Egypt to Panama visa requirements

Egyptian ordinary passport holders need a visa to enter Panama. Egypt falls under Panama's most restrictive "authorized visa" (visa autorizada) category, which must be approved by Panama's National Migration Service before travel. The only no-visa shortcut: if you already hold a valid, previously-used multiple-entry visa or residence from the US, Canada, UK, an EU/Schengen state, Australia, Japan, South Korea, or Singapore (valid at least 6 more months), you may enter visa-free for up to 30 days. Panama classifies foreign nationals into visa-exempt, stamped-visa, and authorized-visa groups. Egypt sits in the authorized visa (visa autorizada) category, the strictest tier, applied mainly to certain Middle Eastern, African and Asian nationalities. An authorized visa cannot be obtained on arrival: the application is filed at a Panamanian consulate (the Embassy of Panama in Cairo for Egyptian residents) and forwarded to Panama's Servicio Nacional de Migracion (National Migration Service) for approval, which can take up to roughly 30-60 business days. Required documentation typically includes a sponsor/invitation letter from a contact in Panama, proof of economic solvency (around US$500+), a confirmed round-trip itinerary, passport photos, and consular fees paid via money order. Panama is in Central America and is NOT part of the Schengen area, so the Schengen 90/180 rule and ETIAS do not apply. A significant alternative exists under Executive Decree No. 521 (as amended): Egyptian travelers who hold a valid, multiple-entry visa or residence permit issued by the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, any EU/Schengen state, Australia, Japan, South Korea, or Singapore - that has been used at least once in the issuing country and remains valid for at least 6 months - may enter Panama without a Panamanian visa for tourism stays of up to 30 days, subject to proof of funds (about US$500), onward/return ticket, and passport validity. Travelers without such a third-country visa must obtain the authorized visa in advance. Given the approval requirement and the possibility of refusal, this route is firmly visa-required unless the exemption is met.