Panama entry requirements for Tunisia 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
Tunisian 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. Processing can take several weeks, so start early.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Visa application Apply at Panama embassy or consulate | Tunisian passport holders must obtain a visa before traveling to Panama. Apply at the nearest Panama embassy or consulate — processing times vary by location. Submit your application well ahead of your planned travel dates.Check visa requirements | 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 your departure date is required by Panamanian law, but airlines may enforce a 6-month rule — check with your carrier. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of onward travel | Immigration officers at Tocumen International Airport routinely ask for a return or onward ticket. Have a printed or digital copy of your outbound flight reservation ready. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or invitation letter | Carry a hotel confirmation or a letter of invitation from your host in Panama. Officers may ask for proof of where you'll be staying during your visit. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show sufficient financial means | Be ready to show bank statements, credit cards, or cash equivalent to at least $500 USD for your stay. Panama does not publish a fixed minimum, but having evidence of funds helps avoid secondary inspection. | Recommended |
Visa required — no exceptions
Tunisian passport holders cannot enter Panama without a visa. There is no visa-on-arrival or e-visa option. Plan ahead and apply at least 6 weeks before your trip.
Embassy contact is key
Visa requirements and fees can change. Always confirm the exact process with the Panamanian embassy or consulate where you plan to apply. Check their official website or call ahead.
What happens at the border
1
Contact the Panamanian embassy
Find the Panamanian embassy or consulate nearest to you (likely in Tunis or another capital in the region). Call or email to confirm the exact visa application process, required documents, and fees. Some embassies require an appointment.
2
Prepare your documents
Gather all required documents: valid passport, completed application form, passport photos, bank statements, flight itinerary, hotel booking, and travel insurance. Make copies of everything.
3
Submit your application
Submit the application in person or by mail to the embassy. Pay the visa fee (amount varies by embassy — expect around $50–$100 USD). Processing time is typically 2–4 weeks, sometimes longer.
4
Wait for approval
The embassy will review your application. They may contact you for additional documents or an interview. Once approved, you'll receive a visa sticker in your passport.
5
Travel to Panama
When you arrive at Tocumen International Airport (PTY) in Panama City, proceed to immigration. Have your passport with the visa, return ticket, and hotel booking ready. The officer will stamp you in for the duration allowed by your visa.
Download Panama Entry Checklist
PDF · Tunisia 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 date
Cost$50 USD
Apply at Panamanian embassy or consulate. Requires passport, photos, and proof of funds.
Tourist visa multiple entry
Max stay90 days per entry
Validity1 year
Cost$75 USD
Ideal for frequent travellers. Same application process as single entry.
Long-stay visa (pensionado visa)
Max stayIndefinite (renewable annually)
Validity1 year, renewable
Cost~$250 USD (processing fees)
For retirees with a lifetime pension of at least $1,000 USD/month. Requires proof of pension and background check.
retirement visa
Pensionado Visa (Retirement Visa)
1 year, renewable annually
~$250 USD (initial processing)
For retirees with a lifetime pension of at least $1,000 USD/month. Offers permanent residency after 2 years. Requires pension certification and background check.
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)
1 year, renewable, leads to permanent residency
~$5,000 USD (legal and processing fees)
For investors who invest at least $300,000 USD in real estate or a business in Panama. Requires proof of investment and business plan.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Tourist visa (single entry)Standard fee for a single-entry tourist visa for Tunisia passport holders. | $50 USD (no currency conversion needed) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)Allows multiple entries within validity period. | $75 USD |
| Overstay fine per dayPenalty for overstaying visa-free or visa period. | $100 USD per day |
| Overstay fine maximum capMaximum cumulative overstay fine. | $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
No transit visa needed
Tunisia passport holders transiting through Panama do not need a transit visa if they remain airside and have a confirmed onward ticket within 12 hours.
Airside transitAllowed up to 12h
Exceptions & conditions
- Holders of a valid US, Canada, UK, Schengen, or Australia visa may transit without 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 disease present in urban and rural areas; use insect repellent.
ChikungunyaLow risk
Occasional outbreaks; transmitted by mosquitoes.
Zika virusLow risk
Risk is low but pregnant women should take precautions.
Malaria risk: low
Malaria risk is low in most tourist areas, but present in some rural regions near the Darien Gap. Prophylaxis not routinely recommended for standard 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 (SNM) - Sede Principal
Avenida Ricardo J. Alfaro, Edificio 2000, Panama City
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00
Main office for visa extensions and immigration procedures. Bring all original documents and copies.
David
Servicio Nacional de Migración - Regional Chiriquí
Calle 4ta, David, Chiriquí Province
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00
Handles extensions and permits for travellers in western Panama.
Practical information for TN 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. There is no visa-on-arrival for Tunisian passport holders. You must obtain a visa from a Panamanian embassy or consulate before you travel.
Processing typically takes 2–4 weeks, but it can take longer depending on the embassy's workload and whether they request additional documents. Apply at least 6 weeks before your planned departure.
Visa fees vary by embassy but are usually between $50 and $100 USD. Check with the specific embassy you're applying through for the exact amount and accepted payment methods.
You must leave Panama before your visa expires. Extensions are not available for tourist visas. If you need to stay longer, you'd need to apply for a different type of visa before traveling.
Panama requires a yellow fever vaccine if you are arriving from a country with risk of yellow fever transmission. Tunisia is not a risk country, so you generally don't need it unless you've recently traveled to an affected area. Check the latest health requirements before your trip.
No. There is no e-visa system for Tunisian citizens. You must apply through a Panamanian embassy or consulate in person or by mail.
Typically: a valid passport (6+ months validity), completed application form, two passport photos, bank statements (last 3–6 months), return flight booking, hotel reservation or invitation letter, and travel insurance. The embassy may ask for additional documents, so confirm with them directly.
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.