Panama entry requirements for Vietnam 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
Vietnamese passport holders can enter Panama without a visa for stays up to 90 days. This policy is in effect for 2026, making Panama a straightforward destination for tourism or business. Just make sure your passport is valid for at least six months from your arrival date.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Valid passport Must be valid for the duration of your stay | Your passport must be valid for at least the full 90 days you plan to stay in Panama. Airlines at departure may enforce this rule, so check your passport's expiry date before booking. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure from Panama | Immigration officers routinely ask for a return or onward ticket at Tocumen International Airport. Have a printed or digital copy of your outbound flight booking ready to show. | Recommended |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Carry a printed or digital hotel reservation, Airbnb confirmation, 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 | Panama does not publish a fixed minimum amount, but carrying a credit card and a bank statement showing at least $500 USD is a safe bet. Officers may ask if you look under-resourced. | Recommended |
Passport validity is critical
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your arrival date. Airlines check this before boarding — if it's close, renew before you book.
No visa needed — but have documents ready
You don't need a visa, but immigration may ask for your return ticket and accommodation. Keep digital copies on your phone.
What happens at the border
1
Prepare your documents
Before you leave, gather your passport (valid 6+ months), return ticket confirmation, first-night hotel booking, and travel insurance. Save digital copies on your phone.
2
Arrive at Tocumen International Airport (PTY)
Most flights from Vietnam arrive at Panama City's Tocumen Airport. Follow signs to 'Migración' (Immigration).
3
Queue at immigration
Join the 'All Passports' queue. Have your passport and return ticket ready. The officer will stamp your passport — no visa needed.
4
Collect your luggage and exit
After clearing immigration, proceed to baggage claim, then customs. You're free to enter Panama.
Download Panama Entry Checklist
PDF · Vietnam 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, extendable up to 180 days
Validity3 months from issue
Cost~$50 USD
Apply at Panamanian embassy. Requires proof of funds and itinerary.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay90 days per entry, extendable
Validity6 months from issue
Cost~$75 USD
For frequent travellers. Same requirements as single entry.
Long-stay visa (pensionado/retirement)
Max stayIndefinite (renewable annually)
Validity1 year, renewable
Cost~$250 USD (processing fee)
Requires proof of permanent pension of at least $1,000 USD/month. Offers residency and discounts.
Digital nomad visa
Max stayUp to 9 months (renewable)
Validity9 months
Cost~$300 USD (estimated)
For remote workers. Requires proof of income and health insurance.
retirement visa
Pensionado Visa (Retirement Visa)
Indefinite (renewable annually)
~$250 USD initial fee + annual renewal ~$100 USD
For retirees with a permanent pension of at least $1,000 USD/month. Offers residency and discounts on services. Requires health insurance and background check.
digital nomad visa
Short Stay Visa for Remote Workers (Digital Nomad)
Up to 9 months (renewable once)
~$300 USD (estimated)
For remote workers with proof of income (at least $3,000 USD/month) and health insurance. Allows stay up to 9 months without residency.
investor visa
Investor Visa (Visa de Inversionista)
Indefinite (renewable annually)
~$500 USD + investment of at least $300,000 USD in real estate or business
For investors who make a significant economic contribution. Requires proof of investment and legal status. Offers permanent residency path.
work visa
Work Visa (Visa de Trabajo)
1 year, renewable
~$200 USD (employer-sponsored)
For those with a job offer from a Panamanian company. Requires employer sponsorship and work contract. Leads to residency.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Tourist visa (single entry)Not required for visa-free entry, but available for longer stays. | ~$50 USD (if applicable) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)Not required for visa-free entry, but available for longer stays. | ~$75 USD (if applicable) |
| Overstay fine per dayOverstay fines are high; avoid overstaying. | ~$100 USD per day (estimated) |
| Overstay fine maximum capMaximum fine for overstay. | ~$1,000 USD (estimated) |
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
Vietnam 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, Schengen, UK, or Australia visa may transit without visa for up to 48 hours.
- Transit through Tocumen International Airport (PTY) only.
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; risk to pregnant women.
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) – Sede Principal
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
Servicio Nacional de Migración – Regional Chiriquí
Calle 1ra, Edificio Migración, David
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00
For travellers in western Panama. Limited services; call ahead.
Practical information for VN 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 or a ban.
Panama does not require yellow fever vaccination for entry from Vietnam. However, if you've recently traveled to a country with yellow fever, you may need proof. Check with your airline.
You will likely be denied boarding by your airline or entry by Panamanian immigration. Renew your passport before traveling.
Yes, the same visa-free rules apply at land borders. You'll still need a passport valid for 6+ months and a return ticket. The Darién Gap between Panama and Colombia is impassable by road — you must fly or take a boat.
No, Panama does not require an online arrival declaration for Vietnamese passport holders. You simply present your passport at immigration.
You cannot extend the visa-free stay. You must leave Panama and re-enter after a period outside the country. There is no guarantee of re-entry.
No, there is no visa on arrival for Vietnamese passport holders. The only option is the 90-day visa-free entry. For longer stays, you would need to apply for a residence permit from outside Panama.
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.