China → Panama
An ordinary mainland China passport alone is not visa-free for Panama; without an eligible third-country visa or residence waiver, a Panamanian visa is required before travel.
Passport must be valid for at least 3 months on entry; entry normally requires proof of funds of USD 500 or equivalent and a return/onward ticket.
Based on passport-specific data. · as of 2026-06-18
Official source ↗Documents that change the outcome
- Visa-free· jp_visa · 30 days
Applies to travelers who otherwise require a Panamanian visa; a valid Japanese visa is required; passport must have at least 3 months validity, with proof of USD 500 or equivalent funds and a return/onward ticket.
source ↗ - Visa-free· schengen_visa · 30 days
Applies to travelers who otherwise require a Panamanian visa; sources state a valid Schengen visa may substitute for a Panamanian visa for up to 30 days. The Embassy of Panama's official summary refers to a valid visa issued by an EU member state; applicability to Schengen visas issued by non-EU Schengen states was not confirmed in the official summary.
source ↗ - Visa-free· uk_visa · 30 days
Applies to travelers who otherwise require a Panamanian visa; a valid UK visa is required; passport must have at least 3 months validity, with proof of USD 500 or equivalent funds and a return/onward ticket.
source ↗ - Visa-free· us_green_card · 30 days
Applies to travelers who otherwise require a Panamanian visa; the Embassy of Panama states migration officers accept the Executive Decree No. 521 exemption for holders of a valid U.S. permanent residence card; passport must have at least 3 months validity, with proof of USD 500 or equivalent funds and a return/onward ticket.
source ↗ - Visa-free· us_visa · 30 days
Applies to travelers who otherwise require a Panamanian visa; a valid U.S. visa is required. The Embassy of Panama states that Executive Decree No. 196 of Oct. 28, 2024 modified Article 2 of Executive Decree No. 521 and its current summary requires a valid visa; passport must have at least 3 months validity, with proof of USD 500 or equivalent funds and a return/onward ticket.
source ↗
Documents & how to apply
- Visa application form — Complete the visa application form.
- Original passport or travel document and full copy — Must be valid for at least 3 months.
- Air reservation with onward itinerary or e-ticket — Provide confirmed air reservation with onward travel itinerary or an e-ticket.
- Copy of ID document or residence card of country of domicile — Provide a copy of the identification document or residence card for the country where the applicant is domiciled.
- Three photos — The official checklist states three photos are required when visa applications are submitted abroad.
- Migration service fee payment — Pay 50 balboas when submitting to the National Migration Service.
- Proof of financial solvency — Must not be less than 500 balboas; may be shown by certified check/bank draft, travelers checks, bank certificate with last month statement, credit card with last month statement, employment certificate with pay slip, self-employed/tax documents, pension proof, bank reference, letter of responsibility, or another option accepted by the National Migration Service.
- Last approved migration permit · optional — If applicable.
- Confirmed hotel reservation · optional — If applicable.
- Invitation letter and inviter supporting documents · optional — If applicable; may be issued by Panamanian nationals, temporary/permanent residents, or private entities, with supporting ID, address/company documents as listed.
- Inviter financial solvency proof · optional — If an invitation is used, the inviter’s solvency may be shown by bank certification, tax return with good-standing proof, or employment letter with social security record.
💳 50 PAB (government fee) 📍 Submit through Panama’s National Migration Service tourist-visa process; the official checklist also refers to visa applications submitted abroad.
Make sure the passport has at least 3 months validity and prepare proof of at least 500 balboas in available funds; if using an invitation, prepare the inviter’s supporting documents too.
Requirements vary by consulate — verify with the official source. official ↗
Common questions
Generally no. Panama's Executive Decree No. 521 waives the visa for travelers who otherwise require one; the Embassy's current post-October 28, 2024 summary requires a valid U.S. visa, with a maximum stay of 30 days.
No, not on the passport alone. Sources list mainland Chinese citizens as visa-required; if no third-country visa/residence waiver applies, a Panamanian visa should be obtained before travel.
Yes, it is treated as an available waiver. The Embassy of Panama states that migration officers accept the Executive Decree No. 521 visa exemption for holders of a valid U.S. permanent residence card; the maximum stay is 30 days.
Generally no. The Hong Kong Immigration Department lists Panama as granting visa-free access or visa-on-arrival to HKSAR passport holders; the Panama visa-policy source lists Hong Kong as visa-free for 30 days.
U.S. tourists may stay visa-free for up to 180 days. Both the U.S. Department of State and the Embassy of Panama state that U.S. citizen tourists may stay up to 180 days.
Verify with official sources
Visa policy changes without notice and this page is reference information that may contain errors. Before travel, verify via the official sources below or contact the destination country's embassy / consulate / immigration authority directly; final admission is at the destination government's discretion.