Panama has been becoming one of the tourism hotspots in the world where people from different cultures visit the country’s striking sceneries and embrace their culture. It’s not hard to see why - the turquoise colored water of the San Blas Beach and it’s powdery white sand is picture-perfect, a visit to the Panama Canal is enticing, and the lush rainforest of the Soberania National Park is just mesmerizing.

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We’ve been to Panama for a sailing trip from Portobello to San Blas Islands (since this is a haven for sailors and those wanting to learn how to sail. Here is how Philippines Passport Holder like me can get that Panamanian Tourist Visa! :p

ALL APPLICANTS MUST APPLY AT THE PANAMIAN EMBASSY IN THEIR HOME COUNTRY. THE ONLY EXCEPTION IS WHEN THERE IS NO PANAMIAN EMBASSY IN YOUR HOME COUNTRY.

HENCE, ALL FILIPINOS MUST APPLY AT THE EMBASSY & CONSULATE GENERAL OF THE REPUBLIC OF PANAMA AT THE 1702 PANORAMA TOWER, 34th ST. COR. LANE A, BGC, TAGUIG CITY.

WHO ARE EXEMPTED FROM GETTING A PANAMA TOURIST VISA?

As per Executive Order 521-2018, all travelers - regardless of nationality - will be eligible for an exemption for a Panamanian tourist visa if they possess multiple-entry visas or permanent residency documents of any of the following countries:

Australia
Canada
European Union member states
Japan
Singapore
South Korea
UK
USA

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Further, the visa/s must have validity not less than six (6) months from the date of entry in Panama and must have been used once prior to their trip.

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WHAT ARE THE REQUIREMENTS FOR OBTAINING A PANAMA TOURIST VISA?

These are the ff. Documents that you have to gather for your Panamanian Tourist Visa Application. This is a long list but do not be overwhelmed, it’s actually easy to get these things:

1. A formal letter addressed to the Consul General explaining your intention to travel to Panama, your proposed itinerary, your financial situation, etc. - this must be translated in Spanish.

2. Duly filled-out application form;

3. Passport with colored photocopies of all pages and cover - validity of at least three (3) months from the date of entry in Panama;

4. A government-issued ID which could be your UMID, Driver’s License, Postal ID, PhilHealth, Pag-IBIG, PRC License, etc. other than your passport;

5. Three (3) passport-sized photos, with a colored photocopy of all three (3) together;

6. Round trip flight booking - you are not required to buy one until your visa is approved;

7. Proof of lodgings which could be a Hotel Reservation or Letter of Invitation in case you’re staying with a friend/relative;

8. Economic solvency documents (at least USD 500) which may include

Bank Statement within the last three (3) months
Salary Slips within the last three (3) months
Latest credit card statement within the last three (3) months
Latest Income Statement or Income Tax Returns
Other Proof of Income
If economically dependent, then you need to have a Notarized Affidavit of Support signed by a family member who will shoulder the expense during the trip, and his/her proof of economic solvency and proof of relationship;

Note: Please note that these must be in USD or with a USD conversion. if it is in Peso or another currency, ask the bank to have the balance converted into US dollars and include the conversion rate of the day.

9. Proof of employment/profession which may include your

Employed - Certificate of Employment
Self Employed - Accreditation by the Bureau of Internal Revenue
Retiree - Pension and Retirement Documents
Students - Certification of Enrollment from the school/university (for students)

10. Letter of invitation (Spanish or with Spanish Translation).

If invited by a Private Company or a Private Individual. You should also have a Photocopy of the signatory’s passport and cédula, Bank certification or income statement of the company, Utility bill showing the location of the company’s office/individual’s residence, and an Affidavit, in case company/individual shoulders the expenses of the visa applicant.

11. Travel Itinerary

12. Visa Fee - USD 60 paid to Panama Embassy (Bank of Commerce)

USD 50.00 to account number 102210012556

USD 10.00 to account number 102210001589

Additional Documents for Minors

Application form duly accomplished by parent or legal guardian
Birth certificate and certified true copy (with Spanish translation)

If the minor is traveling without a parent or legal guardian, submit with Spanish translation:

Clearance from the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD)
Affidavit of consent from the parent or legal guardian

Other notes:

Supporting Documents of the sponsor must be notarized or bear a certified true copy stamp (“sello de cotejo”).
Handwritten sponsorship or invitation letters are not accepted.
Supporting documents that are not updated (at most within 2-3 months) are not accepted.
Spanish translations are required for the formal letter, proof of employment, and financial solvency documents. The applicants’ visa application could also benefit from flight and hotel reservations issued/translated into Spanish.

STEP-BY-STEP GUIDE ON HOW PHILIPPINES PASSPORT HOLDER CAN APPLY FOR A PANAMA TOURIST VISA?

STEP 1: Fill up your application form and have all of your documents ready. After that, e-mail schedule a personal appearance for their interview at the embassy. Their e-mail address is consuladopanamaph@gmail.com.

STEP 2: Pay your visa fee before your appointment. They don’t accept cash payments anymore.

Account Name: Panama Embassy

Bank: Bank of Commerce

USD 50.00 to account number 102210012556
USD 10.00 to account number 102210001589

STEP 3: Go to the Embassy & Consulate General of the Republic of Panama during your scheduled appointment.

STEP 4: Wait for the decision of the Embassy. It might take 5 to 10 working days after the receipt of documents, interview, and confirmation of deposit. When there is already a decision, you can pick up your passport. In case you can’t, you can assign someone to get it for you. However, you will need to provide a Notarized Authorization Note and a copy of both of your IDs.

FAQS ABOUT APPLICATIONS FOR PANAMA TOURIST VISA

1. How much is the visa fee for a tourist visa?

It is $60 and it must be paid in USD.

2. Do they accept walk-in applications?

No, You will need to schedule an appointment.

3. Do I need to photocopy my documents?

Yes.

4. What’s the schedule of the Embassy of Panama?

It is usually from 8 AM- 5 PM provided that there are no holidays. Receiving hours are from 8 AM to 1 PM and releasing hours are from 1 PM to 5 PM.

5. Can I ask someone to submit the documents on my behalf?

Yes, as long as your representative has a Notarized Authorization Letter and a copy of both your IDs.

6. Do they accept documents by mail?

No.

7. How long is the visa processing time?

It takes around 30 to 45 working days.

8. Is the processing fee refundable in case of visa denial?

Not at all.

9. Do I need a vaccine when visiting Panama?

It depends. Panamanian migration authorities will demand proof of vaccination if the trip originates from or transits through the following countries: