PANAMA: Changes are introduced for non-visa waiver nationals

November 13, 2024


By: Jonathan Fetting

Until October 28, 2024, non-visa wavier nationals could seek admission to Panama without a consular visa, provided they met the following requirements:

  1. They had a visa issued by the United States of America, Australia, Canada, Japan, South Korea, Singapore, the United Kingdom, or a member state of the European Union (known as high-standard immigration control countries);
  2. The visa had at least six months of validity as of the date of entry into Panama; and
  3. The visa had been used at least once before entry into Panama.

Effective October 28, 2024, by Executive Decree 196, non-visa wavier nationals now only need to meet the requirement in point 1 (have a valid visa issued by a high-standard immigration control country). Requirements 2 and 3 no longer apply.

This is a positive development which will make entry into Panama easier for non-visa waiver business travellers.  

This immigration update is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for legal or scenario-specific advice. Furthermore, it is important to note that immigration announcements are subject to sudden and unexpected changes. Readers are encouraged to reach out to Newland Case for any case- or company-specific assessments.