Frequently asked questions
What currency is used in Panama?
($) US Dollars
Do I need a visa to go to Panama?
Visa Exemption: There is a Law in effect regarding tourist visas for entering the Republic of Panama; EXECUTIVE DECREE # 521 states that:
Article 1: "Any person of 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 2: The visa granted by the countries mentioned in the previous article 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. . If you meet the following requirements, you will qualify for the aforementioned decree:
• Has a valid passport with a minimum of three months validity.
• Has a multiple entry visa with six (6) months of remaining validity from ONE of the following countries: Canada, United States of America, Commonwealth of Australia, Republic of Korea, State of Japan, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland North, Republic of Singapore and any of the States that make up the European Union
• You must have used this visa to enter the country. For example, if you have a visa from the United States, you must have entered the United States with that visa in order to qualify for the exemption.
• Migration Officers are accepting the visa exemption of Executive Decree # 521, if the holder has a valid permanent residence card of the United States.
• You must also show proof of economic solvency for a minimum of US $ 500.00 upon entering. NOTE: Make sure you have a minimum of three months of validity in your passport and a round trip ticket.
• The maximum amount of time that you can stay in Panama is 30 days.
For further information please access the following link which contains a copy of the law decree :
https://www.gacetaoficial.gob.pa/pdfTemp/28586_A/68706.pdf
Can I travel with an expired passport to Panama?
No one, regardless of their nationality, can travel to Panama with an expired passport.
How can I get from Tocumen airport to Panama City?
There is a taxi rank in the departure area at the airport; it is found after passing through customs. The 30-minute taxi ride from Tocumen airport to Panama City can cost around $ 20 dollars. The official fare is $ 10.00 per person if you share the taxi with four (4) other passengers, $ 14.00 per person if you share with two (2) other passengers. You can also buy a private taxi for $ 25.00 dollars. The buses are not near the terminal and the nearest bus stop is at a considerable distance from the airport. The Tourism Authority of Panama advises not to take a bus. (UBER?)
Is there a direct telephone line I can use in case of an emergency during my trip to Panama?
In case you have an emergency during your trip, you can dial 311 for the Citizen Service Center. Operators can help you in English.
I would like to travel to South America from Panama. Can I do it through roads, boats or ferry?
The only way to travel from Panama to any other country in South America; including Colombia, it is with an airplane. There are no official boats or ferry services. With respect to road services, the Pan-American Highway has a long rest in the dense jungle of Darién, Panama.
Do I need a yellow fever vaccine?
You do not need a yellow fever vaccine to travel to Panama.
Where is the Embassy located?
Our Embassy is located at 2862 McGill Terrace, NW Washington, DC 20008.
What are the regular work schedules for the Embassy of Panama?
The usual work schedule of the Embassy of Panama is from Monday to Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
I am a student who is investigating in Panama, with whom can I contact to receive information about Panama?
You can contact the Cultural Attaché within our Embassy to provide brochures, maps, information or any other material available for these purposes.
Where is the Consulate of Panama in Washington, D.C.?
The Consulate of Panama in Washington, DC is located inside the Embassy of Panama at 2862 McGill Terrace NW Washington, DC 20008.
What are the regular hours for the Consulate of Panama in Washington, D.C.?
The regular work schedule is from 9:00 a.m. at 2:00 p.m., Monday through Friday.
I am a Panamanian citizen and I would like to obtain my cedula. Can I process my ID through the Consulate or the Embassy?
Please visit the cedulas section.
I would like to process my documents through the Consulate, but I do not understand exactly what a prepaid envelope is and where I can buy it. Could you explain this?
A prepaid envelope is an envelope purchased through the post office (USPS, preferably Priority Mail or Express Mail) or a courier service (eg, FedEx or UPS,) with a stamp or label that includes an address appropriate return for the documents that will be attached
It's been over a week and I have not received my documents yet. How do I know my documents arrived?
Some documents may take more time than others. Check within the Consular Services Section or the Visa Section, how long your documentation will take. If your documentation takes longer than the amount of time it is processed, contact the Panamanian Consulate by phone or email.
I want to travel with a pet. How I do this?
Please see the section on how to travel with pets.
What are the requirements to renew my passport?
Please see the passport section.
How can I pay the consulate?
Money Order
How can I make an appointment at the consulate?
To schedule an appointment, call: 202-483-1407 or send an email to info@embassyofpananma.org or consular@embassyofpanama.org
Can the consulate help me get a job?
The Embassy of Panama and its consulates cannot help people find a job in Panama. To work in Panama, you must have a valid work permit, and legal status as a resident. To obtain a work permit, you must submit a request for a change of status through a lawyer.