Visa Rules

Last updated: 2024-07-26 11:26:26

Tourist Visa 

To apply for a tourist visa for Panama, you can follow one of three methods, depending on your visa status for other countries. Here’s a detailed breakdown:

Option A: On-Arrival Visa

If you hold a valid multiple-entry visa for the USA, UK, Canada, or Australia with at least one year of validity:

• Documents Required:

o Valid passport with at least three months of validity remaining.

o Confirmed travel itinerary showing entry and exit from Panama.

o Proof of economic solvency of at least USD 500.00 upon entry.

Option B: Visa Application Through a Lawyer in Panama

If you do not hold the visas mentioned above:

• Process:

o You can apply through a lawyer in Panama who will assist with the application.

Option C: Visa Application at the Embassy of Panama

If you do not hold the required visas:

• Documents Required:

1. Passport:

 Valid passport and a photocopy.

 Original old passport booklets, if any.

2. Photographs:

 3 recent passport-size photographs.

3. Covering Letter:

Addressed to The Visa Officer, Embassy of Panama, detailing the purpose of travel.

 On plain paper for individuals or on company letterhead for officials/sponsored applicants.

4. Bank Statements:

 Original bank solvency letter with the bank manager’s name and seal, showing a balance equivalent of USD 500 or more.

 Original 3 months personal and company bank statements, with the seal and signature, duly attested, apostilled, and translated into Spanish.

 Bank statements should be recent and from active accounts.

 Letter from the bank certifying the opening date and good handling of the account.

5. IT Returns:

 Income Tax Returns for the last 1 year.

6. Itinerary / Air Tickets:

 Confirmed return air ticket.

 Day-wise itinerary of the tour.

7. Purpose of Travel / Accommodation:

 Letter from the company/applicant detailing the reason for travel, duly attested, apostilled, and translated into Spanish.

 Second ID proof of residence in India (Aadhaar card, voter ID, driving license), also attested, apostilled, and translated.

 Letter of invitation from Panama, notarized in Panama.

 Copy of the passport of the inviting person (if a foreigner), public bill showing residential address, and bank solvency letter of the resident in Panama, all in Spanish.

 Travel itinerary showing entry and exit from Panama.

 Hotel confirmation (where applicable).

8. Supporting Credentials:

 Businessmen:

 Proprietorship certificate, Certificate of Registration, Memorandum of Association, Articles of Association, Partnership Deed.

 NOC from other partners or directors in case of partnership.

 Employees:

 Leave sanction letter, last 3 months salary statements, company ID card (optional), retirement certificate or pension book (for retired employees), pension statements for the last three months.

 Students:

 Leave sanction letter from the educational institution, Bonafide Certificate, school/college ID card (optional).

 Newlyweds/Honeymooners:

 Marriage certificate (original), wedding invitation card/photographs if the certificate is not ready.

 Children Traveling Unaccompanied:

 Notary-attested NOC from both/either parent, passport copies of the parents or birth certificate and ID cards if parents do not have passports.

 Travelers Unaccompanied by Spouses/Partners:

 Notary-attested NOC from the unaccompanied spouse, passport copy of the spouse or any government ID mentioning spouse’s name.

9. Additional Supporting Documents:

 Aadhaar card (photocopy).

 FD receipts, public shares/debentures certificate, asset evaluation report from a CA.

 All documents must be photocopied in A4 size.

Make sure to check with the Panama Embassy or Consulate for any updates or additional requirements before applying.