---
title: Panama visa for citizens of China
description: "Citizens of China need a visa for Panama and must apply in person at an embassy or visa centre. Stay up to 30 days. Fee: $80. Processing: 10–30 days. Documents checklist and application steps."
canonical: https://nowah.xyz/visa/panama/china
lastModified: 2026-08-16
---

# Panama visa for citizens of China

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

*Not yet verified · last checked 2026-08-16. Policies change. Confirm with the embassy or official visa portal before you travel.*

> 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.

## 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

- **Passport (valid for at least 6 months at entry)** (Identity): Must have at least one blank visa page
- **Completed visa application form** (Identity): Fill out online via the Panama immigration website
- **Recent passport-size photograph (white background)** (Identity): 2x2 inches, taken within last 6 months
- **Copy of passport biodata page** (Identity)
- **Copy of US/Schengen/UK/Canada/Australia visa (if applicable)** (Travel, optional): Valid for at least 6 months after entry – may substitute national visa
- **Round-trip flight itinerary** (Travel): Must show entry and exit from Panama
- **Hotel reservation or letter of invitation** (Travel): For entire stay
- **Bank statements (last 3 months)** (Financial): Showing sufficient funds for stay
- **Employment letter or proof of financial means** (Employment): Must include salary, position, and approval of leave
- **Travel medical insurance** (Supporting): Coverage for duration of stay
- **Yellow fever vaccination certificate** (Supporting, optional): Only if traveling from an endemic country
- **Copy of previous visas (if any)** (Supporting, optional)
- **Proof of civil status (marriage certificate, etc.)** (Supporting, 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.

## FAQs

### 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.

## More

- [Panama visa for every passport](/visa/panama)
- [Every destination for China passport holders](/visa/passport/china)