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Panama

Getting to Panama

Check entry requirements, published fares and ways to get around.

Spanish

Information from official sources, checked on the dates shown. It may change; confirm each detail with its source before travelling.

Before arrival

Visa requirements

Migration requires a valid passport and a visa when required for the traveller’s nationality.

Source: www.migracion.gob.pa · Checked on 11 Nov

Entry form

The international transport company provides the Entry and Exit Card specified by Migration.

Source: www.migracion.gob.pa · Checked on 11 Nov

Departure and accommodation

Migration asks for at least 500 balboas in funds and proof of onward travel; its FAQ lists a funds exception for travellers under 18.

Source: www.migracion.gob.pa · Checked on 11 Nov

Visa requirements

The tourist visa application document sets a term of up to 90 days; this refers to that visa category.

Source: www.migracion.gob.pa · Checked on 11 Nov

Customs and baggage

Customs allows new personal and family goods up to 500 balboas without duties under its published conditions.

Source: tramites.ana.gob.pa · Checked on 11 Nov

Entry requirement

Declare cash, securities or negotiable instruments valued above 10,000 balboas when entering or leaving.

Source: tramites.ana.gob.pa · Checked on 11 Nov

Visa requirements

The tourism authority listed the United States, Colombia and Brazil among the main markets from January to June 2025; Migration’s table requires no visa for their ordinary passports.

Source: www.atp.gob.pa · Checked on 11 Nov

Prepaid SIM and eSIM

Tigo

SIM card

Tigo lists a one-day unlimited Paquetigo for 1.75 balboas. It requires new lines to be registered and asks foreign customers for a passport.

Source: ayuda.tigo.com.pa · Checked on 11 Nov

+Móvil

SIM card

+Móvil offers prepaid packages and requires line registration. Its one-balboa night package is a data package, not the physical SIM price.

Source: www.masmovilpanama.com · Checked on 11 Nov

Tigo

eSIM

Tigo says its eSIM is available to prepaid and postpaid mobile customers.

Source: ayuda.tigo.com.pa · Checked on 11 Nov

+Móvil

eSIM

+Móvil lists eSIM and explains how to obtain it; its help page does not explicitly confirm prepaid new activations.

Source: www.masmovilpanama.com · Checked on 11 Nov

Airports

Tocumen International AirportPTY

Panama City

Authorized taxi

30 US dollars

Request it at the official stands outside arrivals in both terminals. Staff can help with bookings; the fare includes up to two passengers.

Source: www.tocumenaero.com · Checked on 11 Nov

Metro and public transport

0.5 Panamanian balboas

The airport lists Metro as an exit option; Panama Metro publishes the fare for Line 2.

Source: www.tocumenaero.com · Checked on 11 Nov

Metro and public transport

The airport lists MetroBus and sells boarding cards. Published fares range from 0.25 balboas to 1.25 balboas per trip, depending on the route.

Source: www.tocumenaero.com · Checked on 11 Nov

Panama Pacifico International AirportBLB

Área Especial Panamá Pacífico, Panamá Oeste

Transport service

The airport lists six car-rental agencies in the terminal. We do not have their rates in the information checked.

Source: www.tocumenaero.com · Checked on 11 Nov

Balboa and US dollar

Money and payments

The balboa is the official currency and is at par with the US dollar.

Source: www.superbancos.gob.pa · Checked on 11 Nov

Currency and cash

The balboa circulates in coins and the US dollar in banknotes; Panama does not issue balboa banknotes.

Source: www.superbancos.gob.pa · Checked on 11 Nov

Exchange rate

The Superintendency of Banks maintains an exchange-house register and dates its list 27 September 2026.

Source: www.superbancos.gob.pa · Checked on 11 Nov

Taxes

The tax authority lists a general ITBMS rate of 7%.

Source: dgi.mef.gob.pa · Checked on 11 Nov

Taxes

The tax authority lists a 10% ITBMS rate for lodging.

Source: dgi.mef.gob.pa · Checked on 11 Nov

ATMs and fees

At another bank’s ATM, the screen must show the full cost before approval and allow cancellation without charge. We did not find a single fee for foreign cards.

Source: www.superbancos.gob.pa · Checked on 11 Nov

Metro and city transport

Panama City — Metro

0.35 Panamanian balboas

Line 1 uses the fare shown above; Line 2 costs 0.50. balboas Cards can be purchased and reloaded at stations.

Source: elmetrodepanama.com · Checked on 11 Nov

Panama City — MetroBus

0.25 Panamanian balboas

Fares depend on the service; corridor routes cost 0.75. balboas

Source: www.mibus.com.pa · Checked on 11 Nov

Boquete

We did not find an official local urban transport fare list for Boquete.

Source: www.atp.gob.pa · Checked on 11 Nov

Emergencies and help

Medical emergencies / ambulance (SUMME)

911

Source: policia.gob.pa · Checked on 11 Nov

Destinations

Boquete

From Panama City · 480 km

There are flights from Panama City to David; ATP’s guide gives 40 km by road from David to Boquete.

Source: www.atp.gob.pa · Checked on 11 Nov

Bocas del Toro

From Panama City

Air Panama lists daily direct flights from Panama City to Bocas del Toro.

Source: www.airpanama.com · Checked on 11 Nov

David

From Panama City

Air Panama lists daily flights from Panama City to David.

Source: www.airpanama.com · Checked on 11 Nov

Pedasí

From Panama City

FlyTrip lists flights from Panama City to Pedasí several days a week; check the schedule before travelling.

Source: flytrip.com.pa · Checked on 11 Nov

Isla Taboga

From Panama City

ATP lists ferry or private boat access from Amador Pier.

Source: www.atp.gob.pa · Checked on 11 Nov

Valle de Antón

From Panama City

ATP lists buses between Panama City and El Valle; the road trip takes about two hours.

Source: www.atp.gob.pa · Checked on 11 Nov