South Korea Visa RequirementsFor Panama passport holders
Panamanian citizens require a visa to visit South Korea as Panama is not eligible for visa-free entry or K-ETA. A tourist visa must be obtained from the Korean Embassy. The fee is approximately USD 50 and allows stays of up to 90 days.
Panama passport holders require a visa to enter South Korea.
Apply at the Korean Embassy or Consulate. Required documents include a completed application form, valid passport, passport photo, bank statements showing sufficient funds, return flight ticket, and accommodation details. Processing takes approximately three to five business days.
Entry Requirements
Passport Validity
6 months beyond date of entry
Blank Pages
2 blank pages required
Multiple Entry
Single entry only
Work Permitted
No - requires work visa
Required Documents
For Your Visa Application
Valid Passport
Passport valid for at least 6 months beyond intended stay.
K-ETA or Visa Application
K-ETA at k-eta.go.kr (if eligible) or tourist visa (C-3) application form.
Photo
Recent digital or physical photo.
Flight Bookings
Return or onward flight.
Visa Fee
K-ETA approximately USD 10 or tourist visa approximately USD 50.
Required at Entry
Approved K-ETA or Passport with Korean Visa
K-ETA approval email or passport with visa.
Current Travel Situation
Panama to South Korea: What You Need to Know
South Korea does not offer visa-free access or K-ETA to Panamanian passport holders. A C-3 short-term tourist visa must be applied for before travel. South Korea has one of the world's most streamlined visa application processes with clear requirements.
How to Get There
If you hold dual citizenship from a K-ETA eligible country, check whether you can use that passport for easier entry. Transit passengers may use the International Tourist Passport Stamp for free transit.
Money & Banking
South Korea uses the Korean won (KRW). Cards are broadly accepted. T-money card is useful for metro and buses. ATMs at Hana, IBK, and some convenience stores accept international cards. Cash is sometimes preferred at local restaurants and smaller shops.
Practical Tips
Apply at least two to three weeks before travel. The K-ETA is not available for Panamanian citizens so a full visa application is required. Seoul is well-connected by public transport. Download the Naver Maps or KakaoMap apps as Google Maps has limited functionality in Korea.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Panamanians need a visa to visit South Korea?
Yes. Panamanians require either the K-ETA (if eligible) or a traditional tourist visa. Check k-eta.go.kr for current Panama eligibility.
What is the K-ETA for South Korea?
The Korean Electronic Travel Authorization is an online pre-travel authorization for eligible nationalities. Cheaper and simpler than a traditional visa. Apply at k-eta.go.kr.
What is the Korean Wave?
The Korean Wave (Hallyu) is the global spread of Korean pop culture including K-pop, K-dramas, Korean cinema, and K-beauty. South Korea has become a cultural destination for fans worldwide.
What are the top attractions in South Korea?
Seoul's palaces (Gyeongbokgung), Bukchon Hanok Village, the DMZ, Jeju Island, Busan's Gamcheon Culture Village, and Jeonju Hanok Village.
What currency does South Korea use?
Korean Won (KRW). Convenience store ATMs accept international cards. T-money card for metro.
Does Panama have any connection to South Korea?
Yes. Korea is one of the major users of the Panama Canal, with significant Korean cargo shipping transiting the waterway. Panama and South Korea have free trade agreement negotiations.
What is the best time to visit South Korea?
Spring (April-May) for cherry blossoms and autumn (October-November) for colorful foliage are most popular. Summer is hot and humid. Winter offers ski resorts.