Check visa exceptions for your passport
Check eligibility and any registration steps before relying on a visa exception.
Check whether your passport meets the exception
The National Migration Service currently lists an exemption for travelers whose nationality otherwise requires a Panama visa when they hold a valid visa or residence issued by Canada, the United States, Australia, South Korea, Japan, the United Kingdom, Singapore, or any EU member state. Its page is marked “Draft for institutional review.” Confirm that your exact document qualifies and check your permitted stay with a Panamanian consulate before travel; this notice does not state a stay duration.
If you do not qualify, apply for the required visa before travel
Check the destination’s current official visa instructions for your place of residence.
Check the stay and entry conditions
A visa or visa waiver does not guarantee admission. Follow the dates and conditions set by the destination’s immigration authority.
Travel preparation checklist
Check each item’s requirement level and the conditions that apply.
Your circumstances may require additional documents. Ticks track preparation, not eligibility or admission.
Entry conditions and exceptions
Check whether these rules affect your eligibility, application, or arrival.
Confirm the correct Panama visa product
Panama distinguishes authorized visas, stamped visas and tourist cards by nationality. Confirm which product applies to you with the responsible Panamanian consulate or migration office before applying.
Official guidanceCheck your passport stamp before leaving immigration
Panama’s Migration Service says travelers may be interviewed, have biometric records checked and have luggage and documents inspected. Canada’s travel advice says visitors must receive an entry stamp and may be fined US$1,000 if it is missing. Check that your passport shows the date of entry before leaving passport control.
Official guidanceCheck Panama’s rules if you arrive by sea
Panama’s requirements depend on the type of vessel. UK travel advice says visa rules differ for sea arrivals and that a non-cruise vessel may require a visa and fees; cruise-passenger rules are different. If you are arriving by private boat or another non-cruise vessel, confirm visa and port procedures with Panama’s Migration Service before you travel.
Official guidanceA qualifying visa or residence permit may waive Panama’s visa requirement
The National Migration Service currently lists an exemption for travelers whose nationality otherwise requires a Panama visa when they hold a valid visa or residence issued by Canada, the United States, Australia, South Korea, Japan, the United Kingdom, Singapore, or any EU member state. Its page is marked “Draft for institutional review.” Confirm that your exact document qualifies and check your permitted stay with a Panamanian consulate before travel; this notice does not state a stay duration.
Official guidanceBefore and during your visit to Panama
Enter through an authorized migration post
Use an official air, land or sea migration checkpoint. A carrier may provide an entry/exit card unless Panama uses an automated collection method.
Ask where to file and what to pay
The migration checklist asks for three photos on applications filed abroad and lists B/.50 only when filing with the National Migration Service. Consular charges and appointment procedures may differ.
Panama travel essentials
- Capital
- Panama City
- Currency
- PAB
- Calling code
- +507
Panama entry questions
Do Ethiopian citizens need a visa for Panama?
For tourism in Panama, ordinary passport holders from Ethiopia need a visa before travel. A qualifying visa or residence permit from a listed country may waive the visa requirement. The official page is marked as a draft; confirm your exact document and permitted stay with a Panamanian consulate before travel.
What if I’m going to work, study or stay longer?
This guide is for a short tourist visit on an ordinary passport. It does not establish eligibility for employment, study or residence. Use the destination’s official guidance for your actual purpose.
Does my country of residence change the answer?
Passport nationality and legal residence are different. This page starts with your passport. Residence can change where you apply and which application channel is available; an existing visa or residence permit may also create an exception. Check the official eligibility guidance for your circumstances.
Official visa and entry guidance
Confirm Panama’s requirements directly with government authorities.
Read Panama’s official tourist visa checklist
Check current form, photo, residence, itinerary and financial evidence with your mission before applying.
Check Panama’s visitor requirements
Tourist entry requirements and official migration services.
Check the passport-specific entry rules
The National Migration Service currently lists an exemption for travelers whose nationality otherwise requires a Panama visa when they hold a valid visa or residence issued by Canada, the United States, Australia, South Korea, Japan, the United Kingdom, Singapore, or any EU member state. Its page is marked “Draft for institutional review.” Confirm that your exact document qualifies and check your permitted stay with a Panamanian consulate before travel; this notice does not state a stay duration.
Who this guide covers
Short tourist visits to Panama with an ordinary Ethiopia passport. Residence, travel documents, and purpose can affect the rules. Confirm the official guidance before travel; border authorities decide admission and your permitted stay.
Suggest a correctionhttps://visadir.com/requirements/panama/ethiopia