Patti B. Says:
We’re interested in residing in Panama for part of the year, hoping to explore different locations each year. What kind of visa is required for perhaps a three- to five-month stay?
IL Panama Editor Jessica Ramesch Says:
Hi Patti,
If you’ve got a U.S. or Canadian passport, at time of writing you don’t need a visa for a tourist stay of up to 180 days. (The law actually says 90 days, but for many years now immigration has been granting automatic extensions, thus doubling the amount of time you can spend here.) One tricky caveat to note: you can only drive here on a foreign license during your first 90 days, no exceptions.
On arrival, bear in mind that you may be asked to show proof of solvency (about $500). And you must be able to show proof that you intend to leave the country in 180 days or less—this can be a reservation for onward travel or return ticket.
If your passport will be expiring soon, you may need to renew it prior to travel. Like the U.S., Panama requires that your passport be valid for at least six months beyond your date of entry. Another tip: In Panama, adults are actually required to carry ID at all times. Foreigners can show a passport or copies of the passport photo page and Panama entry stamp.
If you overstay as a tourist, you may risk paying fines or—very rare for North Americans— deportation and a five-year ban on re-entering Panama. Though some fines can be paid at the airport, the best thing to do if you overstay is to visit immigration before you try to fly out (or drive out, if that’s the case).
Keep handy any and all paperwork or receipts showing that you paid the fines, as immigration officials will ask to see them when you exit the country. Of course the best way to avoid fines is to plan ahead…
For example, you can extend your stay beyond 180 days if you have submitted an application to become a legal resident. But you’ll need to contact a Panama attorney at least six months before your trip—the attorney will guide you as you collect the documents you’ll need to bring down when you travel to Panama.
With paperwork and passports out of the way, the only thing left to do is… enjoy Panama! For some fun recommendations, check out my recent article titled The Best Places to Vacation in Panama.
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