Immigration Law · EN
Non-Resident Visas in Panama: Tourism, Business, and Short Stays.
A guide to the visa categories available to those entering Panama for a temporary period without seeking residency: tourism, family visits, business, the banking sector, seafarers, temporary workers, and entertainers.
For those seeking to enter Panama for a temporary period — whether for tourism, business, family visits, or other specific purposes — it is essential to understand the different categories of short-stay visas available. Below is an organized guide to non-resident visas.
Tourism and personal visits
Tourist Visa: allows entry into the country for recreational and cultural purposes. The authorized stay is generally up to 90 days.
Tourist Visa Extension: in justified cases, an extension of the tourist visa may be requested before its expiration.
Short-Stay Visa to Visit Family Members: intended for those who wish to visit spouses, children, parents, or siblings who are Panamanian citizens or residents of the country.
Professional and business activities
Short-Stay Business Visa: for foreigners entering the country in order to carry out commercial transactions, establish subsidiaries of foreign companies, or take part in business meetings.
Short-Stay Visa for the Banking Sector: aimed at personnel working in the banking sector who need to enter Panama for reasons related to their professional activity.
Short-Stay Visa as Merchants and Investors under Special Laws: for those seeking to explore investment opportunities or carry out transactions in special economic zones, such as Export Processing Zones or call centers.
Seafarer Visa: for ship crew members who need to disembark at Panamanian ports.
Transient or Temporary Workers Visa: for persons hired for a fixed period to perform specific work.
Entertainment Workers Visa: for artists and technical personnel who are part of public events and shows.
What if I want to stay longer?
None of these visas grants residency: they are short-stay permits with a specific purpose and an expiration date. If, on the other hand, you are looking to settle in Panama permanently, review our catalog of immigration permits or the guide What is an immigration status and how to obtain it?.
Before traveling, always verify the current requirements on the Servicio Nacional de Migración (National Immigration Service) portal, since the categories and their conditions may be updated.