Stamped Visa

Panama issues a so-called “stamped visa,” a kind of tourist visa that lets some travelers enter the country multiple times over the course of a year. It is available only through a Panamanian consulate or embassy, and as the name implies it consists of a stamp placed in the traveler’s passport. Length of stay is at the discretion of the Panamanian authorities, but is generally 30 days for each visit.

Anyone eligible to travel to Panama on a tourist card can choose to apply for a stamped visa instead, if they want. Citizens of some countries are required to get a stamped visa.

Countries whose citizens must have a stamped visa to travel to Panama include the Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Georgia, Peru, Russia, Ukraine, Vietnam, and Zimbabwe. Remember, these lists are subject to change.

Authorized Visa

Citizens of some countries need a so-called visa autorizada (authorized visa). This is the most restrictive kind of tourist visa. It is available only through a Panamanian consulate or embassy, which decides whether to approve the visa application and determines the length of stay. Most countries on this list are in Africa, the Middle East, Eastern Europe, and Asia.

Confusingly, stated requirements can vary by consulate, so double-check with the nearest one before beginning the process to make sure to have all the required documents in order. But even the loosest interpretation of the rules makes applying a lengthy hassle, and they sure aren’t designed to make the applicant feel welcomed with open arms. Begin the process at least 30 days before the start of travel.

Applicants will probably need to present:

• • A completed one-page application form
• • A valid passport
• • A copy of the passport including pages showing entry and exit stamps
• • A letter from a local “sponsor” in Panama, as well as a recent bank statement and utility bill from the sponsor (It may be worth arranging at least one tour with a Panamanian guide company or tour operator and have them supply this letter for you—again, start this process well in advance, as getting this letter may be a nuisance. Don’t pay for the tour until the letter’s supplied.)
• • A copy of your most recent Panama visa (if applicable)
• • A copy of your “residence or identification card” from your home country
• • Two passport-size photographs

Some consulates require proof of a round-trip. If so, make sure the ticket’s refundable in case the application is turned down.

Not surprisingly, many prefer to apply for this visa through a lawyer or visa service.

Countries whose citizens can travel to Panama only with an authorized visa include: Bangladesh, Cuba, Haiti, India, Pakistan, the People’s Republic of China, and South Africa. Again, this list changes frequently.

Extended Stays

Citizens of some countries need a so-called visa autorizada (authorized visa). This is the most restrictive kind of tourist visa. It is available only through a Panamanian consulate or embassy, which decides whether to approve the visa application and determines the length of stay. Most countries on this list are in Africa, the Middle East, Eastern Europe, and Asia.

Confusingly, stated requirements can vary by consulate, so double-check with the nearest one before beginning the process to make sure to have all the required documents in order. But even the loosest interpretation of the rules makes applying a lengthy hassle, and they sure aren’t designed to make the applicant feel welcomed with open arms. Begin the process at least 30 days before the start of travel.

Applicants will probably need to present:

• • A completed one-page application form
  

  How long can one stay in Panama as a tourist? Excellent question. It’s a major source of confusion these days. Sadly, I can’t give a definitive answer, and even if I could the law might well change by the time I finish this sentence.

  Everyone agrees that tourists can generally stay for at least 30 days. The upper limit for most tourist stays is 90 days, but this is discretionary. When a tourist enters the country, the immigration official now asks for length of intended stay and, if he or she agrees, writes that number on the entry stamp in your passport. If you think you may stay longer than 30 days, say so and hope the official approves.

  Tourists who want to extend their stay beyond that authorized when they entered the country must apply for a prórroga de turista (tourist extension) at an immigration office. Just who’s eligible for a prórroga these days is a matter of debate.

  Getting a prórroga is a serious nuisance. Gather all the materials needed and start the application process about four working days before the visa expires. Wear your nicest clothes and be unfailingly polite.

  Applicants must submit:

  • • Their passport and visa
  • • A photocopy of the passport pages that show the applicant’s photo, personal details, and latest entry stamp for Panama
  • • A photocopy of the visa
  • • A sponsorship letter from a Panamanian or foreign resident, along with a photocopy of the sponsor’s cédula (national identity card) and a photocopy of his or her latest telephone or utilities bill
  • • A photocopy of a return or onward-travel ticket that’s valid for a year
  • • Proof of one’s own financial solvency (e.g., travelers checks, credit cards, or US$500 in cash)
  • • Two passport-size photos
  • • A payment of US$1 to open a file and US$15 to make the carnet de prórroga (ID card)

  Applicants need to fill out a simple Spanish form (those who don’t speak Spanish may want to bring a phrasebook). The whole procedure can sometimes be completed in a day but can take longer. Applicants are required to leave their passport (be sure to make an extra photocopy or two for yourself).

  Tourists can get up to 60 more days in Panama through this process. Note that getting the full extension is not guaranteed. The number of days granted is at the discretion of immigration authorities.

  After the extension expires, tourists have a two-day grace period to leave the country. The penalty for staying beyond that, interestingly, is not that bad. Tourists whose stay has expired are required to pay a multa (fine) before leaving the country. The fine is US$25 for overstaying a month, and it goes up slowly from there, topping out at US$300 for a year or more. Still, it’s not a good idea to get enmeshed in the cogs of the Panamanian bureaucracy by overstaying your official welcome.

  The main immigration office is in Panama City. It’s formally known as the Ministerio de Gobierno y Justicia, Dirección de Migración y Naturalización (Avenida Cuba and Calle 29 Este, tel. 207-1800, 777-7777, or 227-1077, tel./fax 227-1227, 8 a.m.–3 p.m. Mon.–Fri.). The influx of foreigners has made this place a jammed-packed nightmare. It’s so crowded the line to get in forms at 6 a.m. The first thing one needs to do is take a number: This being Panama, enterprising locals show up early, take the numbers, and sell them to foreigners who chose to sleep in. If you can’t get to the office by about 10 a.m., you might as well not bother; go the next day.

  A street kiosk next to the office, Kiosca Yolanda, makes photocopies for US$0.10. Just up the street is an Internet café (8 a.m.–10 p.m. Mon.–Fri., 10 a.m.–1 p.m. Sat.–Sun.) that also makes photocopies.

  There are other immigration offices around the country, including one in David, one in Chitré, and two in Bocas del Toro. On my most recent visit to Panama, I got my extension in David; the official running the place these days is strict, but the little office is not a madhouse like the one in Panama City.

  A valid passport

• • A copy of the passport including pages showing entry and exit stamps
• • A letter from a local “sponsor” in Panama, as well as a recent bank statement and utility bill from the sponsor (It may be worth arranging at least one tour with a Panamanian guide company or tour operator and have them supply this letter for you—again, start this process well in advance, as getting this letter may be a nuisance. Don’t pay for the tour until the letter’s supplied.)
• • A copy of your most recent Panama visa (if applicable)
• • A copy of your “residence or identification card” from your home country
• • Two passport-size photographs

Some consulates require proof of a round-trip. If so, make sure the ticket’s refundable in case the application is turned down.

Not surprisingly, many prefer to apply for this visa through a lawyer or visa service.

Countries whose citizens can travel to Panama only with an authorized visa include: Bangladesh, Cuba, Haiti, India, Pakistan, the People’s Republic of China, and South Africa. Again, this list changes frequently.

© William Friar from Moon Panama, 3rd Edition