Whether you’re a tourist or looking to relocate to Panama, you’ll be visiting one of the most mesmerizing places on earth. However, there’s quite a bit you need to learn about before you can safely and lawfully enter and reside here.
Upon your arrival to Panama, if you want to breeze through the line quick, you need to provide a QR code that you have property filled out the affidavit to prevent coronavirus diseases (covid-19). You can get this code by filling out the website form located here. We’ve have provided the information below about everything you will need to know about Panama entry requirements and visas.
What do you need to enter Panama?
Before you think about packing your bags and heading off to have a better look at Panama condos and Panama homes, you should gather all the necessary documentation first per traveler.
- A passport with a minimum validity of six months
- Proof that you’ve purchased either a return ticket or a ticket that’ll take you to your next destination
- Covid-19 vaccination Card from the CDC or Covid-19 antigen test 48 hours before entry
- Signed customs forms, provided by your airline carrier
- QR Code affidavit form for travelers to prevent coronavirus diseases (covid-19)
- You need to have at least $500 in whichever form you deem fit (either cash or proof that you have this amount in your bank account or credit cards);
The duration of the tourist visa
If you wish to visit Panama beaches and look at Panama real estate, you’ll first need to acquire a tourist visa. You’ve probably heard about the 180-day duration that’s been a standard for a while now. However, a change has been implemented at the beginning of October that could significantly impact your stay. As the National Immigration Service states, the visa duration will be cut in half. Americans and Canadians will still keep their 6 month privileges.
If you’re looking for a Panama property to rent during your stay, this is quite a significant piece of information. If you identify as an occasional visitor, in other words, a tourist with no desire to reside here or work during your stay, this resolution applies to your case. This also means that the return ticker you’ll need to provide upon entrance needs to be in this time frame.
All about the new Digital Nomad Visa
Panama has been named one of the top 9 cheapest places you should move to by Forbes. In fact, they deem it so affordable that you may not even have to work. All jokes aside, if you happen to be a digital nomad (remote worker) and wish to reside in Panama, there’s some info that you need to know.
Once the pandemic hit, the rules changed for those that work remotely. The Nomadic Residency countries (such as Panama) offer people a chance to acquire a working visa without having to work in an official office space in Panama. Requirements vary depending on whether you’re under a contract and work for a foreign company or if you’re self-employed. Therefore, make sure to do your research on Panama entry requirements and visas that concern you.
How did the pandemic affect Panama entry requirements and visas?
Although residing in Panama rentals and visiting the beach resorts is a dream come true for many, the pandemic has made some changes to entry requirements and visas in Panama. You’ll be pleased to know that Panama no longer demands that you get tested for Covid-19 before entry if you’ve been fully vaccinated. Since the number of positive cases has dropped over the last few months, Panama has decided to loosen the reins on the restrictions a bit. You should also know that the country recognizes vaccines approved by WHO, the EMA, and the FDA. This means that Sputnik V isn’t on this list.
Can I get the vaccine in Panama?
If tourists aren’t, for whatever reason, vaccinated before they come into the country, they will need to spend a set number of days in isolation. If you’re staying for two days or longer, you’ll be able to get the AstraZeneca shot during the stay. This is excellent news, especially if you’re traveling from a country that’s short on vaccine supply.
How does the Friendly Nations visa work?
The Friendly Nations visa has been something many people have relied on over the years. However, some changes have been made to the previous rules and regulations. If you’re relocating to Panama, renting real estate, looking for work, and hope to rely on this particular visa, here’s some helpful info:
- A temporary visa will last for two years
If you manage to fill out an application a month before the two-year stay is over or less, you’ll be able to ask for a permanent residency in Panama.
- You need to provide them with the purpose of your residency
One of the most important things you should know about Panama entry requirements and visas is that you always need to come prepared. If you wish to permanently reside here and even obtain a house someday, you need to state the reason for your potential stay.
Relocating from Asia
Once you’ve researched Panama entry requirements and visas, you’re almost ready to pack your bags. Of course, if you’re not only a tourist but wish to stay there, there are some other obligations you’ll need to get to. Moving from Asia to Panama is quite an undertaking. If you’re trying to plan out an easy transfer from Asia, explore Panama real estate for sale, and start your new life there, you should hire a moving company that’ll help you do this. Make sure to find people that’ll make your relocation a breeze.
Get additional information from your movers
Once you’ve researched everything, you might still have some things you’re wondering about. If that’s the case, consider asking your movers for their input. Seeing how they’ve dealt with similar situations like yours, they could be of great help. Pairing up with a known and renowned company such as relosmart.asia is a great way to ensure that you get reliable information.