🇵🇦 Panama visa requirements for American citizens

Entry rules for United States passport holders

Holders of a valid passport from United States can travel to Panama for tourism or short business trips without applying for a visa, for stays of up to 180 days. You'll typically just need a passport valid for at least six months beyond your arrival date, and you may be asked to show proof of onward travel or sufficient funds at the border.

The 180-day limit applies to the visit itself — if you plan to stay longer, work, or study in Panama, you'll need to apply for the appropriate visa or permit before traveling.

Entry rules can change at short notice. Always confirm current requirements with the official Panama immigration authority or your nearest embassy before booking.

How this compares

The American passport ranks #32 worldwide, opening 159 destinations without a visa arranged in advance (116 visa-free, 36 with a visa on arrival and 7 with an eTA). Panama is one of them.

This is not reciprocal — traveling the other way, Panamanian citizens need to arrange entry to United States in advance (visa required).

Central America is fully open to American travelers — all 7 destinations in the region can be entered without arranging a visa first.

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