Immigration
Information

Panama welcomes hundreds of foreign scientific visitors every year. The country is supportive of STRI science and provides a generous framework to accommodate foreign researchers. Familiarizing yourself with immigration requirements will help get your visit off to the best start possible.

Immigration requirements vary depending on your nationality but most international visitors can stay in Panama for 90-180 days without applying for a visa. Please read the following information for specific entry requirements, how to extend your visit and for some essential tips on how to navigate immigration successfully.

Immigration regulations change without warning, so please review the following information even if you have visited us before. Our Legal and External Affairs Office is available for any questions.

The Republic of Panama is the host country for the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute. The Panamanian government has generously granted certain special considerations to STRI that allow us to facilitate your visit.

Officials from Panama’s National Immigration Service control entry to Panama and enforce immigration laws and regulations. Regulations are modified regularly so, even if you have visited us before, it is important to review immigration requirements. All visitors to STRI must comply with current immigration regulations.

In general, foreigners can visit Panama for 90 or 180 days (depending of nationality) without a visa, depending on country of origin. Please see the country lists below for exceptions and details.

If you are a scientific visitor to STRI and will require more than 90-180 days (depending of nationality) to complete your research, you will need to contact our Office of External Affairs for information on length of stay or to make arrangements. Please see our Visas, Extensions and Driver’s License page for details.

Please note:

On the first business day after your arrival in Panama, visit STRI’s Visitor Services Office at the Tupper Center in Panama City to register your visit or contact de Office of External Affairs for information on immigration procedures. This will greatly facilitate your visit to Panama and any research activities that require immigration services or scientific permits.

Panamanian police officers may request your identification papers, including your passport, when you travel through the country or within Panama City. Please see our Immigration: Essential Information page for more information.

If you plan on staying in Panama for 90-180 days (depending of nationality) AND driving during that time, you will need a license issued in Panama. You can only drive as tourist for 90 days with your country’s driving license. Please see our Visas, Extensions and Driver’s License page for details.

Upon entering Panama, you will need the following documents and information:

• A passport that is valid for at least six (6) months after date of entry or more.
• A round-trip plane ticket as proof that you plan to leave.
• Proof of solvency: between $500.00 USD and $1000 USD in cash, (depends on the immigration officer) and/or credit card with most recent monthly statement.
• A certified police record (original) from your country of permanent residence in case there is a chance you will stay longer than 90- 180 days (depending of nationality) in Panama (apostilled and it must be translated into Spanish in Panama). This document is an essential requirement and is only necessary if you are planning to obtain a short-term scientific visitor visa. See Visas Required Documents for more information.

Additionally, STRI strongly recommends you bring:

• An Invitation letter from STRI issued by the Visitor’s Office (VSO), stating you have been invited here as a scientific appointee or research visitor. Please request it at least 1 week in advance at the following address: stri-vso@si.edu. Ensure you use only the letter intended for your visit by VSO, not Academic Programs.
• The address of where you will be staying while in Panama
• Proof of yellow fever vaccinations depending on country of origin, please see our Health and Vaccinations

The citizens of the following countries do not require a visa to enter Panama and can stay for 180 days or less (Resolution No. 22,706, Sept. 10/2021):

The citizens of the following countries do not require a visa to enter Panama and can stay for 90 days or less:

The citizens of the following countries need to obtain a stamped tourist visa (visa estampada) before visiting Panama. Term of stay 30 days.

The citizens of the following countries require an pre-authorized visa to enter Panama:

If you need a special Panamanian visa in order to enter the country, the application should be made at your nearest Panamanian Embassy.

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.

MODIFICATION OF EXECUTIVE DECREE #521:
Executive Decree No. 196 of October 28, 2024

Article 1: Article 2 of Executive Decree No. 521 of August 6, 2018, is modified as follows: Article 2: Upon entering Panamanian territory, foreign nationals must hold a valid visa issued by one of the countries mentioned in Article 1 of Executive Decree No. 521 of August 6, 2018.

Article 2: This Executive Decree shall take effect upon its promulgation.

If you meet the following requirements, you will qualify for the decree mentioned above:

• Has a valid passport with a minimum of three months validity.
• Upon entering Panamanian territory, foreign nationals must hold a valid visa issued by one of the countries mentioned: Canada, United States of America, Commonwealth of Australia, Republic of South Korea, State of Japan, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland North, Germany, Republic of Singapore and any of the States that make up the European Union.
• 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

Please register at the Visitor Services Office at STRI on the first business day after your arrival in Panama.

Immigration information is subject to change without warning. We recommend that you consult your nearest Panamanian Consulate, travel agent, airline or call Panama’s National Immigration Service at +507 507-1800 for updated information.