Entry Requirements & Visas
New for 2026: Digital Entry System Updates
Panama has enhanced its online entry system for faster processing; most travelers now complete a quick digital form upon arrival or pre-register via the official Panama Tourism Authority website for smoother immigration. This free process helps reduce wait times at Tocumen International Airport and other ports of entry.
Passport Requirements
Your passport must be valid for at least three months beyond your planned departure from Panama, and it should have at least one blank page for the entry stamp. Children under 18 traveling without both parents need a notarized consent letter to avoid delays at immigration.
Always verify your passport's condition, as damaged documents can lead to entry denial; renew early if needed.
Visa-Free Countries
Citizens of the US, Canada, EU countries, UK, Australia, and many others can enter Panama visa-free for tourism stays up to 180 days, depending on nationality—most get 90 to 180 days stamped upon arrival.
South American nationals often qualify for extended stays; check the latest list on the Panama Migration Service website for your specific country.
Visa Applications
For nationalities requiring a visa, such as some Asian and African countries, apply at a Panamanian consulate with documents including a passport photo, proof of onward travel, financial statements showing at least $500 per month of stay, and a $50-100 fee depending on the visa type.
Processing times vary from 5-30 days; expedited options are available for an extra fee, and tourist visas are typically valid for 30-90 days with possible extensions.
Border Crossings
Air arrivals at Tocumen International Airport in Panama City are efficient with biometric e-gates for many nationalities, but land borders with Costa Rica (at Paso Canoas) and Colombia (at Capurganá via boat) may involve longer waits and document checks.
Ferries from Colón to islands like Bocas del Toro count as domestic travel but require ID; always carry your passport for random checks in remote areas.
Travel Insurance
While not mandatory, comprehensive travel insurance is highly recommended for Panama, covering medical evacuations from remote areas like the Darién Gap, adventure activities such as zip-lining in the rainforests, and trip delays due to weather.
Policies should include at least $50,000 in medical coverage; affordable options start at $2-5 per day from international providers, and proof may be requested at entry for high-risk itineraries.
Extensions Possible
Visa-free stays can be extended up to 180 days total by applying at the National Migration Service in Panama City before your initial period expires, providing reasons like extended tourism or business, along with a $50 fee and proof of funds.
Extensions are granted for 30-90 days at a time; overstay fines are $2 per day, so plan ahead to avoid penalties or deportation risks.
Money, Budget & Costs
Smart Money Management
Panama uses the US Dollar (USD) as its official currency, alongside the local Balboa (PAB) which is pegged 1:1. For the best exchange rates and lowest fees, use Wise to send money or convert currency - they offer real exchange rates with transparent fees, saving you money compared to traditional banks.
Daily Budget Breakdown
Money-Saving Pro Tips
Book Flights Early
Find the best deals to Panama City by comparing prices on Trip.com, Expedia, or CheapTickets.
Booking 2-3 months in advance can save you 30-50% on airfare, especially for routes to Bocas del Toro or David.
Eat Like a Local
Dine at fondas or market stalls for authentic Panamanian dishes like sancocho under $5-8, avoiding resort restaurants to save up to 60% on meals.
Fresh ceviche from coastal vendors and fruit markets provide budget-friendly, healthy options throughout the country.
Public Transport Passes
Opt for the Metro Bus card in Panama City for unlimited rides at $0.35-0.70 per trip, or buy multi-day passes for intercity buses starting at $20 for regional travel.
Chicken buses in rural areas are cheap at $1-5 per ride and offer an immersive cultural experience without breaking the bank.
Free Attractions
Explore Casco Viejo's colonial streets, hike in Soberanía National Park, or relax on San Blas Islands' beaches, all at no cost for authentic adventures.
Many indigenous communities offer free cultural insights, and Panama Canal viewing points are public and gratis.
Card vs Cash
Credit cards are accepted in cities and tourist spots, but carry USD cash for rural areas, islands, and small vendors where fees can add up.
Use ATMs in banks for the best rates, avoiding airport exchanges; notify your bank of travel to prevent card blocks.
National Park Passes
Purchase a multi-park entry pass for $25-40 valid across sites like Darién or Coiba, ideal for nature lovers visiting multiple reserves.
It covers entrance fees that would otherwise total $10-15 per park, making eco-tourism more affordable.
Smart Packing for Panama
Essential Items for Any Season
Clothing Essentials
Pack lightweight, quick-dry clothes for the tropical humidity, including long-sleeve shirts and pants for sun protection and mosquito-prone areas like the rainforests.
Modest attire is advised for urban churches in Panama City, while swimwear and flip-flops are perfect for beach hopping in Bocas del Toro.
Electronics
Bring a Type A/B adapter for US-style outlets, a solar-powered charger for remote jungle trips, waterproof phone case, and apps for offline maps like Maps.me.
A portable fan or cooling towel helps in the heat; download Spanish phrasebooks since English is limited outside tourist zones.
Health & Safety
Include comprehensive travel insurance docs, a robust first-aid kit with anti-diarrheal meds, vaccinations proof (yellow fever for Darién), and high-SPF reef-safe sunscreen.
DEET-based insect repellent is crucial for malaria zones; pack water purification tablets as tap water varies in safety by region.
Travel Gear
A waterproof daypack is essential for island ferries and hikes, along with a reusable filtered water bottle, dry bag for electronics, and small USD bills for tips and markets.
Include passport copies in a secure pouch and a money belt for crowded Casco Viejo streets to deter pickpockets.
Footwear Strategy
Choose breathable hiking sandals or lightweight boots for trails in Volcán Barú National Park, and water shoes for snorkeling in coral reefs around the Pearl Islands.
Comfortable sneakers suffice for city exploration, but pack rain boots for muddy wet-season paths in the highlands.
Personal Care
Opt for travel-sized, eco-friendly toiletries to minimize plastic on beaches, plus aloe vera gel for sunburn relief and a compact poncho for sudden tropical showers.
Biodegradable wipes and laundry soap help in areas with limited facilities; don't forget hats and polarized sunglasses for intense UV exposure.
When to Visit Panama
Dry Season Start (December-February)
Perfect for whale watching off the Pacific coast and exploring Panama City's vibrant festivals, with sunny days averaging 28-32°C and low humidity.
Fewer rains make it ideal for hiking the Camino de Cruces trail, though peak holiday crowds in December can mean higher prices for accommodations.
Peak Dry Season (March-April)
High season for beach escapes to San Blas Islands and surfing in Santa Catalina, with hot temperatures of 30-34°C and minimal rainfall for outdoor adventures.
Carnival celebrations in April bring lively street parties, but book early as resorts fill up quickly during this sunny, dry period.
Green Season (May-September)
Budget-friendly time for rainforest immersion in Darién with lush greenery and birdwatching, temperatures steady at 27-31°C but afternoon showers common.
Chocolate festivals in Bocas del Toro and fewer tourists allow for intimate eco-lodges; pack rain gear for the vibrant, watery landscapes.
Shoulder Wet Season (October-November)
Transitional period for cultural events like the Independence Day parades in November, with warming trends to 28-32°C and decreasing rains toward dry season.
Great for discounted dives at Coiba National Park; the emerging sunsets over the canal make it a romantic, less-crowded choice.
Important Travel Information
- Currency: US Dollar (USD) and Balboa (PAB, 1:1 peg). Cards accepted in cities; cash essential for rural areas and islands.
- Language: Spanish is official; English widely spoken in tourist hubs like Panama City and Bocas del Toro.
- Time Zone: Eastern Standard Time (EST), UTC-5 (no daylight saving)
- Electricity: 110-120V, 60Hz. Type A/B plugs (same as US/Canada)
- Emergency Number: 911 for police, medical, or fire assistance
- Tipping: Not mandatory but appreciated; 10% at restaurants, $1-2 for porters or guides
- Water: Bottled water recommended; tap water unsafe in most areas outside upscale hotels
- Pharmacies: Easily found in cities; look for "Farmacia" signs with 24-hour options available