First things first: Before going to Panama, you should of course think about visa requirements. To find out whether you need a visa or a tourist card to enter the country, you should consult the nearest Panamanian Embassy or Consulate in your country of normal residence. Citizens of the US, Canada, the EU and some other states can usually enter with a valid passport, an onward ticket, and proof of solvency. However, it is highly recommended to get up-to-date information well in advance.
The maximum period of stay is 30 days. If you need to stay in Panama for a longer period, you can apply for an extension with the Servicio Nacional de Migración Panamá. Staff at the migration office will ask you to fill out an extensión de turista form (Spanish only).
Some people enter Panama on a tourist visa with the intention of staying indefinitely. You can do this legally if you leave the country for 72 hours every three months. However, please note that moving to Panama as a perpetual tourist does not entitle you to work in the country.
In case you have questions or need more information please do not hesitate to contact: Mayra L. Ruzzi ~ “Always the Right Counsel”, our immigration specialist: Email: