United States Visa RequirementsFor Panama passport holders
Citizens of Panama must apply for a B1/B2 visa before visiting the United States. The US Embassy in Panama City processes applications, with a mandatory $185 MRV fee and in-person interview required.
Panama passport holders require a visa to enter United States.
Apply at the US Embassy in Panama City (Avenida Demetrio Basilio Lakas). Complete the DS-160 form at ceac.state.gov, pay the $185 MRV fee, and schedule your biometric and interview appointment. The fee is non-refundable.
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
DS-160 application form
Completed online at ceac.state.gov before scheduling interview
Valid passport
At least 6 months validity beyond intended stay
MRV fee receipt
$185 USD non-refundable visa application fee
Passport photo
2x2 inch (51x51mm), white background, taken within last 6 months
Interview appointment confirmation
Scheduled at the US Embassy website
Proof of financial means
Bank statements, pay stubs, or tax returns showing ability to fund trip
Proof of ties to home country
Employment letter, property documents, family ties, or enrollment proof
Travel itinerary Recommended
Intended dates and purpose of travel to the US
Current Travel Situation
Panama to United States: What You Need to Know
Panama and the United States share a historically significant relationship, with the US playing a key role in Panamanian history through the Panama Canal. Despite strong bilateral relations and significant US business presence in Panama, Panama is not in the US Visa Waiver Program. Panamanians must obtain a B1/B2 visa, and the US Embassy in Panama City handles these applications. A Panamanian community exists in Florida, New York, and other US states. Panama's role as a transit hub means many Panamanians have legitimate business travel reasons for visiting the US.
How to Get There
Copa Airlines, which has its hub at Panama City Tocumen (PTY), offers the most extensive route network from Panama to the US, with direct flights to Miami (MIA), New York (JFK), Los Angeles (LAX), Orlando (MCO), and many other US cities. American Airlines also flies direct to several US destinations. Flight time to Miami is about 3 hours.
Money & Banking
The US dollar is also the official currency of Panama, so Panamanians are already accustomed to using dollars. In the US, tipping is expected: 15 to 20% at restaurants, $1 to $2 per bag for hotel porters. Credit cards are universally accepted. Major cities like Miami and New York are considerably more expensive than Panama City, so budget at least $150 to $200 per day.
Practical Tips
Check current interview wait times at travel.state.gov/waitingtimes. Panama City's embassy typically handles applications efficiently given the high volume of business travelers. Demonstrate strong ties to Panama: business ownership, employment, property, and family. Business travelers should bring documentation of their company and the purpose of their US trip. If you have a legitimate business purpose, this can strengthen your application significantly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Panamanian citizens need a visa to visit the United States?
Yes. Panamanian passport holders are required to obtain a B1/B2 nonimmigrant visa before entering the United States. Panama is not in the US Visa Waiver Program.
Where do Panamanians apply for a US visa?
At the US Embassy in Panama City (Avenida Demetrio Basilio Lakas). Complete the DS-160 form at ceac.state.gov, pay the $185 MRV fee, and schedule your biometric and interview appointment.
How much does the US visa cost for Panamanians?
The non-refundable MRV fee is $185 USD. This fee is required before scheduling and is not refunded if the visa is denied.
What airlines fly from Panama to the United States?
Copa Airlines, with its hub at Panama City Tocumen (PTY), offers the most extensive US route network: direct flights to Miami (MIA), New York (JFK), Los Angeles (LAX), Orlando (MCO), Houston (IAH), and more. American Airlines also flies direct from PTY to several US cities. Flight time to Miami is approximately 3 hours.
How do I demonstrate ties to Panama for the US visa interview?
Present employment letters, business ownership documents, property deeds, bank statements, and family documentation. Panama's role as a regional business hub means business-related travel is well-understood, so clear documentation of your professional purpose strengthens your application.
How long can Panamanians stay in the US on a tourist visa?
CBP sets your authorized stay at entry, typically up to 6 months. Panama and the US have strong business ties, so if your application is approved, multiple-entry visas valid for up to 10 years are standard.
Can Panama use the US dollar already?
Yes, the US dollar (called the balboa in Panama) is the official currency of Panama, used interchangeably with Panamanian coins. Panamanians traveling to the US are already familiar with USD, and there is no currency exchange needed.