How Long Can I Stay in Panama Without a Visa?
If you’re considering visiting Panama for any reason, it’s important to understand how long you can stay in the country without a visa.
Tourists can enter and stay in Panama for up to 90 days from the moment of entry.
However, new resolution 22068 published today states that tourists will no longer be allowed to stay for 180 days at a time.
Tourists
If you’re planning a holiday to Panama, it’s important to know how long you can stay in the country without a visa. Citizens of some countries may need a tourist visa to enter the country and should contact their nearest Panamanian embassy or consulate for advice before travelling.
Tourists from Chad, Ecuador, Egypt, Philippines, Peru and Thailand require a visa and should apply in advance before coming to Panama. Nationals of these countries can also apply for a prorroga de turista (extension of their tourist visa) on a case-by-case basis.
There are two types of tourist visas: stamped and authorized. Stamped tourist visas are granted through the embassy or consulate in your home country. An application form, proof of onward travel, and a completed passport are required. This type of visa is usually issued in less than 60 days and allows you to enter Panama.
Authorized tourist visas are granted by the Panamanian Consulate in your country and can be issued for up to a month. An application form, proof of onward or return travel, and a completed passport are required. The application process is much more time-consuming than the other two visas and should be completed as early as possible, at least 90 days before intended travel.
Those who hold a valid visa or residence from the following countries: USA, Australia, Canada, UK, Japan, Singapore or South Korea, are not required to obtain a visitor’s visa to enter Panama. They should produce a negative COVID-19 test that was taken within 48 hours before entering the country or take it upon arrival.
If you want to stay longer than the maximum 30 days, you can apply for a tourist extension called a prorroga de turista at the immigration office in your country of origin. This extension can be renewed for up to another 30, 60 or 90 days.
A visit to Panama is a great way to see some of the world’s most beautiful scenery and to experience the culture and customs that are unique to this small Central American country. However, it’s important to remember that tourism is not the primary source of income for the country and it’s best to respect the rules and policies governing the country and its residents when visiting.
Business travelers
If you are a business traveler, there are some things to keep in mind when visiting Panama. Firstly, you should consider your budget and see how much you can spend on food. It is important to plan meals well in advance and avoid going overboard. You will also need to make sure you have a valid passport and return or onward tickets when travelling to Panama.
If your budget allows, you should look to stay in a good hotel. They are usually located in the best areas of the city and can be found at a fraction of the price you would pay in a typical tourist resort. However, if you want to save money and have more privacy, you should consider booking an Airbnb.
The Panamanian economy is a mix of private freedom and government regulation. Its diversified economy is driven by banking, trading and tourism. As a result, Panama is a popular place for foreign companies to expand their operations.
In terms of business, the country has a unique blend of North American and Latin American cultures. Although Spanish is the official language, English is an increasingly common language used for business purposes.
You should always dress professionally when attending a meeting or social event in Panama. A business suit is recommended, but a blazer and tie are acceptable too. It is common for locals to exchange gifts during trade missions, business meetings or special events.
If you are going to a dinner party, try to arrange to sit with the host and a close friend or family member. This will help you get to know the locals and build trust. It is also possible to invite a guest or colleague, but you will need to provide proof of your invitation and ask the host’s permission beforehand.
If you are visiting Panama for a business trip, it is worth taking advantage of the visa waiver program offered by the government. This is available to nationals of the European Union, the United States, and many other countries. Alternatively, you can apply for a stamped visa at your nearest Panama consulate. This allows you to enter the country and stay for up to 30 days at a time.
Digital nomads
Panama is one of the best countries in Central America to be a digital nomad, and it’s an easy choice for people who want to spend a few months working abroad. It offers a great infrastructure for remote workers, with laptop-friendly cafes and coworking spaces in both Panama City and Bocas del Toro.
It also offers low rental prices, making it a popular destination for travelers and expats alike. It has a high-quality internet network, ranking in 24th place on the global scale.
This is a big advantage for digital nomads, who need to have high-speed internet to work. Unlike some other countries, Panama has fixed broadband that is fast enough for remote workers.
Another huge benefit for digital nomads is that they don’t have to pay taxes in their home country. This means that they can save up to 15-25% of their income, which will be much appreciated by those who are not accustomed to paying tax in their country.
The process of applying for a digital nomad visa in Panama is simple. First, you need to have an appointment at the local immigration office. Then, you need to fill out the application form and submit the necessary documents.
Next, you need to pay the visa fees, which include $250 for the National Immigration Agency and $50 for the digital nomad visa card. Once you have the visa, you can travel to Panama and start working.
Digital nomads can stay in Panama for up to nine months under the Short-Stay Visa for Remote Workers program. This program was introduced in May 2021 to help encourage tourism and improve the country’s economy.
To apply for the program, you need to prove that you have a job or business outside of Panama and can work remotely from anywhere in the world. In addition, you must be able to show that you are receiving a minimum monthly income of 3,000 dollars from a foreign source.
This visa is ideal for digital nomads who are looking to spend a few months in a beautiful tropical location and then return to their own country to continue their remote work. It is also a great way for those who love Panama to get a taste of the city without having to commit to a long-term visa.
Residency
Getting residency in Panama can be a daunting task. Fortunately, the country has several immigration programs that allow residents to obtain legal residence in Panama without the need for a visa. These programs require some upfront investments, and a long-term commitment to the country.
Citizens of certain nations who have friendly, professional, and economic ties with the Republic of Panama can apply for permanent residency in Panama. These countries include the United States, Canada, and Australia, among others.
These laws also apply to foreigners who have worked in Panama for two years and wish to become permanent residents. This type of residency is not for digital nomads, but it can be a good option for those who are looking to establish a career in a new field.
One of the easiest ways to get residency in Panama is through a business investment program. This allows you to set up a corporation with a minimum of $160,000 paid-in capital and receive a temporary residency permit that can be converted into permanent residency status in two years.
Another way to become a resident in Panama is through a reforestation program that requires a $40,000 investment in an approved reforestation project. This can be a great opportunity for those looking to “go green” and invest in teak or other hardwoods.
The Reforestation Investor Visa is a fantastic program that can be a viable option for those interested in investing in Panama’s natural resources. It is an excellent choice for those looking to “go green” and make a sustainable investment in the world’s largest rainforest.
It is also a good choice for those looking to start a new career in the natural resources sector in Panama. This program requires a significant investment in an approved reforestation company and a minimum of five hectares of titled land.
In addition, this program requires a financial deposit of at least $750 per month in a certificate of deposit from the National Bank of Panama (to yield at least $170,000 per year). This is renewable every five years as long as the certificate of deposit remains current.
