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Panama Visa for United Kingdom Citizens 2026

Visa Free

UK citizens can enter Panama visa-free for up to 90 days for tourism; no visa is required, just a valid passport and proof of onward travel.

Guide last updated October 6, 2026. Always verify with official sources before travel.

What you need

  • Passport valid for at least 3 months beyond your intended departure from Panama (6 months is recommended to avoid any issues).
  • No visa or tourist card required for UK citizens for stays up to 90 days.
  • Proof of onward or return travel ticket (checked by airlines and immigration).
  • Proof of sufficient funds - a commonly cited guideline is USD 500 or a valid credit card, though not always checked.
  • Proof of accommodation (hotel booking or host address).
  • Travel/medical insurance is recommended but not mandatory for entry.
  • No biometrics required for the standard visa-free tourist stamp.

Visa types

  • UK passport holders do not need to apply for a visa for short tourist or business stays.
  • Visa-free tourist entry: up to 90 days, single or multiple entries, for tourism, family visits, or short business trips (no local employment).
  • Panama's "Friendly Nations" residency visa: a separate long-term residency route for UK citizens wishing to relocate, applied for in-country through a Panamanian immigration lawyer, not relevant for short visits.

Entry conditions

  • Up to 90 days permitted per visit as a visa-free tourist; immigration officers decide the exact stamped date, so confirm it on arrival.
  • No work is permitted on a tourist stamp; a separate work permit is required for employment.
  • You must show your stamped passport (and onward ticket, if asked) on exit.
  • Extensions beyond 90 days are possible at the National Immigration Service (Migracion) in Panama City for an additional fee, but are not automatic.
  • Leaving and re-entering Panama does not guarantee an automatic fresh 90-day period if done to circumvent the limit - officers can refuse re-entry if they suspect this.

Fees & processing time

  • No visa fee for the visa-free entry, since no application is filed.
  • No advance processing time required.
  • An in-country extension costs roughly USD 50-100 at Migracion, with processing taking a few days to a couple of weeks.
  • A tourist card/exit tax is often built into international flight tickets (around USD 40), not a separate visa cost.
  • No express visa-free option exists since there is no pre-travel application.

Tips for United Kingdom travelers

  • Always carry proof of onward travel, as airlines can deny boarding without it even though Panama itself doesn't always check at the border.
  • Make sure your passport is stamped on arrival - some land border crossings (e.g. from Costa Rica) are known to skip this, which can cause problems on departure.
  • If planning to overstay or extend, start the paperwork at Migracion before your 90 days expire to avoid fines.
  • Panama is a hub for onward travel to Colombia and other South American countries - plan connecting visa requirements separately.
  • Petty crime affects some areas of Panama City; standard travel-safety precautions are advisable, per FCDO guidance.

Official links & resources

Always confirm requirements with government or embassy sources before applying.

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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.