Panama Visa and Travel Guide for Pakistani Citizens

Panama is a country in Central America that borders Costa Rica to the west, the Caribbean Sea to the north, Colombia to the south-east, and the Pacific Ocean to the south. The country has a population of 4 million people with half of them living in the capital city called Panama City. The country is filled with exciting natives and cultural heritage that will definitely make you enjoy visiting or living in Panama.

The country is not lacking in resources and tourist attractions. You will find beautiful beaches, resorts, and even historic landmarks when you are in the country. As a result, the number of international visitors as steadily increased from the recorded 345,000 in 1995 to over 2 million. These numbers do not come as a shock as the country has been able to gain an impressive reputation among tourists and international visitors. Additionally, it is safe to assume that the number of international visitors will only keep increasing every year.

For Pakistanis 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

Unfortunately, there are no diplomatic-consular or embassies of Panama located in Pakistan. If you are planning to obtain a visa to enter the country, you need to visit one of the embassies or consulate located in neighbouring countries like India and the Philippines.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I get a Panamanian driver’s license?

Yes. However, obtaining a Panamanian driving license can be tedious and stressful, therefore, if you are not going there to stay permanently, it is best you do not bother obtaining the driving license. Although you can make use of your home country’s driving license.

If my visa application is rejected can I reapply?

Yes. However, if for any reason your visa application was rejected, it is best that you find out what reason it was so that you can make the right adjustment before reapplying.

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.

How safe is the street food in Panama?

The street foods in Panama are safe and delicious if you patronize reputable vendors. In Panama, reputable street food vendors are issued permits by the Government. Therefore, make sure you only buy from licensed vendors.

What is the social faux pas to avoid when visiting Panama?

When in a social gathering or a public place, you should avoid talking about homosexuality in general or any politically related topics.