Panama Entry Regulations

A tourist can remain in Panama for 90 days, not normally extendable. There is no need to obtain departure permits to leave the country, provided that the visitor complies with the terms of the tourist status. If a tourist exceeds the time allowance without a legal extension or justification, a fine will be charged according to the exceeded time. Visitors should carry their passports with them at all times.

List of countries whose citizens do not require visas nor tourist cards to enter panama: Germany, Hungary, Argentina, Israel, Austria, Italy, Chile, Nicaragua, Costa Rica, Poland, El Salvador, Portugal, Spain, United Kingdom, Finland, Greece, France, Singapore, Guatemala, Switzerland, Honduras, Uruguay, Holland (The Netherlands), Luxembourg, Belgium, Bolivia.

Countries whose citizens require a stamped visa: Chad, Cyprus, Egypt, The Philippines, Peru, Dominican Republic, Thailand, Ecuador.

Stamped Visas: Can be obtained at Panamanian consulates abroad. Authorized Tourist Visas: Can be obtained at Panamanian consulates abroad with the authorization of the Immigration Bureau in Panama and the approval of the National Security Council.
Tourist Cards: Tourist cards cost $5.00 and can be purchased at air lines or travel agencies.
All tourists must have valid passports, with the exceptions of citizens of the United States of America, who only need a proof of nationality to obtain a card.
Departure Tax: There is a departure tax of $20 at Tocumen International Airport.

Countries whose citizens can enter panama with a tourist card (or visa): Antigua and Barbuda, Aruba, Australia, Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Bermuda, Brazil, Canada, Colombia, South Korea, Curaçao (Dutch Antilles), United States, The Vatican, Grenada, Greece, Guyana, Iceland, Jamaica, Japan, Malta, Mexico, Monaco, Norway, New Zealand, Paraguay, Western Samoa, St Kits and Nevis, St. Vincent & The Grenadines, Saint Lucia, Sao Tome & Principe, Sweden, Surinam, Taiwan, Trinidad & Tobago, Venezuela.

Citizens of all other nations: They need an authorized visa to enter the country.

Visiting the Colon Free Zone

The Colon Free Zone is located on the Atlantic side of the Isthmus. It is possible to travel there from Panama City, located on the Pacific side, by automobile, train or bus. Cars may easily be rented upon arrival at Tocumen International Airport and their rates range from $45 dollars per day. Colon is located about two hours by road from the airport or one and a half hours from Panama City. Taxis are available from Tocumen Airport or city hotels and charge approximately $60 for one to four persons for a one-way trip.

Traveling by bus is cheaper. Air conditioned express buses leave for Colon every half hour until 11 a.m. and thereafter, every hour on the hour.

They charge $2.50 for a one-way trip. The non-stop journey takes one hour and fifteen minutes.

Regular, non air-conditioned buses are also available. They charge $1.50 each way and take longer due to constant stopping along the route.

Another option is the railroad. The train leaves the terminal in Corozal at 7:15 a.m. and returns from Colon at 5:15 p.m., arriving in Panama City at 6:15 p.m. A return ticket costs $44, a one way ticket costs $22.

What to bring to the Colon Free Zone

Carry your valid passport at all times. You must present it on your arrival to obtain your pass. Taxis and rental cars are not allowed into the area, so be prepared to do a lot of walking.

As a result of Panama's tropical weather, the dress code for the Free Zone is casual. Temperatures range between 25º - 30º Celsius and humidity is always very high.

There are no restaurants in the Colon Free Zone. The laws governing the zone do not allow them. But from street vendors you can buy a variety of quick meals, ranging from hamburgers to Middle-eastern delicacies.

Where to stay in Colon

With four hundred hectares of showrooms in the commercial area of the Colón Free Zone and a variety of interesting sites in the surrounding areas, you might find it worthwhile to spend the night, or perhaps a couple of days in Colón. This Atlantic city offers a variety of hotels with rates ranging from $40 to $125 for single occupancy. The top hotel in Colon is The Melia Panama Canal Hotel on the shore of Gatun lake a few minutes drive from the city.This hotel has the Casino Mallorca, decked out with all the facilities for those who love games of chance. Its buildings were formerly the School of the Americas, the U.S. military academy. They have been beautifully converted and the hotel offers 5-star luxury. Tel.: (507) 470-1100.

At close of this edition of "FOB", a new hotel will be opening in 2008, the Radisson Colon 2000 Hotel & Casino operated by the company Colon 2000. Tel.: (507) 446-2000.

Other well-known hotels are: The New Washington Hotel Tel. (507) 441-7133, Hotel Andros Tel. (507) 441-0477, Hotel Carlton Tel. (507) 447-0459, Hotel Maryland Tel. (507) 441-7055. For more information contact the Users Association at (507) 441-4992 / (507) 441 4244 or the Free Zone Administration at (507) 475-9500, (507) 475-9501, (507) 475-9502.