Can Indian citizens enter Panama with a Schengen visa?

Yes. Indian passport holders with a valid Schengen multiple-entry visa (used at least once, valid for 6+ more months) can enter Panama as tourists without needing a Panama Visa Autorizada, under Executive Decree No. 196 of 2024.

How long does the Panama Authorized Visa process take?

The Visa Autorizada process can take up to 60 business days (approximately 3 months). Apply well in advance or check if you qualify for the Decree 196 exemption through a visa from the USA, Canada, UK, Australia, EU, Japan, South Korea or Singapore.

Do Dominicans need a visa to enter Panama?

No — not since July 1, 2026. Panama eliminated the stamped visa requirement for Dominican Republic citizens as of that date. Dominicans can now enter Panama as tourists freely with just a valid passport.

Countries That Need a Visa to Enter Panama as Tourists (2026 Full List)

Q: Which countries need a visa to enter Panama?

Around 110 nationalities require a prior Authorized Visa (Visa Autorizada) issued by Panama's National Migration Service (SNM) to enter as tourists. These include most sub-Saharan African countries, several Asian and Middle Eastern nations, Cuba, Haiti, Venezuela, Russia, Ukraine, Belarus, and most small Pacific Island states.

Q: Can I enter Panama with a US visa if my nationality requires a Panama visa?

Yes. Executive Decree No. 196 (October 28, 2024) allows nationals of restricted countries to enter Panama as tourists without a prior Visa Autorizada if they hold a valid multiple-entry visa from the USA, Canada, UK, Australia, Japan, South Korea, Singapore, or any EU member state — provided the visa has been used at least once and has at least 6 months of remaining validity.

Q: Can Russians or Ukrainians live and invest in Panama?

Yes. While Russia and Ukraine are not on Panama's Friendly Nations list (for tourist visa-free access), their citizens can apply for the Qualified Investor Visa (minimum $300,000 investment) or the Pensionado Visa (minimum $1,000/month pension), both open to all nationalities. Panama Relocation Firm has successfully assisted clients from both countries.

✅ KEY FACT: Hold a US, Canadian, UK, Australian or EU visa? You likely don't need a Panama Visa Autorizada.

Executive Decree No. 196 (2024) allows nationals of restricted countries to enter Panama as tourists if they hold a valid multiple-entry visa from certain developed nations. Full details below.

Panama is one of Latin America's most visited countries — thanks to its dollarized economy, strategic position as a business hub, and popular residency programs for retirees and investors. However, not every passport grants visa-free access.

Panama's National Migration Service (SNM) maintains a list of nationalities that must obtain a prior Authorized Visa (Visa Autorizada) — a formal authorization issued through a Panamanian embassy or consulate — before entering the country as tourists. Below is the complete, updated list for 2026.

What Is Panama's Authorized Visa (Visa Autorizada)?

The Visa Autorizada is an administrative authorization issued by Panama's National Migration Service (SNM) through the corresponding Panamanian embassy or consulate. Unlike a standard visa stamp in the passport, the Authorized Visa is a written resolution the traveler must present upon arrival.

It is important to distinguish it from other Panamanian consular visas:

Authorized Visa (Visa Autorizada): Requested via the Panamanian embassy or consulate. Processing time: up to 60 business days. Required for most countries on this list.
Stamped Consular Visa (Visa Estampada): Stamped directly in the passport at the consulate. Certain specific countries require this type. Processing: approximately 30 business days.
Transit Visa: Required by certain nationalities for layovers at Tocumen International Airport without entering the country.

⏱️ Processing time

The Visa Autorizada can take up to 60 business days (~3 months). Plan well ahead — or check if you qualify for the Decree 196 exemption below.

🟢 Executive Decree No. 196 — The Exemption You Need to Know

Executive Decree No. 196 (October 28, 2024) — which updated and replaced Decree 521 from August 2018 — establishes that citizens of restricted-nationality countries may enter Panama as tourists without a prior Visa Autorizada, provided they hold a valid visa from one of the following countries:

🇺🇸 United States of America

🇨🇦 Canada

🇬🇧 United Kingdom

🇦🇺 Australia

🇯🇵 Japan

🇰🇷 Republic of Korea (South Korea)

🇸🇬 Singapore

🇪🇺 Any EU Member State

The qualifying visa must meet all three conditions:

Be a multiple-entry visa (single-entry visas do not qualify)
Have been used at least once to actually enter the issuing country
Have at least 6 months of remaining validity at the time of travel to Panama

Note: This exemption applies for tourism only. It does not replace the requirements for residency, work, or investment visas in Panama. Cuba and Haiti may have additional restrictions that apply even with third-country visas.

Full List: Countries Requiring Panama's Authorized Visa

The countries below are organized by continent. This list is based on information published by the Embassy of Panama and the SNM, updated for 2026. For official confirmation, consult your nearest Panamanian consulate or contact our attorneys.

🌍

Africa

~50 countries

Algeria Angola Benin Burkina Faso Burundi Cabo Verde Cameroon Chad Comoros Ivory Coast Djibouti Egypt Eritrea Ethiopia Gabon Gambia Ghana Guinea Guinea-Bissau Equatorial Guinea Kenya Lesotho Liberia Libya Madagascar Malawi Mali Morocco Mauritania Mauritius Mozambique Namibia Nigeria Niger Central African Rep. Republic of Congo Dem. Rep. of Congo Rwanda São Tomé & Príncipe Senegal Sierra Leone Somalia Sudan South Sudan Eswatini (Swaziland) Tanzania Togo Tunisia Uganda Zambia Zimbabwe

🌏

Asia & Middle East

~34 countries

Afghanistan Saudi Arabia Bangladesh Bahrain Brunei Bhutan Cambodia North Korea Philippines India Indonesia Iraq Iran Jordan Kazakhstan Kyrgyzstan Kuwait Laos Lebanon Maldives Mongolia Myanmar (Burma) Nepal Oman Pakistan Palestine Qatar Sri Lanka Syria Thailand Tajikistan Turkmenistan Uzbekistan Yemen

🌎

Americas & Caribbean

3 countries

Cuba * Haiti * Venezuela

✅ Update July 2026: Dominican Republic no longer needs a visa for Panama

As of July 1, 2026, Panama eliminated the stamped visa requirement for Dominican Republic citizens. Dominicans may now enter Panama freely as tourists with just a valid passport.

* Cuba and Haiti require a visa even for transit at Tocumen Airport. Their citizens should also verify whether the Decree 196 exemption applies to their specific situation.

🌍

Europe (Non-EU / Eastern Europe)

7 countries

Albania Azerbaijan Belarus Georgia Moldova Russia Ukraine

Note: Citizens of Ukraine and other Eastern European countries holding a valid Schengen visa may qualify for the Decree 196 exemption.

🌊

Oceania

12 countries

Fiji Marshall Islands Solomon Islands Kiribati Micronesia Nauru Palau Papua New Guinea Samoa Tonga Tuvalu Vanuatu

How to Apply for Panama's Authorized Visa

The Visa Autorizada is processed through the Panamanian embassy or consulate in your country of residence. If there is no Panamanian representation in your country, it can be handled through the nearest embassy or through a licensed immigration attorney in Panama.

Check whether you actually need the Visa Autorizada

Confirm your nationality requires one, and verify if you qualify for the Decree 196 exemption. Our attorneys can do this assessment free of charge.

Locate the nearest Panamanian consulate

Visit Panama's Ministry of Foreign Affairs (mire.gob.pa) to find the consulate nearest to you.

Prepare your documentation

Typical requirements include: valid passport, application form, passport photos, travel itinerary, hotel reservation, invitation letter or sponsor letter, bank statements, and consular fee payment.

Submit and wait for resolution

The SNM has up to 60 business days to issue its resolution. The consulate will notify you of the result. Approval typically allows a stay of 30 or 90 days.

Enter Panama with your authorization

Upon arrival, present your passport and Visa Autorizada (printed or digital) to the Migration officer, who will determine your permitted length of stay.

Want to Live, Invest, or Retire in Panama?

The Visa Autorizada is for tourists only. If your goal is to live permanently in Panama — as a retiree, investor, entrepreneur, or remote worker — there are specific residency programs that allow citizens of virtually any nationality to obtain Panamanian legal residency.

The most popular residency programs include:

Friendly Nations Visa: For citizens of 50 "friendly nations." Permanent residency through real estate investment or bank deposit.
Pensionado Visa: For retirees with a minimum pension of $1,000/month. Includes exclusive discounts on healthcare, flights, entertainment, and more.
Qualified Investor Visa: Minimum $300,000 investment in real estate, a business, or approved projects. Permanent residency in as little as 3 months. Open to all nationalities.
Digital Nomad Visa: For remote workers earning income from outside Panama. Temporary stay of up to 9 months.

⚠️ Your country is NOT on the Friendly Nations list?

If you hold a passport from a restricted-nationality country (India, Nigeria, Russia, Ukraine, Venezuela, etc.), you can still qualify for the Qualified Investor Visa or the Pensionado Visa — both are open to all nationalities. Our attorneys can guide you through the best pathway.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which countries need a visa to enter Panama as tourists? +

Around 110 nationalities require a prior Visa Autorizada. The main ones: India, Nigeria, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Philippines, Indonesia, most African countries, Cuba, Haiti, Venezuela, Russia, Ukraine, Belarus, Georgia, and most small Pacific Island states. (Note: as of July 2026, Dominican Republic no longer requires a visa.) See the full list above.

Do Dominican Republic citizens need a visa to enter Panama? +

No — not since July 1, 2026. Panama eliminated the stamped visa requirement for Dominican Republic citizens. Dominicans can now enter Panama as tourists freely with just a valid passport, for stays of up to 30 days (extendable).

Can I enter Panama with a US visa if my country requires a Panama visa? +

Yes. Under Executive Decree No. 196 (October 2024), restricted-nationality travelers can enter Panama without a Visa Autorizada if they hold a valid multiple-entry visa from the USA, Canada, UK, Australia, Japan, South Korea, Singapore, or any EU country — as long as it has been used at least once and has 6+ months of remaining validity.

Can Indian passport holders enter Panama with a Schengen visa? +

Yes. Indian citizens with a valid Schengen multiple-entry visa (used at least once to enter the Schengen Area, with 6+ months remaining) can enter Panama as tourists without needing a Visa Autorizada. This is a very practical option for Indian travelers who already have an active European visa.

How long does the Panama Visa Autorizada take? +

Up to 60 business days (approximately 3 months), depending on the consulate and the SNM's workload. We recommend applying at least 4 months in advance. If time is short, check whether you qualify for the Decree 196 exemption.

Can Russians or Ukrainians get residency or invest in Panama? +

Yes. Russia and Ukraine are not on Panama's Friendly Nations list, so their citizens cannot apply for that specific visa. However, they can apply for the Qualified Investor Visa (minimum $300,000 investment) or the Pensionado Visa (minimum $1,000/month pension) — both are open to all nationalities. Panama Relocation Firm has successfully assisted clients from both countries.

What is the difference between Visa Autorizada and Visa Estampada? +

The Visa Autorizada is an administrative resolution from the SNM, issued in advance of travel. The Visa Estampada (Stamped Consular Visa) is physically stamped in the passport at the Panamanian consulate. Some countries (such as Cuba) require the stamped version. Both serve as prior authorization; the difference lies in the process and the type of document issued. The stamped visa typically processes in around 30 business days.

Does Panama require a transit visa? +

Yes, for certain nationalities. Some countries require a Transit Visa to connect through Tocumen International Airport without entering Panama. Cuba and Haiti are the most commonly affected nationalities for this requirement. If your flight connects in Panama and you hold one of the restricted passports, verify in advance whether you need a transit visa.

Need to Enter or Relocate to Panama?

Our licensed immigration attorneys can advise you on the Visa Autorizada, the Decree 196 exemption, and the residency programs available for your nationality. Free consultation, no commitment.

Get a Free Consultation

+507-6200-0299 · help@panamarelocationfirm.com