Almost every hodophile lists Panama as its must-to-go countries. Every year, many tourists go there to explore fascinating islands and Panama canals and enjoy lying under the shade of palm trees on beautiful beaches. 

This country of famous canals recently got affected due to the Covid-19 pandemic, which in turn affected its economy. Due to this, the most damaged sector was tourism. That is why Panama's government is now seeking to work on the tourism sector again. It has made them introduce a short-term digital nomad visa by Executive Decree 198 of 7 May to attract tourism back to their country. If you do not have a remote job, you still have the option of a tourist visa. 

Let us check what Panama's Digital Nomad Visa and Tourist visa offer.

Panama Digital Nomad Visa

Digital nomads now can enjoy staying in Panama on a digital nomad visa. Its most significant advantage is that you will not be asked to pay tax on your income from a remote job. Let us check the different requirements for this visa.

Eligibility

• Note that this short-term visa is only extended to those tourists who are remote workers. They need wifi and a laptop to work.
• Digital nomads must annually earn a minimum of $36,000.
• This programme is not open to anyone working in Panama or earning money. It means they should be working with foreign transnational companies.

If they are freelancers, they also need to prove to work independently.

Documents required

A digital nomad needs to provide the following documents.

• 3 passport size pictures
• Copies of passport
• Copy of medical insurance
• Certificate of clean criminal record
• Proof of annual income of at least $36000
• Affidavit of not accepting any job if offered in Panama
• Evidence of the foreign company's existence in the country where it is registered.

Visa processing time

Its processing time takes only 30 days. The Panama immigration office is working to enable the online platform to process applications efficiently and timeously.

Duration of stay

The duration is as long as 18 months.

Extension 

After staying for the first nine months, you can apply for a visa extension to stay for more than nine months. 

Fee

The visa application costs $300 in total, $250 to pay to the National Immigration Agency and $50 for visa card issuance.

Panama Tourist Visa

Other than Digital Nomad Visa, tourists still have the option of a tourist visa. To enter Panama, some countries' citizens need a visa while others do not require it. In such a case, tourists can stay for 180 days. You can extend it if it is a stamped visa. 

Types of Panama tourist visa

Tourist visas in Panama are of two types; the stamped visa and the other is authorized visa.

Authorized Visa

Tourists who have authorized visas can stay in Panama for one month. For this visa, you need to get approved by the Panama National Council of Public Safety and National Defense; thus, it makes the process longer for applicants.

Stamped Visa

This visa is imprinted in their passport, and it usually is valid for three years and allows multiple entries. A stamped visa typically will enable you to stay in the nation for 30 days in a row.

Countries that do not require a visa

Under the Panama waiver program, some countries' visitors do not need a visa. Only they need to have a valid passport. The list of these countries is as follows.

• Canada
• Us 
• Majority of European countries
• Singapore
• South Korea
• Japan
• Australia 

Duration of stay

Three months (90 days) is the general tourist visa period. But tourists from the United States and Canada can stay for 180 days. Note that the customs agent will determine the length of the stay. However, you can typically stay for up to 30 days.

Countries that require Stamped Visa

There is a list of countries whose citizens need a stamped visa. These include:

• China
• Malawi
• Cameroon
• Dominican 
• Ghana
• Zimbabwe
• Democratic Republic of Congo
• India

Countries that require Authorized Visa

This visa is required for citizens of Asian, middle eastern and African countries. These include Syria, Suriname, Benin, Egypt, Afghanistan, and Lebanon, Tunisia, Bangladesh, Nigeria, Indonesia and Haiti.

Requirements for the Panamanian sponsor of the visa applicant 

A Panamanian sponsor needs to provide the following items for an authorised visa.

• 2 passport pictures
• Filled application form
• Utility bill
• Valid passport
• Bank statement

To Wrap Up...

Panama has opened more doors for foreign visitors with the option of a digital nomad visa. It can be seen that it will help them bring more tourists to the land, ultimately leading their economy back on track.