Visa Requirements for Couples: US Citizens with International Spouses Visiting Panama

US citizens do not need a visa to visit Panama for stays up to 180 days, you only need a valid passport with 3+ months validity, completed electronic Customs Traveler Declaration Form, return ticket, and proof of funds ($500 minimum or credit card statement). If your spouse holds a different passport, visa requirements depend entirely on their nationality: most developed nations (EU, Canada, Australia, Japan, South Korea, UK) are also visa-free for 180 days, while citizens of countries like China, India, Russia, and most African/Asian nations must apply for a Stamped Visa at a Panamanian embassy 5-15 business days before travel.

US Citizen Requirements for Panama (Visa-Free)

US passport holders enjoy some of the simplest entry requirements for Panama:

• Valid passport: Must have at least 3 months validity remaining from entry date (6 months recommended)
• Return/onward ticket: Immigration requires proof you'll leave Panama within 180 days (airline ticket, bus reservation)
• Proof of funds: Officially $500 cash or credit card statement showing available funds (rarely checked but legally required)
• Electronic Customs Declaration: Complete the online form at esta.migracion.gob.pa within 72 hours before arrival
• No visa required: Automatic 180-day tourist stamp on arrival at Tocumen International Airport

International Spouse Requirements: Depends on Passport

Your spouse's entry requirements are based solely on their passport nationality, not their marriage to a US citizen. Panama divides foreign nationals into several categories:

Visa-Free Countries (180 Days)

Citizens of these countries can enter Panama without a visa for up to 180 days, just like US citizens:

• European Union: All 27 EU member states (Germany, France, Spain, Italy, Poland, etc.)
• Americas: Canada, Mexico, Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Costa Rica, Uruguay
• Asia-Pacific: Australia, New Zealand, Japan, South Korea, Singapore, Taiwan
• Other: United Kingdom, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland, Israel, UAE

Visa-Required Countries (Stamped Visa)

Citizens of most African, Asian, and some Latin American countries must obtain a Stamped Visa ($50-100 fee) from a Panamanian embassy before travel. Processing takes 5-15 business days. Required countries include:

• Asia: China, India, Philippines, Indonesia, Vietnam, Thailand, Pakistan, Bangladesh
• Africa: Nigeria, Kenya, South Africa, Ghana, Egypt (most African nations)
• Latin America: Cuba, Venezuela, Nicaragua, Honduras, Haiti
• Middle East: Iran, Iraq, Syria (most Middle Eastern nations)
• Former Soviet: Russia, Ukraine, Belarus, Kazakhstan

Special Categories

Authorized Visa holders: Citizens of visa-required countries who hold valid visas from USA, Canada, UK, EU, Australia, Japan, or South Korea can enter Panama visa-free for 30-90 days (depending on visa type). The foreign visa must have been used at least once and still be valid.

Permanent residents: Green card holders from visa-required countries can enter Panama visa-free for 30 days by showing their US permanent resident card.

Applying for Panama Visa (If Required)

If your spouse needs a visa, they must apply at the nearest Panamanian embassy or consulate in their home country or country of residence. The process typically involves:

1. Online application: Complete the electronic visa form on the embassy website
2. Required documents: Valid passport (6+ months validity), recent passport photo, return ticket, hotel reservation or invitation letter, bank statement showing $500+ balance, copy of US spouse's passport
3. Processing time: 5-15 business days (varies by embassy and nationality)
4. Visa fee: $50-100 depending on nationality and visa type
5. Validity: Single-entry tourist visas typically valid for 30-90 days

Some embassies allow expedited processing for an additional fee. Apply at least 3-4 weeks before travel to allow for processing delays.

At Panama Immigration

When you arrive at Tocumen International Airport:

• Separate lines: You and your spouse will go through separate immigration lines if one is visa-free and one has a visa (US passport holders use automated kiosks or regular lines)
• Documents ready: Have passports, return tickets, accommodation details, and proof of funds ready for inspection
• Tourist card: Immigration will stamp your passports with a 30-180 day tourist permit depending on nationality
• Questions: Officers may ask about travel plans, length of stay, and accommodation (brief answers are fine)

Extending Your Stay

If you want to stay longer than your initial tourist permit:

• Extension available: Visit the National Immigration Service (Servicio Nacional de Migración) office in Panama City to request an extension
• Requirements: Valid passport, original tourist stamp, proof of financial means, reason for extension
• Fee: $50-100 depending on extension length
• Processing: Usually same-day or next-day approval
• Maximum stay: Generally can't exceed 180 days total per year on tourist status

Considering Permanent Residency?

If you and your spouse plan to spend significant time in Panama, consider applying for permanent residency through programs like:

• Friendly Nations Visa: Available to citizens of 50+ countries with economic/professional ties to Panama
• Pensionado Visa: For retirees with $1,000+ monthly pension income
• Marriage to Panamanian: If one spouse obtains Panamanian citizenship, family reunification residency becomes available

Permanent residency allows unlimited stay and eventually leads to citizenship eligibility after 5 years.

Related Panama Resources

• Panama City Complete Guide
• Legal and Immigration Services in Panama City
• Boquete Guide for Expats
• Add Your Business