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🇰🇷South Korea
🇵🇦PanamaKR-PA

South Korea to Panama visa requirements

South Korean ordinary passport holders do NOT need a visa for tourism in Panama. They can enter visa-free and stay up to 90 days. No visa or eVisa is required in advance. South Korea (Republic of Korea) is on Panama's visa-exemption list, so holders of an ordinary Korean passport may travel to Panama for tourism or short visits without any visa. The standard visa-free stay is up to 90 days, granted at the discretion of the immigration officer at the port of entry. There is no eVisa, ETA, or visa-on-arrival process to complete; entry is decided on arrival. Travelers should carry a passport valid for at least 3 to 6 months, a return or onward ticket, proof of accommodation, and proof of economic solvency of at least US$500 (cash, card, or bank statement). Note: the separate "third-country visa" rule (which limits stays to 30 days and requires a previously-used multiple-entry visa from the US, Canada, EU, UK, Japan, Australia or Singapore) applies to NON-exempt nationalities and does not apply to South Korean passport holders, who qualify for visa-free entry in their own right. Panama is not in the Schengen area and the Schengen 90/180 rule and ETIAS do not apply.
VISA-FREETOURISMSINGLE 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 South Korea (PR)Living in South Korea as a permanent resident? See PR-specific guidance
/01 — The numbers

Key facts

Last verified 2026-05-30
Visa type
Visa-free entry (no visa required)
Maximum stay
Up to 90 days
per entry
Entries
Single entry per visit (re-entry permitted on a fresh 90-day grant)
from issue date
Visa fee
None (US$0)
consular fee only
Processing time
None - decided on arrival
standard track
Validity
Stay granted at port of entry; passport valid 3-6 months
from issue date
/02 — The process

How to apply

/01
Confirm your passport validity
Ensure your South Korean ordinary passport is valid for at least 6 months beyond your planned entry (Panama's minimum is 3 months, but airlines often require 6). An e-passport with blank pages is recommended.
· Passport· 6 months validity
/02
Book a return or onward ticket
Panama immigration and airlines require proof of a return or onward ticket leaving the country. Purchase this before travel.
· Onward ticket· Required at check-in
/03
Prepare proof of funds and accommodation
Carry evidence of economic solvency of at least US$500 (cash, credit card, or recent bank statement) plus your hotel booking or host's address.
· US$500 minimum· Hotel booking
/04
No advance visa or online form needed
There is no eVisa, ETA, or pre-registration for Korean tourists. You do not apply for anything before departure.
· No application· Visa-free
/05
Present documents at the port of entry
On arrival, show your passport, onward ticket, proof of funds and accommodation. The immigration officer stamps your entry and grants up to 90 days.
· Immigration stamp· Up to 90 days
/06
Track your authorized stay
Note the exact number of days written/stamped by the officer (it can be less than 90). Overstaying incurs fines and complications on departure.
· Avoid overstay· Check stamp
/03 — The paperwork

Required materials

12 items
Personalized checklist
South Korea -> Panama · Visa-free entry (no visa required)
0 / 12 complete
Deadline reminderAdd a date before export
RequiredSouth Korean ordinary passport valid 6+ months with blank pages
Original passport; keep the blank pages and remaining validity required for this route
required
RequiredReturn or onward flight ticket
Bookings, itinerary, or confirmations matching the requested stay dates
required
RequiredProof of economic solvency (at least US$500)
Provide a clear scan, digital file, or original as requested by the official channel
required
RequiredProof of accommodation (hotel booking or host address)
Bookings, itinerary, or confirmations matching the requested stay dates
required
RecommendedReason-for-travel / itinerary details
Bookings, itinerary, or confirmations matching the requested stay dates
recommended
RecommendedTravel/health insurance for the trip
Provide a clear scan, digital file, or original as requested by the official channel
recommended
ConditionalYellow fever vaccination certificate (if arriving from/transiting an endemic country)
Provide a clear scan, digital file, or original as requested by the official channel
situational
RecommendedCopies of key documents stored separately
Provide a clear scan, digital file, or original as requested by the official channel
recommended
RequiredSufficient passport blank pages for entry stamp
Original passport; keep the blank pages and remaining validity required for this route
required
ConditionalOfficial application form or online application
Official form; submit online or print and sign as instructed
Visa-free routes usually do not require a visa form; submit any arrival card or authorization if required.
RequiredFlight and hotel itinerary
Confirmed or agency-arranged itinerary when the route guide requires it
Use dates that fit the allowed stay and visa validity.
RecommendedTravel medical insurance
Policy certificate showing traveler name, destination, and coverage dates
Some destinations or agencies require it even when the core visa rule only recommends it.
Application link included: Visa policy of Panama - Wikipedia
Open link
/04 — The cost

Fee breakdown

All-in estimate
Line itemAmountSource
Tourist visa feeUS$0No visa is required for Korean ordinary passport holders
Entry / tourist card feeUS$0No tourist card or entry fee charged on arrival
Proof of funds (not a fee)US$500Must be shown but is not paid - it is your own travel money
Total estimate00incl. all
/05 — The wait

Processing time

/06 — The risks

Common refusal reasons

by frequency
/01
Tourism and sightseeing
Visiting the Panama Canal, Casco Viejo, beaches and rainforest - the most common reason and fully covered by visa-free entry.
High
/02
Visiting friends or family
Short social visits are permitted under the same visa-free 90-day allowance.
Medium
/03
Business meetings and conferences
Short, non-remunerated business activities (meetings, conferences) are generally allowed visa-free, but paid work requires a proper work permit.
Medium
/04
Transit / cruise stopover
Travelers transiting Panama or on a cruise stop use the same visa-free entry.
Low
/07 — On arrival

After you land

/01
Immigration
Keep your passport, visa or exemption proof, return ticket, and accommodation details ready for border inspection.
/02
Customs
Review the destination's customs rules before travel and declare restricted goods or large cash amounts when required.
/03
Connectivity
Check whether airport SIMs, eSIMs, or roaming are the best option for your route before arrival.
/08 — The history

Policy changelog

since 2024
2026-05-30 · major
South Korea to Panama route verified
Confirmed via Panama tourism authority, Panama visa policy listings and Korean citizen visa-requirement references that South Korean ordinary passport holders enter Panama visa-free for up to 90 days. Clarified that the 2024 Executive Decree third-country-visa 30-day rule applies to non-exempt nationalities, not to Korea.
/09 — The questions

Frequently asked

Do South Korean passport holders need a visa for Panama?
No. South Korea is on Panama's visa-exemption list, so ordinary Korean passport holders can enter visa-free for tourism and short visits.
How long can I stay in Panama visa-free?+
Is there an eVisa or online travel authorization to fill out before flying?+
What documents do I need at the airport?+
Does the 30-day limit I read about apply to me?+
Can I extend my stay or work on this entry?+
/11 — Passport tools

Tools for the South Korea passport

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