Panama Soften Visa Regime For Indians Citizens

Since June 1, 2018, Executive Decree 113 of 2018 comes into effect, the Government of Panama included the Republic of India within the countries that require Stamped Visa by the Consul to enter Panama.

Nationals of India who wish to enter the Republic of Panama must go to the Consulates of Panama in New Delhi or Mumbai to apply for the stamped visa. The consular officials will grant the multiple entry visa according to their verification criteria. The multiple entrances and exits visa could be granted up to 3 years, and the cost shall not be more than USD50.00.

Also, Bear in mind that Executive Decree No. 521 of August 6, 2018 States that any person regardless of their nationality who requires a visa to enter the Republic of Panama, who has a valid Visa or Residence, duly issued by Canada, the United States of America, the Commonwealth of Australia, the Republic of Korea, the State of Japan, the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, Republic of Singapore and any of the States that make up the European Union, may enter the national territory (Article 1).

The visa granted by the countries mentioned above must be a multiple entry visa, has been used previously in the territory of the granting State and its validity shall not be less than six (6) months at the time of entering Panamanian territory (Article 2). In other words, it will not be necessary to request a visa if the applicant meets the following requirements:

  • The applicant has a valid passport with a minimum of three months of validity.
  • The applicant has a multiple entry visa with six months of remaining validity from ONE of the following countries: Canada, The United States of America, Commonwealth of Australia, Republic of Korea, State of Japan, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland North, Republic of Singapore, Any of the States that make up the European Union
  • Applicant must have used this visa to enter the country. For instance, if the applicant has a multiple entry visa from the United States, the applicant must have entered into the United States with that visa to qualify for the exemption.
  • Immigration officers are accepting the visa exemption of Executive Decree 521 if the holder has a valid permanent residence card of the United States.
  • The applicant must prove economic solvency for a minimum of USD 500.00 upon entering.
  • Have a round trip ticket.

For further information, please access the following link which contains a copy of the Executive Decree 521:

https://www.gacetaoficial.gob.pa/pdfTemp/28586_A/68706.pdf