Indian Citizens
Great news for citizens of India in our April 2018 immigration update!
April 4, 2018: the National Immigration Service of Panama rescinded the Authorised Visa to enter Panama as a tourist. Executive Decree 1113 establishes Indian nationals can apply for a stamped tourist visa. The Security Council of Panama does not need to review each application for a stamped visa.
As of June 1, Indian citizens may receive a multiple entry-exit visa for Panama for up to three (3) years. They must fulfill the requirements of the Consulate and Immigration Department and pass the necessary filters. For this purpose, Panama will assign employees of the Immgiration Department and the Ministry of Security to both of the Consulates in India. These additional employees will review and approve the stamped visa applications.
As mentioned, Panama has 2 Consulates in India: one in New Delhi and another in Mumbai. The contact details for Mumbai are available here: https://www.mire.gob.pa/index.php/es/asia/india/9144-mumbai. And here are the details for New Delhi: https://www.mire.gob.pa/index.php/en/india-direccion-y-horario
The costs of the stamped visa application are: US $50.00. (Payment does not guarantee that the application will be approved).
Once in Panama, it will be possible to apply for a residency permit. You still must fulfill the necessary requirements for immigration – such as economic solvency, investment options or 2nd passport application. Check the requirements before you arrive in Panama. Make sure you have all the necessary documentation with you, or plan a second trip to Panama to apply for the residency. You may want to check it out before you decide to move here.
We also have a new form available on our website, which will help us provide you with the information you need for your investment visa application.
Chinese citizens
Back in September, 2017, Panama already rescinded for Chinese citizens the requirement for Authorised Visas. Chinese citizens may now travel to Panama merely with a stamped visa also. As of last week, Panama is receiving flights directly from China into Tocumen International Airport.
Other restricted nationalities
April 2018 immigration update: other authorised visas news
For other restricted nationalities that usually require an Authorised visa, if they have residency in Europe, they do not require an Authorised Visa. However, their Schengen Visa or residency for Europe must be valid for no less than one year from the date they arrive in Panama (i.e. the visa needs to be valid for at least another year). Countries which require an Authorised Visa for Panama are those such as Cuba, Albania, Bahrein, Jordan, etc. (See the complete list here: http://www.atp.gob.pa/requisitos-de-entrada-panama).