July 17, 2025

Visa to Panama for Tourists and Business Travelers

Panama attracts tourists with its rich culture, tropical beaches, and opportunities for active recreation, while businesspeople are drawn by favorable tax conditions, strategic location, and a developed economy. That’s why many consider getting a visa to Panama for travel or business purposes. In this article, we’ll cover the types, requirements, and specifics of entry permits. And you can quickly book the best hotels in Panama at great prices on TravelHub.

Do Tourists Need a Visa to Panama?

Visa-Free Entry

The answer depends on your citizenship. For example, Belarusian citizens do not need to apply for a visa in advance if they plan to stay in Panama for up to 180 days. Upon arrival, a necessary stamp will be placed in your passport — that’s all. Panama offers visa-free regimes with varying durations to citizens of other countries as well, including Russia, the USA, Canada, and several Latin American states.

Tourist Visa

If you plan to stay in Panama for more than 180 days or your country is not on the visa-free list, you will need to apply for a tourist visa. The required documents vary depending on your nationality, but the standard package includes:

  • Completed application form;
  • Valid passport (with at least six months’ validity);
  • Photo;
  • Hotel booking confirmation;
  • Round-trip airline tickets to Panama and back;
  • Proof of financial means (bank statement showing at least $500 per person).

Entry Rules

Whether you enter Panama visa-free or with a visa, it’s important to follow certain rules. Make sure you arrange insurance covering your entire stay — it will be checked. Authorities also verify proof of financial means to confirm your ability to support yourself. Always carry valid tickets for your return trip or your next destination, especially if using a transit visa.

Visa to Panama for Business Trips

Business Visa

For business trips, if there is no visa exemption agreement, a special business visa must be obtained. To do this, you’ll need an invitation from a Panamanian company or the event organizer. You will also need to submit a completed application, copies of business documents, and proof of the purpose of your visit. For business travel services, contact TravelHub.

Visa-Free Regime for Business Meetings

Panama actively attracts foreign investors and businesspeople with a visa-free regime for short-term business meetings—usually up to 90 days within a 180-day visa-free period. However, the entry rules are the same for all situations. Keep this in mind when organizing business trips.

Residence Permit Through Business

For those planning an extended stay for business or investment purposes, it’s possible to obtain a residence permit through investments—starting from $100,000 invested specifically in the forestry industry, or from $300,000 invested in the country’s economy (real estate, stock market, or fixed-term bank deposits).

Friendly Nations Visa

Panama offers a special program for citizens of “friendly nations” (countries in Latin America, Europe, and Asia)—the Friendly Nations program. There are three investment options: real estate investment (from $200,000), a three-year deposit (from $200,000), or employment in a local company. Initially, a two-year residence permit is granted, after which you can apply for citizenship.

Before traveling, we recommend checking the latest requirements on the official websites of the Panamanian embassy in your country. For organizing business trips, use the TravelHub business travel service. Here you’ll find excellent offers from hotels, airlines, and tour operators worldwide.

 

Latest news