Types of Panama Visas: A Comprehensive List of Visa Types for Panama

There are several types of visas available for those who wish to visit, work or live in Panama. Some of the most common visa types are:

Types of Panama Visas

There are various types of Panama visas available, including:

• Panama Tourist Visa
• Panama Seaman Visa
• Panama Domestic Worker Visa
• Panama Show Workers Visa
• Panama Business Visa
• Panama Family Visit Visa
• Panama Scientist and Researcher Visa
• Panama Medical Treatment Visa
• Panama Short-stay Visa for Banking Sector

Temporary Residence Permits:

• Panama Temporary Residence Permit for Employment
• Panama Temporary Residence Permit for Educational Reasons
• Panama Temporary Residence Permit for Family Reunion
• Panama Temporary Residence Permit for Religious Service

Panama Visa Requirements

To apply for a Panama visa, the following documents are required:

• Passport valid for at least one year after the return date from Panama
• Fully completed and signed Panama visa application form
• Fee payment
• Two passport-sized photos taken within the last six months
• Valid travel health insurance covering any medical expenses while in Panama
• Bank account statement showing that you are financially stable and can support yourself while in Panama
• Hotel or Air BnB reservation showing proof of a place to stay in Panama
• A letter of invitation from a friend or family member in Panama, if applicable
• Return flight ticket
• Criminal record certificate

Note: If you are a minor, your visa application should be submitted by your parent or legal guardian.

How to Apply for a Panama Visa: Step-by-Step Guide for Visa Application

To apply for a Panama visa, you must follow these steps:

• Contact the nearest embassy or consulate of Panama in your home country and schedule a visa appointment.
• Fill out the Panama visa application form, which you can obtain from the embassy or consulate or online.
• Gather all required documents, including the ones listed above, and submit them to the embassy or consulate of Panama.
• Wait for a response from the embassy or consulate. They will send you an SMS or email within three days of submitting your documents with your visa result.
• If your visa is granted, you must personally go to the embassy of Panama and get the stamp on your passport. 

Panama eVisa

Panama does not currently offer an eVisa. However, it is possible that an eVisa system will be introduced in the future.

The Panama eVisa is a digital travel authorization that will allow eligible foreign nationals to apply for a visa online and enter Panama for tourism, business, or transit purposes once it was available.

The eVisa program is expected to streamline the visa application process and make it more convenient for travelers to obtain the necessary travel authorization to visit Panama.

Processing Time for a Panama Visa

The processing time for a Panama visa varies, but it typically takes two to four weeks. During peak travel seasons, the processing time may take longer.

Urgent Panama Visa Application

If you require an urgent Panama visa, you can expedite the application process by paying an additional fee. The embassy or consulate will provide information on how to proceed with an urgent application.

Expired Panama Visa: What to Do If Your Panama Visa Has Expired

If your Panama visa has expired, you will need to take immediate action to avoid any legal consequences. Here are some steps you can take:

• Apply for an extension: If you are still in Panama and your visa has not expired yet, you can apply for a visa extension at the Immigration Office. You will need to provide a valid reason for the extension and pay the applicable fees.
  
  
• Leave the country: If your visa has already expired and you are still in Panama, it's important to leave the country as soon as possible. Overstaying your visa can result in fines, deportation, and even a ban on future visits to Panama.
  
  
• Apply for a new visa: Once you have left Panama, you can apply for a new visa at a Panama consulate or embassy in your home country. Make sure to follow all the application requirements and provide all the necessary documents to avoid any delays or issues.

It's important to take action as soon as possible if your Panama visa has expired to avoid any legal issues. 

Panama's Short-Stay Visa for Digital Nomads: A Guide to Applying and Benefits 

The Panama government introduced the Short-Stay Visa for Remote Workers in May 2021 to attract digital nomads and freelancers who can invest in the economy. The visa is issued for nine months and can be extended for another nine months. Panama has affordable visa fees, a great internet connection, and a tax system where digital nomads are not taxed on income from outside Panama.  

Benefits of Working as a Digital Nomad in Panama 

• Affordable visa application
• Extended stay
• Tax-free income
• Great internet connection
• Tasty food
• Low living costs 

How to Apply for a Panama Digital Nomad Visa? 

• Make an appointment with a Panama embassy or consulate
• Prepare the required documents
• Go to the appointment and submit the required documents
• Pay the visa fees
• Wait for approval 

Requirements for Panama Digital Nomad Visa 

• Completed application form
• Valid passport
• Certified passport copies
• Three passport-size photos
• Enough funds to support yourself
• Certificate of clean criminal record
• Valid medical insurance
• Certificate of good health
• Affidavit of non-acceptance of any jobs within Panama
• Proof of annual income

Panama Work Visa: How to Obtain a Work Visa for Panama

To obtain a work visa for Panama, you need to follow a specific set of steps. Here is a general outline of the process:

• Obtain a job offer from a Panamanian employer: You need a job offer from a company in Panama to apply for a work visa.
• Check that your qualifications match the job: The employer must justify why a foreigner is needed for the job, and you must have the qualifications and experience required.
• Gather necessary documents: You'll need a valid passport, passport-sized photographs, a police clearance certificate, and a health certificate, among other documents.
• Submit your application: Once you have gathered all necessary documents, submit your application to the Panamanian embassy or consulate in your home country or in a nearby country if there is no Panamanian embassy or consulate in your home country.
• Pay the fees: You'll need to pay the appropriate fees for your visa application. The cost may vary depending on the type of visa and the country where you apply.
• Wait for your visa to be processed: Processing times vary, but it typically takes a few weeks to several months to process a work visa for Panama.
• Arrive in Panama: Once you receive your visa, you can travel to Panama and begin working.