How long can I stay in Panama?
By Yasser (Alex) Williams A., Attorney at Law, Arosemena & Arosemena
According to article 21 of Executive Decree No. 320 issued on August 8th, 2008, all tourists can remain in Panamanian territory for up to ninety (90) days. After such period, the tourist must leave the country for at least 3 days in order to reenter the country.
There are certain countries whose citizens do require a tourist visa while others do not, due to International Treaties and/or Bilateral Agreements.
Among the countries that require a tourist visa are Albany, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cuba, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Haiti, Peru, Rumania, Russia Surinam, Ukraine, most Asian countries (with the exception of Israel, Japan, Singapore, South Korea, Taiwan and Thailand) as well as most countries from Africa and Oceania.
Nevertheless, the Executive Decree No. 248 issued on July 21st, 2009, indicates that any person, regardless of its nationality or country of origin and with a visa issued by the United States of America, Australia, Canada, United Kingdom or any of the Estates that integrate the European Union and utilized at least once to enter the issuing country, will be allowed to enter Panama without having to request a tourist visa.
For more information, visit our website: http://www.aroslaw.com or E-Mail me at
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Tel: (507) 263- 0345
Editor’s Note: The exit fee for airport departures has just been doubled – it is now $40 US$ per person including children to leave Panama, and must be paid in cash. To avoid delays, remember to keep enough US cash aside to cover your exit fee. There is an ATM at Tocumen Airport.
