🇨🇦Canada

🇵🇦PanamaCA-PA

Canada to Panama visa requirements

Q: How long can a Canadian stay in Panama?

Up to 180 days as a tourist. This is longer than the 90 days most other nationalities receive; Canada and the U.S. are granted the extended period.

Q: How much passport validity do I need?

Your passport must be valid for at least 3 months beyond the date you intend to leave Panama.

Q: Do I need an onward ticket and proof of funds?

Yes. Carry a return or onward ticket and proof of at least US$500 (cash or a credit card). Airlines enforce the ticket requirement strictly.

Q: Is Panama part of the Schengen area or does ETIAS apply?

No. Panama is in Central America, not the Schengen zone, so the Schengen 90/180 rule and ETIAS do not apply.

No visa required. Canadian passport holders can enter Panama visa-free for tourism and stay up to 180 days. Holders of an ordinary Canadian passport do not need a visa to visit Panama for tourism. Canada is on Panama's visa-free list and, unlike most nationalities (who are limited to 90 days), Canadian and U.S. citizens are granted a maximum stay of up to 180 days on arrival. There is no eVisa, ETA, or visa-on-arrival to apply for in advance. At the border you simply present a valid passport, receive an entry stamp, and complete biometric registration (fingerprints and facial scan). Be ready to show an onward/return ticket and proof of funds of at least US$500 (cash or credit card), as airlines and immigration officers may ask for these. Your passport must be valid for at least 3 months beyond your intended departure from Panama. Failure to obtain an entry stamp can result in a US$1,000 fine. Panama is not in the Schengen area, so the 90/180 Schengen rule and ETIAS do not apply. To stay beyond the tourist period you must change your immigration status; simply leaving and re-entering after a short trip may lead to refusal.

VISA-FREETOURISMMULTIPLE ENTRYLast verified 2026-05-30

For guidance only — visa rules change with little notice. Always confirm directly with the destination's embassy or foreign ministry before booking non-refundable travel. Information here applies to ordinary (non-diplomatic) passports unless noted.

Policy alertWatch this route for rule changesSave this passport and destination for email summaries and optional browser notifications.Subscribe →Canada (PR)Living in Canada as a permanent resident? See PR-specific guidance→

/01 — The numbers

Key facts

Last verified 2026-05-30

Visa type

Visa-free entry (tourist)

Maximum stay

Up to 180 days

per entry

Entries

Multiple

from issue date

Visa fee

US$0

consular fee only

Processing time

None (entry on arrival)

standard track

Validity

Passport valid 3+ months beyond departure

from issue date

/02 — The process

How to apply

/01

Confirm your passport validity

Ensure your Canadian ordinary passport is valid for at least 3 months beyond your planned departure date from Panama. Renew early if it is close to expiry.

· 3+ months validity· Before booking

/02

Book onward or return travel

Purchase a return or onward ticket out of Panama. Airlines strictly enforce this and may deny boarding without it; digital tickets are accepted.

· Required by airlines· Onward proof

/03

Prepare proof of funds

Carry the equivalent of at least US$500 in cash or a valid credit card, plus optional bank statements or an employment letter, to show on request.

· Min US$500· Cash or card

/04

Note your accommodation and trip details

Have your hotel/host address and purpose of visit ready, as immigration may ask for them on arrival.

· Address· Purpose of trip

/05

Clear immigration and get your entry stamp

On arrival, complete biometric registration (fingerprints and facial scan) and ensure you receive an entry stamp. Missing the stamp can lead to a US$1,000 fine.

· Biometrics· Entry stamp required

/06

Track your 180-day limit

You may stay up to 180 days as a tourist. To remain longer you must change your immigration status; do not rely on a quick border exit and re-entry.

· Max 180 days· No visa-run guarantee

/03 — The paperwork

Required materials

11 items

Personalized checklist

Canada -> Panama · Visa-free entry (tourist)

0 / 11 complete

Visa typeTravel date

Deadline reminderAdd a date before export

RequiredCanadian passport valid 3+ months beyond departure

Original passport; keep the blank pages and remaining validity required for this route

required

RequiredReturn or onward ticket out of Panama

Bookings, itinerary, or confirmations matching the requested stay dates

required

RequiredProof of funds: at least US$500 (cash or credit card)

Bank, income, or asset proof with clear name, date, and balances

required

RecommendedAccommodation address / proof of lodging