AUTHORIZED VISA AND EXEMPTION

Panama has visitor restrictions for citizens of certain countries, primarily in Africa and the Middle East, based on health or security concerns. These citizens require an authorized tourist visa before entering the country. The application can be made through the nearest Panamanian Consulate or Embassy at their home countries or in the neighboring country's Panamanian consulate.There are two type of authorized visa.

1. The tourist authorized visa;
2. The authorized visa to process residency.

Some foreigners apply for a tourist authorized visa. Once in Panama, they apply for the authorized visa to process residence because to request this visa, you need to present all the paperwork as if you are applying for the residency in Panama.

The applicant must submit a request 60 days in advance because it is the Panama National Council of Public Safety and National Defense, who verifies the application and provides an answer. This National Council, along with the National Immigration Service, have full discretion to decide whether to approve or not the Authorized Tourist Visa.

Requirements to apply for an authorized visa:

1. Application form properly completed

2.Original passport, valid for at least three months.

3. Four photographs (size: 2x2, with white background)

4. Copy of resident card, personal identification document from the country of origin, or a permanent resident card or visa, if applicable.

5.Flight reservation with an itinerary of trip continuation or electronic ticket.

6.Hotel reservation (if applicable)

7. Proof of economic solvency, demonstrating no less than USD 500 per month verify with any of the following:

• certified bank checks with the applicant's name.
• Travelers check with the applicant's name.
• The applicant bank statements from the previous three months.
• The applicant credit card with statements from the previous three months.
• Tax returns from the previous fiscal year.
• Any other reasonable proof of income accepted by the national service for migration.

8.Work requirements:

• if the applicant works for a public or private entity: work letter with receipt of the last paycheck.
• If the applicant is retired or receiving pension, a document that indicates pension along with the receipt.
• If the applicant is a student (at least 18 years old), a certification from academic entity indicating field of study and academic period.
• If the applicant is economically dependent: a declaration or notarized document from a family member in which the person states that he or she is responsible for the applicant's expenses during the trip.

9.Declaration or notarized document from the person that is inviting (if applicable). An Invitation Letter can be issued from the person or company responsible for the applicant's visit to Panama. This is required when there is no Hotel Reservation. Natural persons (whether citizens or residents) or Companies (government or private) may issue this invitation letter.

• If invited by permanent or temporary Panamanian residents, the applicant needs to include a valid copy of id (cédula) of the Panamanian resident.
• If the host is a foreigner, a copy of general information from passport and temporary or permanent resident card or id (cédula)
• if the person responsible is a public or private entity. A letter of responsibility front entity's legal representative (if a university from dean or equivalent)
• if the person responsible is a private entity, it must include: certificate from public registry, copy of operation key from colon free zone (if applicable), certification of the existence of the university, education center, or city of knowledge (if applicable)
• In all the cases mentioned above, a copy of the receipt from the previous utility bill that includes the entity's address.

10. In case of a private company taking responsibility for the guest must prove economic solvency with one of the following documents:

• A bank certificate valid for at least three (3) months.
• A work letter and social security number.
• If covering the applicant's expenses must present a declaration or notarized document in which they assume the responsibility.

11. If the application is for a person under 18 years of age, it must be submitted by one of the parents or whoever has custody, and this person must include the following:

• Birth certificate authenticated by Panamanian consul and by the foreign relations ministry if applied from Panama and for visas approved directly by the national service for migration.
• Authorization by one of the parents for leaving the country if the minor is not traveling with both parents or persons that has custody, detailing the length of stay, the person responsible in Panama and their address, phone number, and source for covering minor's expenses.

12. Certified check or money order for USD 135.00 made out to the consulate of Panama.

13.Self-addressed prepaid envelope for return of documents.

Exemption: Citizens of restricted countries are exempt from the Panamanian Authorized Tourist Visa if they have a valid Visa or Residence duly issued by:

1. The USA,
2. Canada,
3. The United States of the Commonwealth of Australia,
4. The Republic of Korea,
5. The State of Japan,
6. The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland,
7. Republic of Singapore
8. Any of the States that make up the European Union.

The visa granted by the countries mentioned above must be:

1. A multiple entry visa.
2. Has been used previously in the territory of the granting State
3. Its validity shall not be less than six (6) months at the time of entering Panamanian territory.

In other words, it will not be necessary to request an authorized visa if the applicant meets the following criteria:

• The applicant has a valid passport with a minimum of three months of validity. (I recommend six months to avoid any inconvenience at entry points)
• The applicant has a multiple entry visa of the countries mentioned above
• This Residence or Tourist Visa must be valid for at least six months
• This residence or Tourist visa must have been used at least once to visit the granting country

Immigration officers are accepting the visa exemption if the holder has a valid permanent residence card of the United States.

Also, the applicant must prove economic solvency for a minimum of USD 500.00 upon entering and have a round trip ticket.

Authorized Visa Form