• Will I need to travel to Panama to obtain my visa?
You will need to travel to Panama in order to obtain your visa. You will need to be present at least for the filing of the application and when your visa is approved. The Pensioner Visa takes approximately 3 months to be issued and the others about 5 months.

• Do I need an attorney to file my visa application?
Yes, you do. Your attorney will prepare a special power of attorney for you to sign for this purpose.

• How long may I stay outside Panama once I obtain my visa?
If you obtain a visa to reside in Panama, but you wish to live overseas, we recommend that you make plans to visit Panama at least once a year (legally you may be away up to two years). In any case, you must obtain a multiple entry permit valid for up to two years before leaving and must never let it expire while overseas. We may assist you on obtaining this permit.

• How long may I stay in Panama with a tourist visa?

Citizens of Argentina, Austria, Belgium, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Costa Rica, Cyprus, El Salvador, Finland, France, Germany, Great Britain, Greece, Guatemala, Holland, Honduras, Hungary, Israel, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Nicaragua, Paraguay, Poland, Portugal, Singapore, Spain, Switzerland and Uruguay, may stay for 3 months and may have their visa renewed one more time for such a period of time as Immigration may determine (maximum three additional months).

Citizens of U.S., Canada, and other European and Latin American countries may stay only for one month and may have their visa renewed one more time for up to 60 more days.

Nationals of some Eastern European, African and Asian countries have restrictions to travel to Panama and may need to have their tourist visas pre-approved.

• How should I dress when visiting banks and public offices?
If you wish to conduct business during your stay (visits to Immigration Department, open bank accounts, etc.) you should wear slightly conservative clothing for the appointments. Shorts, sandals, tank tops, sleeveless wear and such are frowned upon. Moreover, Government offices will bar entrance to anyone in such attire.

• May I bring pets to Panama?
Yes. If you are bringing a dog or cat, you will need to notify the Department of Agriculture in Panama in advance giving full details of the animal and date of your arrival. You will need to bring with you also, a certificate from you pet's vet including information on all vaccines administered and a certificate from your local authority in charge of animals, all duly authenticated. Other animals require special import licenses which must be obtained prior to your arrival.

Quarantine will be done at your local residence.