Do Panamanian passport holders need a visa for the United States?

Yes, Panamanian citizens require a visa to enter the United States. Despite Panama's strategic relationship with the US, it is not part of the Visa Waiver Program. Panamanians must apply for a B1/B2 tourist visa or appropriate visa category at a US Embassy or Consulate before travel. The application involves an interview, DS-160 form, fee payment, and supporting documentation. Processing times vary, so apply well in advance.

Which countries can Panamanian passport holders visit without a visa?

Panamanian passport holders enjoy visa-free access to 118 countries including all Schengen Area nations (Germany, France, Spain, Italy), UK, Ireland, Singapore, Japan, South Korea, Malaysia, Philippines, Thailand, Hong Kong, Turkey, and all Central and South American countries except Venezuela and Suriname (visa-free but may have entry requirements). Additionally, 31 countries offer visa-on-arrival (Egypt, Jordan, Maldives, Cambodia, Nepal, Qatar, Saudi Arabia) and 31 offer e-visas (UAE, India, Australia, Kenya, Sri Lanka).

Can Panamanian citizens work in Europe without a visa?

No. While Panamanians can visit the Schengen Area visa-free for up to 90 days within 180 days for tourism or business, they cannot work without authorization. To work in European countries, Panamanians must obtain a work permit or employment visa sponsored by an employer, which involves separate application processes through the respective country's immigration authorities. Each EU country has its own work visa requirements and labor market regulations.

Is military service mandatory for Panamanian passport holders?

No. Panama abolished its military in 1990 following the US invasion and has no armed forces, making it one of the few countries worldwide without a standing army. There is no mandatory military service requirement for Panamanian citizens. Panama maintains public security forces (National Police, Border Service, and other security agencies) that are civilian in nature, and service is voluntary, not compulsory.

Do I need a visa to visit Canada or Australia with a Panamanian passport?

Yes, both countries require visas. For Canada, Panamanians need a Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) applied through the Canadian visa application centre, though some may be eligible for an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) if they held a Canadian visa in the past 10 years or hold a valid US visa. For Australia, Panamanians must apply for an eVisitor (subclass 651) or Electronic Travel Authority online before travel. Both processes require documentation and fees.

What documents do I need to renew my Panamanian passport in 2025?

To renew a Panamanian passport, you need: valid national ID card (cédula), previous passport (if applicable), completed application form from the Tribunal Electoral, passport-sized photos meeting current specifications, and payment of renewal fees (approximately $60-120 depending on processing speed). Renewals can be done at Tribunal Electoral offices in Panama or Panamanian consulates abroad. Processing typically takes 3-10 business days domestically. Appointments may be required; check with your local office.

Can Panamanian passport holders transit through the UK without a visa?

Panamanian passport holders can visit the UK visa-free for up to 6 months for tourism or business, so transit is permitted without a separate visa. However, as of 2025, Panama is on the list requiring an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) for UK entry, including transit. Travelers must apply online for a UK ETA before travel (costs approximately £10, valid for 2 years). Without an ETA, boarding may be denied even for transit.

Which countries are visa-required or restricted for Panamanian travelers?

Panamanian passport holders require advance visas for 46 countries including: United States, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, China, Russia (requires ETA), Venezuela, North Korea, Afghanistan, Iraq, Libya, Syria, Turkmenistan, and several African nations (Ghana, Mali, Niger, Senegal, Tunisia). Some countries like Serbia, Brunei, and Haiti also require visas. Always verify current requirements with the destination's embassy, as visa policies change frequently.

How long can Panamanians stay visa-free in Schengen countries?

Panamanian passport holders can stay visa-free in the Schengen Area for up to 90 days within any 180-day period for tourism, business, or family visits. This applies to all 27 Schengen countries. The 180-day period is a rolling window, not a calendar period. Overstaying can result in fines, deportation, and future entry bans. For stays exceeding 90 days or for work/study purposes, a national visa or residence permit from the specific Schengen country is required.

Panama Passport Ranking – Visa Free Access to 148 Countries

🏠 RBI Available

The Panama passport ranks 29th globally in 2025, offering visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to 148 destinations worldwide. This Central American travel document has shown consistent improvement in global mobility, rising from 30th place in 2006 to its current position. Panamanian passport holders enjoy strong travel advantages, particularly for business and tourism throughout the Americas, Europe, and many Asian countries. The passport's expanding visa-free access makes it increasingly valuable for international travel and reflects Panama's growing diplomatic relationships.

Global Rank

#29

out of 199 countries

Visa Free Access

148

countries worldwide

Mobility Score

out of 100 points

Quick Statistics for Panama passport

109

Visa-Free

On Arrival

ETA Required

E-Visa

Visa Required

Source: Skyscanner & Official Government Websites.

Top Visa-Free Destinations for Panamanian Citizens

Popular destinations where Panama passport holders can travel without a visa:

Country	Maximum Stay	Code
France	Up to 90 days	FR
Singapore	Up to 30 days	SG
Japan	Up to 90 days	JP
United Kingdom	Up to 180 days	GB
South Korea	Up to 90 days	KR

Visa Requirements by Country

Complete breakdown of visa requirements for Panama passport holders

✅ Visa-Free

109 countries

🛬 Visa on Arrival

31 countries

🔐 ETA Required

8 countries

💻 E-Visa

32 countries

❌ Visa Required

46 countries

Historical Ranking Trend

Panama's passport ranking progression from 2006 to 2025

Trend: Improved by 1 position from 2006 to 2025

Citizenship and Residency Programs

🏠 Residency by Investment (RBI)

Obtain residency in Panama through qualified investments, with potential pathways to citizenship.

RBI Program Available

Official Panama Passport & Travel Resources

Access official government resources for passport services, travel advisories, and visa information:

🔗

Servicio Nacional de Migración de Panamá

🔗

Ministerio de Relaciones Exteriores de Panamá

🔗

Tribunal Electoral de Panamá - Pasaportes

Compare Panama Passport with Other Passports

See how Panama's passport compares with other AMERICAS in the same ranking tier:

Country	Rank	Visa-Free Destinations	Mobility Score	Global Score
Panama (You are here)	#29	148	68/100	71/100
Brazil	#19	169	67/100	81/100
Argentina	#19	169	72/100	81/100
Mexico	#24	157	72/100	88/100
Uruguay	#25	156	73/100	75/100
Costa Rica	#29	148	67/100	71/100

*Mobility score calculated based on visa-free access and global travel freedom.

*Global score reflects overall passport strength considering various factors.

Frequently Asked Questions:

The Panamanian passport ranks 29th globally in 2025 with visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to 148 destinations. This represents a significant improvement from rank 30 in 2006 (82 destinations). Panama has steadily strengthened its passport power, particularly since 2018 when access jumped from 127 to 141 countries. It offers strong mobility across Latin America, Europe (Schengen), and many Asian countries, making it a mid-to-upper tier travel document.

Explore More Passport Rankings

Discover Panama's passport power and compare with other countries to find the world's most powerful travel documents.

View All Passport Rankings

Last Updated: November 9, 2025

Source: IATA Travel Centre, Skyscanner & Official Government Websites.

Panama Passport Ranking – Visa Free Access to 148 Countries

🏠 RBI Available

Country

Maximum Stay

Code

Up to 90 days

Up to 30 days

Up to 90 days

Up to 180 days

Up to 90 days

Historical Ranking Trend

Panama's passport ranking progression from 2006 to 2025

Trend: Improved by 1 position from 2006 to 2025

Compare Panama Passport with Other Passports

See how Panama's passport compares with other AMERICAS in the same ranking tier:

Country	Rank	Visa-Free Destinations	Mobility Score	Global Score
Panama (You are here)	#29	148	68/100	71/100
Brazil	#19	169	67/100	81/100
Argentina	#19	169	72/100	81/100
Mexico	#24	157	72/100	88/100
Uruguay	#25	156	73/100	75/100
Costa Rica	#29	148	67/100	71/100

*Mobility score calculated based on visa-free access and global travel freedom.

*Global score reflects overall passport strength considering various factors.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Quick Statistics for Panama passport

Top Visa-Free Destinations for Panamanian Citizens

Visa Requirements by Country

✅ Visa-Free

🛬 Visa on Arrival

🔐 ETA Required

💻 E-Visa

❌ Visa Required

Historical Ranking Trend

Panama's passport ranking progression from 2006 to 2025

Citizenship and Residency Programs

🏠 Residency by Investment (RBI)

Official Panama Passport & Travel Resources

Compare Panama Passport with Other Passports

Frequently Asked Questions:

How powerful is the Panamanian passport in 2025?

Do Panamanian passport holders need a visa for the United States?

Which countries can Panamanian passport holders visit without a visa?

Can Panamanian citizens work in Europe without a visa?

Is military service mandatory for Panamanian passport holders?

Do I need a visa to visit Canada or Australia with a Panamanian passport?

What documents do I need to renew my Panamanian passport in 2025?

Can Panamanian passport holders transit through the UK without a visa?

Which countries are visa-required or restricted for Panamanian travelers?

How long can Panamanians stay visa-free in Schengen countries?

Explore More Passport Rankings

Quick Statistics for Panama passport

Top Visa-Free Destinations for Panamanian Citizens

Visa Requirements by Country

✅ Visa-Free

🛬 Visa on Arrival

🔐 ETA Required

💻 E-Visa

❌ Visa Required

Historical Ranking Trend

Panama's passport ranking progression from 2006 to 2025

Citizenship and Residency Programs

🏠 Residency by Investment (RBI)

Official Panama Passport & Travel Resources

Compare Panama Passport with Other Passports

Frequently Asked Questions:

How powerful is the Panamanian passport in 2025?

Do Panamanian passport holders need a visa for the United States?

Which countries can Panamanian passport holders visit without a visa?

Can Panamanian citizens work in Europe without a visa?

Is military service mandatory for Panamanian passport holders?

Do I need a visa to visit Canada or Australia with a Panamanian passport?

What documents do I need to renew my Panamanian passport in 2025?

Can Panamanian passport holders transit through the UK without a visa?

Which countries are visa-required or restricted for Panamanian travelers?

How long can Panamanians stay visa-free in Schengen countries?

Explore More Passport Rankings