Panama
Panama visa and entry requirements for US, UK, Canadian, Australian, NZ and Irish citizens
US, UK, Canadian, Australian, NZ and Irish citizens do not need a visa for Panama for tourism stays up to 180 days. You need a passport valid for at least three months beyond entry and proof of onward travel. Entry rules can change, so confirm with the nearest Panamanian embassy or consulate before you fly.
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GuidePanama
Key facts
- Visa required
- No, for tourism stays up to 180 days
- Maximum stay
- 180 days per entry
- Passport validity
- At least 3 months beyond entry
- Electronic travel authorisation
- Not required
- Onward ticket
- Proof may be requested
- Visa on arrival
- Not needed for these nationalities
Quick answer
For US, UK, Canadian, Australian, New Zealand and Irish citizens, Panama does not require a visa for tourism. You can stay up to 180 days per entry, though the exact period is at the discretion of the immigration officer. You need a passport valid for at least three months beyond your planned departure and, in practice, proof of onward travel. There is no electronic travel authorisation scheme for these nationalities. Rules can change, so check with the nearest Panamanian embassy or consulate before you book.
Summary by passport
The table below summarises the entry requirements for the six nationalities covered on this page. All figures are 2026 estimates and should be confirmed with official sources before travel.
| Nationality | Visa required | Max stay | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| US | No | 180 days | Passport valid 3 months beyond entry (check) |
| UK | No | 180 days | Passport valid 3 months beyond entry (check) |
| Canada | No | 180 days | Passport valid 3 months beyond entry (check) |
| Australia | No | 180 days | Passport valid 3 months beyond entry (check) |
| New Zealand | No | 180 days | Passport valid 3 months beyond entry (check) |
| Ireland | No | 180 days | Passport valid 3 months beyond entry (check) |
Stays are granted at the discretion of the immigration officer; always carry proof of onward travel.
Entry details
At Tocumen International Airport (PTY) and other official entry points, immigration officers stamp your passport with a stay period, usually up to 180 days for tourists. They may ask to see a return or onward ticket, proof of accommodation, and evidence of funds. Have printed or digital copies ready.
Your passport must be valid for at least three months beyond your intended departure date. Some airlines enforce this at check-in, so check before you fly. If you plan to stay longer than the stamped period, you must apply for an extension at the National Immigration Service (SNM) before your time runs out; overstaying can lead to fines and entry bans.
No electronic travel authorisation
Panama does not currently require an electronic travel authorisation (ETA) for US, UK, Canadian, Australian, NZ or Irish citizens. You can simply arrive with a valid passport and proof of onward travel. This may change, so monitor official government travel advice before departure.
FAQ
Sources and verification date
This page was last checked on 2026-09. Entry rules can change without notice; always confirm with the nearest Panamanian embassy or consulate and your home country's foreign travel advice before booking.
Questions people ask
Do US, UK, Canadian, Australian, NZ and Irish citizens need a visa for Panama?
No. Citizens of these six countries can enter Panama as tourists without a visa for up to 180 days per entry. You need a passport valid for at least three months beyond your departure date and proof of onward travel. Rules can change, so check with the nearest Panamanian embassy before you fly.
How long can I stay in Panama without a visa?
Up to 180 days per entry, granted at the discretion of the immigration officer. The exact period is stamped in your passport on arrival. If you want to stay longer, apply for an extension at the National Immigration Service before your time expires. Overstaying can lead to fines.
Do I need an electronic travel authorisation before flying to Panama?
No. Panama does not currently require an electronic travel authorisation (ETA) for US, UK, Canadian, Australian, NZ or Irish citizens. You can arrive with a valid passport and proof of onward travel. This policy may change, so check official travel advice before departure.
What documents should I have ready on arrival?
Carry your passport (valid ≥3 months beyond departure), a printed or digital copy of your onward ticket, proof of accommodation, and evidence of sufficient funds. Immigration officers may ask for any of these, and airlines may enforce passport‑validity rules at check‑in.
Can I extend my stay beyond 180 days?
Yes, you can apply for an extension at Panama’s National Immigration Service (Servicio Nacional de Migración) before your current stay expires. Approval is not guaranteed and may require proof of purpose, finances, and a fee.
Verify with the official source
Draft, not field-verified
- officialUS State Department – Panama travel advisory
- officialUK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office – Panama travel advice
- officialGovernment of Canada – Panama travel advice
- officialAustralian Government – Smartraveller Panama
- officialNew Zealand SafeTravel – Panama
- officialIreland Department of Foreign Affairs – Panama travel advice
Deep dive
Every source; changeable facts are marked check
Sources
- officialUS State Department – Panama travel advisory
- officialUK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office – Panama travel advice
- officialGovernment of Canada – Panama travel advice
- officialAustralian Government – Smartraveller Panama
- officialNew Zealand SafeTravel – Panama
- officialIreland Department of Foreign Affairs – Panama travel advice
Ask about Panama
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