Panama Visa and Travel Requirements for Indian Travelers

Panama is located in Central America, bordering the Caribbean Sea to the north, Costa Rica to the west, Colombia to the south-east, and the Pacific Ocean to the south. Panama City is the capital city and also the largest city in the country. With nearly half of the country’s entire four million population living in the metropolitan area of the city.

There is no doubt that Panama is a beautiful country with amazing resorts, beaches, and fascinating landmarks. Therefore, it comes as no surprise when recent statistics showed the number of international visitors growing from about 345,000 in 1995 to over 2 million in recent years. As of 2015, Panama recorded about 2,110,000 international visitors. Based on the country’s reputation and impressive resources it is safe to assume that the number of international visitors will keep increasing.

For Indians planning to visit, enter, do business, or transit through Panama are required to obtain a visa from the nearest embassy or democratic-consular.

Panama Visa Types, Processing Time And Duration

VISA TYPE	PROCESSING TIME	VALIDITY
Tourist	20 to 30 days	60 Days
Student	20 to 30 days	Valid for the period of study
Person of means	20 to 30 days	As stated in the letter of confirmation
Professional Residence/Business	20 to 30 days	Permanent Residence
Residence	20 to 30 days	Permanent Residence

Suggested Visa Type for Different Individuals:

If you are planning to visit Panama but do not know which visa type to apply for, check below to see which of the visa types is a perfect fit for you.

• Tourist Visa: If you are planning to visit or enter Panama for the purpose of tourism or vacation, this is the perfect visa to obtain. As you will be eligible to enter the country for a stay period up to 60 days. One major requirement for this visa is proof of at least $500 or proof of hotel reservation for a specified period of stay and return ticket.

• Student visa: If you are planning to study in one of Panama’s institutes, universities or schools, the student visa is the perfect fit. Although, you are required to provide a letter of acceptance from the school, institute or university. 

• Professional Resident/Business Visa: For Indians planning to work or do business in Panama, you are required to apply for this visa type. Additionally, you will need to provide proof of invitation from a recognised Panamanian company before you can be eligible for a work permit.

• Person of Means Visa: This visa type is for anyone who wants to live in Panama permanently but does not want to work or do any business but have up to $300,000 he/she wants to invest in Panama.

• Residence Visa: If you want to live permanently in Panama, you can also apply for this visa type, however, you have to be either married to a Panamanian, working for a Panamanian company, or retired with a lifetime pension of at least $1000 before you can be eligible for this visa type.

General Requirements for Panama Visa for Indians:

• You must have a valid passport or other acceptable travel documents. Additionally, your passport must have a validity of more than 3 months after the specified period of stay.
• You must provide a passport photo of yourself with your face clearly shown.
• You must not have any criminal record.
• You must provide a valid copy of your local identity cards such as passport, driver’s license, or residency card.
• You must be able to provide a completed visa application form.
• A valid medical certificate indicating you are free from any contagious disease.
• Proof of sufficient funds for the visa fee and period of stay in the country.

How to Apply for Panama Visa:

Planning on applying for a Panama visa, follow these simple steps listed below;

• Step 1: Ensure you have satisfied all the general requirements and have all the required documents ready.
• Step 2: Download the visa application form and fill it out accurately and completely.
• Step 3: Visit the nearest Panama diplomatic-consular or embassy to you.
• Step 4: Pay the visa fee.
• Step 5: Go for your scheduled visa interview/appointment.
• Step 6: Wait for your visa application process to be completed.

To fill out Panama visa form, download the form using this link: https://www.embassyofpanama.org/s/CONSULATE-FORUMLARIO-VISA-AUTORIZADA.pdf

After you have downloaded the application form, you just need to correctly fill it out. Therefore, you submit the form with the other requirements to the closest diplomatic-consular or embassy to you. Additionally, you need to know that the consulate/embassy can ask you for extra documents and if you didn’t fill out the application form completely or correctly your visa application might be declined.

Tourist Visa:

• This visa is valid for anyone planning to go on vacations to Panama.
• The visa comes with a validity period of a maximum of 60 days which can be extended upon request. You have to allow up to 30 business days for the visa to be processed and it comes in single entry and also multiple entries sub-types.
• However, you are not allowed to do any kind of job or business with this visa.
• One major criterion required for this visa type is that you need to have at least $500 cash or proof of financial sustainability for the specified period of stay.

Student Visa:

• If you want to study in Panama, you are required to obtain a student visa before you can be eligible.
• This visa type is valid for the entire duration of your study. The application process typically takes 20 to 30 business days.
• With this visa, you are eligible to study in any recognised school, institute or university in Panama.
• One major criterion required for this visa type is that you provide a letter of acceptance from a registered and recognised school, institute or university.

Permanent Residence/Business Visa:

• If you want to work or do any business in Panama, you are required to apply for this visa type.
• This visa makes eligible to stay permanently in the country as long as you are working in a Panamanian company or have a recognised business in the country.
• With this visa, you can work or live in any part of the country.
• The most important requirement for this visa type is that you provide a contract or work letter from a recognised Panamanian company.

Person of Means Visa:

• This visa is for anyone planning to live in Panama and can invest up to $300,000 in any part of the country.
• With this visa, there is no expiry period as you are eligible to live permanently in any part of the country. You have to give up to 8 weeks for this visa to be processed, although it is usually ready within 20 business days.
• With this visa, you do not have to work or do any business to live in the country.
• The most important requirement for this visa type is that you provide proof of sufficient funds or equity worth at least $300,000.

Residence Visa:

• If you wish to work and live permanently in Panama, you need to obtain the temporary residence visa to be eligible for a permanent residency.
• With this visa, you will be able to apply for permanent residency and you will be permitted to work and live in the country.
• This visa type is only obtainable by anyone who is married to a Panamanian, is working currently in a recognised Panamanian company, wants to retire with proof of sufficient pension of at least $1000 a month, or is an owner of any kind of property worth at least $100,000 in the country.
• One major requirement you need to qualify for this visa is to provide either valid copy of your marriage certificate, a valid letter from a Panamanian company, proof of retirement with enough pension to handle the cost of living in the country, or proof of deeds and other documents concerning properties owned.

Panama Visa fees

Visa Type	Total fees for a single entry (€)	Total fees for multiple entries (€)
Tourist	200	250
Student	200	250
Person of Means	200	250
Professional Residence/Business	200	250
Residence	200	250

It is recommended that you make inquiries on the visa fees as these prices are subject to change without prior notice. Therefore, ensure you visit the nearest embassy or consulate to get the current fee.

Reasons for Visa Denial/Rejection:

Your visa might be rejected or denied based on but not limited to the following reasons;

• Provision of an invalid letter of reference or any required document.
• Insufficient funds for the purpose of entry.
• Lack of required documents or provision of documents in confusing languages.
• If you cannot provide a valid certificate of vaccination or other proof of sound health when you are coming from areas affected by pandemic diseases determined by the Ministry of Health;
• Record of previous criminal actions.
• If there is any reason to believe you will not return to your home country after the speculated period of stay.

To avoid your visa being rejected you need to ensure that:

• You have perfectly and properly filled your visa application form.
• The documents you are providing are valid and do not contain any false information.
• You have a valid proof of sufficient funds that will sustain you for the speculated period of stay available.
• All your documents are properly translated to English to avoid any form of confusion.

Panama Visa Application Centres and Embassies in India

Frequently Asked Questions

What do I do when I have submitted an incorrectly filled visa application form?

In case you found out that you have missed or filled out any wrong details in your visa application form, it is best you call or go to the visa application centre you are applying through. Although we can’t guarantee that your visa application will be approved. Therefore, always ensure that you thoroughly check your visa application form after you have filled it.

What type of visa extensions are available?

These are the type of visa extensions available for foreigners in Panama; Work Permit, Visitor, Student, Dependent, Marriage Exemption, Unconditional Landing, and Permanent Residence.

Can I reschedule my visa application interview?

Yes. If you can provide a well-grounded reason as to why you need to reschedule the interview. Additionally, you have to ensure that you call the visa application centre beforehand.

Where are the best spots for tourists to visit in the country?

As a foreigner visiting Panama for the sake of tourism, there are lots of options you can choose from. Since the country is filled with landmarks and remarkable resources, you can visit the beaches, resorts, and the landmarks for sightseeing or learn about the cultural heritage of the country and its people.

Can I obtain a work permit with my Student Visa?

No. This is because Panama does not offer a work permit to foreigners studying in the country. However, you can make enquiries at the nearest consulate or embassy to know what you need to do if you are planning to work in Panama.