Panama
Panama travel guide for Britons
Britons can enter Panama visa‑free for up to 180 days; if you stay longer you need a visa or extension. Travel costs about £45‑£70 per day, and flights from London take roughly 11‑12 h. Change the decision if you plan to work or study.
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GuidePanama
Key facts
- Visa‑free stay
- 180 days
- Daily budget (mid‑range)
- £45‑£70
- Flight time from London
- ≈11‑12 h (one‑stop)
- Plug type
- A, B – 120 V 60 Hz
- Tipping norm
- 10 % if not included
Quick answer
Britons do not need a visa for tourist visits up to 180 days. If you intend to work, study or stay longer, apply for the appropriate visa before travel.
Entry requirements for UK passport holders
A valid UK passport (at least six months beyond your intended departure) is sufficient for entry. No visa is required for stays up to 180 days for tourism, business meetings or transit. A tourist card is issued on arrival.
If you plan to work, study, or reside longer than 180 days, you must obtain a visa from the Panamanian consulate before travel.
British Embassy contacts
The UK does not have a resident embassy in Panama; the British Embassy in Mexico City covers consular matters.
Address: British Embassy, Mexico City, Mexico. Phone: +52 55 52 49 83 00. Email: [email protected].
Cost overview (GBP)
Accommodation: £30‑£80 per night for mid‑range hotels or guesthouses.
Meals: £5‑£15 per meal at local restaurants; £15‑£30 at higher‑end venues.
Transport: £0.30 per km for bus, £60‑£120 for a domestic flight (e.g., Panama City → Bocas del Toro).
Average daily budget: £45‑£70, depending on style.
| Item | Cost (GBP) |
|---|---|
| Mid‑range hotel | £30‑£80 |
| Meal (local) | £5‑£15 |
| Meal (tourist) | £15‑£30 |
| Bus (per km) | £0.30 |
| Domestic flight | £60‑£120 |
Flights from the UK
Typical routes: London Heathrow → Panama City (PTY) with one stop in Madrid, Amsterdam or Miami.
Total travel time: about 11‑12 hours including layover.
Airlines: British Airways, KLM, Air France, Copa Airlines.
Electricity and plugs
Panama uses Type A and B plugs, 120 V 60 Hz. UK travellers will need a plug adapter; voltage conversion is not required.
Tipping etiquette
Restaurants: 10 % of the bill if service charge is not already included.
Hotels: £1‑£2 per bag for porters, £1‑£2 per night for housekeeping.
Taxis: round up to the nearest pound.
Emergency contacts
Police: 104
Fire: 103
Medical emergencies: 911
FAQ
- Do Britons need a visa for Panama? – No, for stays up to 180 days for tourism or business; longer stays require a visa.
- How much does a trip to Panama cost in GBP? – Roughly £45‑£70 per day for mid‑range travel, covering accommodation, food and transport.
- Where is the nearest United Kingdom embassy in Panama? – The UK is covered by the British Embassy in Mexico City; there is no resident embassy in Panama.
Questions people ask
Do Britons need a visa for Panama?
No, UK passport holders can enter visa‑free for up to 180 days for tourism, business or transit. Apply for a visa only if you plan to work, study or stay longer.
How much does a trip to Panama cost in GBP?
A mid‑range traveller spends about £45‑£70 per day on accommodation, meals, local transport and activities; adjust up or down based on luxury choices.
Where is the nearest United Kingdom embassy in Panama?
The UK does not have an embassy in Panama; consular services are provided by the British Embassy in Mexico City.
What plug adapter do I need for Panama?
Panama uses Type A and B plugs (120 V). Bring a UK‑to‑US style adapter; voltage conversion is unnecessary.
Is tipping expected in Panama?
Yes, 10 % in restaurants if not already included, and small tips for hotel staff and taxi drivers are customary.
Verify with the official source
Draft, not field-verified
Deep dive
Every source; changeable facts are marked check
Sources
Ask about Panama
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