Panama
United States
United States visa for Panamanian citizens
Entry requirement
The United States requires Panamanian citizens to hold a visa issued in advance.
- Where to apply
- 1 mission
- Visa guide
- United States visa guide
Checked 7 November 2026 · Passport Index · Confirm at pa.usembassy.gov
Which United States visa?
Key facts
- Maximum stay
- Set by CBP on the I-94 at entry, usually up to 6 months for visitors
- Fee
- US$185
- Processing time
- Interview wait times vary; most visas are decided at or shortly after the interview unless administrative processing is needed
All visa types for the United States
The United States’ tourist visa costs US$185 at the standard rate published by its authorities. Processing time, as the United States states it: Interview wait times vary; most visas are decided at or shortly after the interview unless administrative processing is needed. Longest stay on the tourist visa: Set by CBP on the I-94 at entry, usually up to 6 months for visitors.
US missions in Panama
- Embassy of the United States in Panama City
Avenida Demetrio B. Lakas 783, Panama City
The United States has 1 mission in Panama, with its embassy in Panama City.
US visas issued to citizens of Panama
| Visas issued | FY 2024 | FY 2025 |
|---|---|---|
| Visitor (B) | 28,660 | 46,495 |
| Student (F, M) | 830 | 678 |
| Exchange (J) | 219 | 212 |
| Work and treaty (H, L, O, E…) | 518 | 536 |
| Transit and crew (C, D) | 1,408 | 1,115 |
| Diplomatic and official (A, G) | 455 | 595 |
| Fiancé(e) (K) | 85 | 60 |
| Other | 1 | 1 |
| Total | 32,176 | 49,692 |
| B visa refusal rate (adjusted) | 19.9% | 6.5% |
In fiscal year 2025 (October 2024 to September 2025) the United States issued 49,692 nonimmigrant visas to citizens of Panama, the 33rd highest number of the 206 nationalities listed. Visitor visas (B1/B2) made up 94%. That is 54% more than in fiscal year 2024 (32,176).
From October 2025 to February 2026, citizens of Panama received 25,605, 42% more than in the same months a year earlier.
For visitor visas (B1/B2) the State Department reports an adjusted refusal rate of 6.5% for citizens of Panama in fiscal year 2025 (fiscal year 2024: 19.9%). The adjusted rate counts a refusal that was later overcome, for example with further documents, as an issuance. A rate below 3% is one of the conditions for a country to join the Visa Waiver Program.
These figures count visas issued to citizens of Panama anywhere in the world, not only at the US missions in Panama.
Source: US Department of State, Bureau of Consular Affairs, monthly nonimmigrant visa issuances up to February 2026 and adjusted refusal rates (public domain). US fiscal years run from October to September. How these figures are made
US citizens travelling to Panama
United StatesPanama Visa-free, 180 days Panama visa for citizens of the United States
Travel advice for the United States
- UK Foreign Office (FCDO) No advice against travel
- German Foreign Office No travel warning
What the US, British and German foreign ministries tell their own citizens about travelling there, in each ministry’s own terms.
For a trip from Panama to the United States, the published travel advice reads as follows: the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office does not advise against travel to the United States (updated 30 October 2026) and the German Foreign Office has no travel warning for the United States (updated 30 October 2026).
Good to know
How long Panamanian citizens can stay in the United States
How long Panamanian citizens may stay in the United States is set by the visa issued, and the visa type must match the purpose of the trip.
How Panamanian citizens apply
In Panama, applications go to the US embassy in Panama City, or to a visa centre acting for the United States; fees, documents and processing times are published by the United States.
The United States’ neighbours for Panamanian citizens
Mexico admits Panamanian citizens visa-free. Canada requires Panamanian citizens to obtain a visa in advance.
US citizens travelling to Panama
US citizens can visit Panama without a visa for up to 180 days.
Frequently asked questions
Do Panamanian citizens need a visa for the United States?
The United States requires Panamanian citizens to hold a visa issued in advance.
Where is the US embassy in Panama?
The US embassy in Panama is in Panama City.
How much does the United States tourist visa cost?
The United States’ official sources give a standard fee of US$185 for the tourist visa. Processing time: Interview wait times vary; most visas are decided at or shortly after the interview unless administrative processing is needed.
Do US citizens need a visa for Panama?
US citizens can visit Panama without a visa for up to 180 days.
Can Panamanian citizens enter the United States visa-free?
No; Panamanian citizens need a visa for the United States obtained in advance.
Visa data: Passport Index via passport-index-data, as of 7 November 2026. Rules change, sometimes overnight. Confirm with the embassy or the official government portal before you book.