Skip to main content

Panama Visa for Kenya Citizens 2026

Visa Required

Kenyan citizens need a Panamanian consular visa before travel — apply through Panama's Servicio Nacional de Migración process at the nearest consulate; fee around USD 50, processing about 10-15 working days.

Guide last updated September 25, 2026. Always verify with official sources before travel.

What you need

  • Passport valid for at least 6 months beyond the intended stay, with at least 2 blank pages
  • Completed Panama visa application form (available from the consulate or honorary consul handling Kenyan applications)
  • Two recent passport-size photos (2x2 inches, white background)
  • Bank statements from the last 3 months showing sufficient funds (typically USD 500+ equivalent)
  • Hotel reservation or invitation letter from a host in Panama
  • Round-trip flight itinerary
  • Valid international Yellow Fever vaccination certificate — required for travelers arriving from Kenya
  • Travel health insurance covering the stay is recommended

Visa types

  • Tourist visa (Visa de Turista): single or multiple entry, valid up to 90 days per visit, fee approx. USD 50
  • Business visa: for short commercial trips, requires an invitation letter from the Panamanian host company, similar validity to tourist visa
  • Transit visa: for layovers exceeding the visa-free transit window, shorter validity and lower fee
  • Long-stay/residency categories exist separately but require a different application process through Panamanian immigration, not the tourist consular route

How to apply

  • Panama has no embassy in Nairobi; applications are typically routed through the nearest Panamanian consulate (commonly in South Africa or via an honorary consul) or by courier
  • Submit the completed form with all supporting documents; some consulates require an in-person or video interview
  • Pay the visa fee by the method the consulate specifies (bank transfer or card, since cash is rarely accepted for foreign applications)
  • Original documents plus one photocopy set are usually required
  • Processing normally takes 10-15 working days once the file is complete
  • Some applicants can instead apply for Panama's "Authorized Visa" (Estampada) which is pre-approved via a partner country visa (e.g. a valid US, UK, or Schengen visa) — this can speed up approval

Fees & processing time

  • Standard tourist visa fee: approximately USD 50
  • Courier/consular handling fee if routed through a third country: USD 20-40 additional
  • Total estimated cost: USD 70-100 including courier and photos
  • Standard processing time: 10-15 working days after document submission
  • No official express service; build in extra buffer time given the lack of a local consulate

Tips for Kenya travelers

  • Apply at least 4-6 weeks before travel to account for courier delays to and from the nearest consulate
  • Check first whether you hold a valid US, UK, Schengen, or Canadian visa — this can qualify you for Panama's faster "Authorized Visa" stamp-on-arrival route
  • Carry your Yellow Fever certificate at all times; Panamanian immigration checks this specifically for travelers departing from Kenya
  • Common rejection reasons: insufficient bank balance, no clear return itinerary, unclear purpose of travel
  • Keep digital and printed copies of every submitted document in your hand luggage for arrival checks
  • Extensions of stay (up to 90 additional days) can be requested at Panama's Migración office in-country before the initial visa expires

Official links & resources

Always confirm requirements with government or embassy sources before applying.

This guide is for information only. Visa policies change without notice. Travel Visa Stack is not an immigration authority. Always verify with official government or embassy sources before making travel plans.