 USD (processing fees)
For retirees with permanent income; requires proof of pension or investment.
retirement visa
Pensionado Visa (Retirement Visa)
Indefinite (permanent residence)
~$2,000 USD (processing fees)
For retirees with a permanent monthly income of at least $1,000 USD. Offers many discounts and benefits. Requires application at SNM.
digital nomad visa
Short-Stay Visa for Remote Workers (proposed)
Up to 9 months
~$300 USD (estimated)
Panama has proposed a digital nomad visa for remote workers. Requirements include proof of remote employment and income. Not yet fully implemented.
investor visa
Investor Visa (Visa de Inversionista)
Indefinite (permanent residence)
~$5,000 USD (processing fees)
For investors who invest at least $300,000 USD in real estate or a business. Requires proof of investment and legal residency.
work visa
Work Visa (Visa de Trabajo)
1 year, renewable
~$500 USD (processing fees)
For those with a job offer from a Panamanian company. Employer must sponsor and handle paperwork. Allows multiple entries.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Tourist visa (single entry)Visa-free entry covers single entry; no separate visa needed. | Free (not applicable for visa-free entry) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)Visa-free entry covers multiple entries within validity; no separate visa needed. | Free (not applicable for visa-free entry) |
| Stay extensionExtensions are not available for visa-free stays; must leave and re-enter. | Unknown |
| Overstay fine per dayOverstay penalties may apply; avoid overstaying. | Unknown |
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
Saudi Arabia passport holders do not need a transit visa for airside transit through Panama's Tocumen International Airport, provided they stay in the international transit area and have a confirmed onward ticket.
Airside transitAllowed up to 12h
Exceptions & conditions
- Holders of a valid US, Canada, Schengen, UK, or Australia visa may transit without visa for up to 12 hours.
- Transit passengers with a confirmed onward ticket and no need to clear immigration are exempt.
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)EssentialHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsider
Health risks
DengueModerate risk
Mosquito-borne disease; risk in urban and rural areas, especially during rainy season.
ChikungunyaLow risk
Mosquito-borne; sporadic outbreaks occur.
ZikaLow risk
Mosquito-borne; pregnant women should take precautions.
Malaria risk: low
Malaria risk is low in most tourist areas; prophylaxis is generally not recommended for standard itineraries. Risk exists in remote rural areas of Darién and San Blas.
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) – Sede Central
Avenida Cuba y Avenida 3B Sur, Edificio 2000, Panama City
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00
Main office for visa extensions and immigration procedures; bring all original documents.
David
Servicio Nacional de Migración – Regional Chiriquí
Calle 2da, Edificio 2000, David, Chiriquí
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00
Regional office for western Panama; handles extensions and permits.
Practical information for SA 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, the visa-free stay is not extendable. You must leave Panama before the 90 days are up. Overstaying can result in fines and a ban from re-entry.
No, transit passengers staying airside and not passing through immigration do not need a visa. But if you plan to leave the airport, you must meet the same visa-free entry requirements.
You will be denied boarding by the airline. Renew your passport before traveling. Panama strictly enforces the 6-month validity rule.
No, Panama does not require proof of funds for Saudi passport holders. However, immigration officers may ask how you'll support yourself during your stay — having a credit card or cash on hand is fine.
No, the visa-free entry is for tourism, business meetings, and transit only. Remote work is technically not allowed. If you plan to work remotely, consider Panama's 'Short Stay Visa' for digital nomads.
You'll be fined approximately $100–$200 depending on the overstay duration. You may also be banned from re-entering Panama for up to 3 years. Always leave on time.
No, Panama does not require an arrival declaration for Saudi passport holders. Just your passport and onward ticket.
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.