Do China passport holders need a visa to visit PA?

Chinese ordinary passport holders need a visa to visit Panama for tourism. There is no visa-free, visa-on-arrival, or eVisa channel for PRC ordinary passports. You must apply in advance at a Panamanian embassy or consulate. The main exception: if you already hold a valid, used multiple-entry visa or residence permit from the US, Canada, UK, Australia, Japan, South Korea, Singapore, or any EU country (valid at least 6 months at entry), you may enter visa-free for 30 days. As of 2026, mainland China (PRC) ordinary passport holders are not on Panama's visa-exemption lists and must obtain a visa before traveling. The standard route is a stamped (consular) tourist visa applied for at the Embassy of Panama in Beijing or a consulate (Shanghai/Guangzhou/Hong Kong). Required documents include the application form, full passport copies (6 months validity), round-trip flight itinerary, three 2x2 white-background photos, and proof of economic solvency of at least USD 500; consular fees total around USD 140 with processing up to roughly 30 business days. The stamped visa generally permits a 30-day stay (extendable). Importantly, Panama operates a widely used third-country visa-waiver: a Chinese national holding a valid multiple-entry visa (with at least 6 months validity remaining) or permanent residence from the US, Canada, UK, Australia, Japan, South Korea, Singapore, or an EU state may enter visa-free for 30 days, provided the document has already been used to enter the issuing country at least once. Diplomatic/official/service passports are separately exempt. Travelers should confirm current fees and document lists directly with the Panamanian consulate, as consular practice and fee instruments (e.g., Western Union money orders) can change.