China passport → Panama

Panama visa for citizens of China

Embassy / VFSTourist visa

Citizens of China need a visa for Panama and must apply in person at an embassy or visa centre.

Not yet verified

Our latest check could not confirm these details against an official source, or found a conflict. Treat them as a starting point and confirm with the embassy or official visa portal before you book.

Last checked 2026-08-16. Policies change. Confirm with the embassy or official visa portal before you travel.

Key facts

Entry route	Embassy / VFS · Tourist visa
How to apply	In-person at an embassy or visa center
Maximum stay	Up to 30 days
Visa validity	1825 days
Entries	Multiple entry
Processing time	10–30 days
Government fee	$80
Passport validity	At least 6 months
Biometrics	Required
Appointment	Required
Interview	Not required
Onward or return ticket	Required
Proof of funds	Bank statements for last 3 months showing sufficient funds

How to apply

1
Determine eligibility
Check if you qualify for visa substitution with a valid US/Schengen/UK/Canada/Australia visa.
2
Prepare documents
Gather all required documents as per the list above.
3
Complete online application form
Fill out the visa application form on the Panama immigration official website.
4
Pay visa fee
Pay the $80 visa fee using the online payment system.
5
Schedule appointment
Book an in-person appointment at the nearest Panama embassy or consulate for biometrics and document submission.
6
Attend appointment
Bring all original and photocopied documents to the embassy. Biometrics (fingerprints and photo) will be taken.
7
Wait for processing
Processing takes approximately 10 to 30 days.
8
Receive visa
Visa will be affixed to your passport. (Collect in person or via courier as per embassy policy.)
9
Travel to Panama
Present passport with visa at border entry. Max stay 30 days per entry.

Documents checklist

Identity

Passport (valid for at least 6 months at entry)
Must have at least one blank visa page
Completed visa application form
Fill out online via the Panama immigration website
Recent passport-size photograph (white background)
2x2 inches, taken within last 6 months
Copy of passport biodata page

Travel

Copy of US/Schengen/UK/Canada/Australia visa (if applicable)
Optional
Valid for at least 6 months after entry – may substitute national visa
Round-trip flight itinerary
Must show entry and exit from Panama
Hotel reservation or letter of invitation
For entire stay

Financial

Bank statements (last 3 months)
Showing sufficient funds for stay

Employment

Employment letter or proof of financial means
Must include salary, position, and approval of leave

Supporting

Travel medical insurance
Coverage for duration of stay
Yellow fever vaccination certificate
Optional
Only if traveling from an endemic country
Copy of previous visas (if any)
Optional
Proof of civil status (marriage certificate, etc.)
Optional

Proof of funds

Minimum balance: Equivalent of $500 USD for duration of stay

Bank statements
Letter from employer
Traveler's checks

Must show ability to cover expenses without working in Panama

Good to know

Visa substitution with a valid US/Schengen/UK/Canada/Australia visa only works if that visa is valid for at least 6 months after entry into Panama.
As of 2 May 2019, visas are issued with a 5-year multiple-entry validity.
Biometric appointment is mandatory; book well in advance.

Common refusal reasons

Invalid or expired passport

Ensure passport is valid for at least 6 months at time of entry.

Insufficient funds

Provide bank statements showing sufficient balance and proof of income.

Missing or incorrect documents

Double-check the document list and submit certified translations if needed.

Previous overstay in Panama or other countries

Ensure no immigration violations in your travel history.

FAQ

Do citizens of China need a visa for Panama?

Citizens of China need a visa for Panama and must apply in person at an embassy or visa centre. Visa type: Tourist visa.

How long can citizens of China stay in Panama?

Up to 30 days.

How much does the Panama visa cost for citizens of China?

Government fee: $80.

How long does Panama visa processing take?

Typically 10–30 days.

What documents do citizens of China need for Panama?

Passport (valid for at least 6 months at entry); Completed visa application form; Recent passport-size photograph (white background); Copy of passport biodata page; Round-trip flight itinerary; Hotel reservation or letter of invitation; and 7 more.

How long must my passport be valid for Panama?

At least 6 months.

Plan your trip to Panama

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