--- title: United States visa for citizens of Panama description: Citizens of Panama need a visa for the United States and must apply in person at an embassy or visa centre. Documents checklist and application steps. canonical: https://nowah.xyz/visa/united-states/panama lastModified: 2026-09-05 --- # United States visa for citizens of Panama Citizens of Panama need a visa for the United States and must apply in person at an embassy or visa centre. *Verified · last checked 2026-09-05. Policies change. Confirm with the embassy or official visa portal before you travel.* ## Key facts - **Entry route:** Embassy / VFS · B-1/B-2 Visitor Visa - **How to apply:** In-person at an embassy or visa center - **Entries:** Multiple entry - **Biometrics:** Required - **Appointment:** Required - **Interview:** Required - **Onward or return ticket:** Required - **Proof of funds:** Bank statements, pay stubs, tax returns, or other evidence of sufficient funds for the trip. ## How to apply 1. **Complete the DS-160 form online** — Fill out the Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application on the CEAC website and print the confirmation page with barcode. 2. **Pay the visa application fee** — Pay the Machine Readable Visa (MRV) fee through the designated payment method (bank transfer, credit card, or cash at a bank). 3. **Schedule your visa interview appointment** — Log in to the U.S. Visa Information and Appointment Service system using the DS-160 barcode and fee receipt number to book a slot at the embassy/consulate. 4. **Gather the required documents** — Collect all supporting documents as per the checklist (passport, photo, financial proofs, etc.). 5. **Attend the visa interview in person** — Arrive at the U.S. embassy or consulate on the scheduled date and time for biometrics (fingerprints) and the interview with the consular officer. 6. **Wait for visa processing** — After the interview, your visa will be processed; this may take a few days for standard or administrative processing. 7. **Collect your passport with visa** — Once approved, collect your passport via courier or pick-up from the designated location as chosen during the appointment. ## Documents checklist - **Valid passport (with at least one blank visa page)** (Identity): Must be valid for at least 6 months beyond intended stay. - **DS-160 confirmation page** (Identity): Online nonimmigrant visa application form. - **Photo (2x2 inches, white background)** (Identity): Must meet U.S. visa photo requirements. - **Visa application fee receipt** (Financial): Proof of payment of the MRV fee. - **Appointment confirmation letter** (Supporting): Printed from the appointment scheduling system. - **Travel itinerary (round-trip flight reservation)** (Travel): Confirmed onward/return ticket or tentative itinerary. - **Hotel reservation or accommodation proof** (Travel, optional): To show planned stay arrangements. - **Bank statements (last 3-6 months)** (Financial): Original or copies showing sufficient funds. - **Employment letter or proof of occupation** (Employment): Letter detailing job position, salary, and approved leave. - **Pay stubs (recent 3 months)** (Financial, optional): Supporting income documentation. - **Tax returns (previous year)** (Financial, optional): May be requested for self-employed applicants. - **Proof of ties to home country (e.g., property deeds, family certificates)** (Supporting, optional): To demonstrate non-immigrant intent. - **Previous U.S. visas (if any) or old passports** (Identity, optional): Provide all previous passports with visas for review. - **Invitation letter (if visiting friends/family)** (Supporting, optional): From the host in the U.S., including their visa/travel details. ## Proof of funds - bank statements - pay stubs - tax returns - employment letter Demonstrate sufficient funds to cover travel and stay. No fixed minimum balance required but should match trip duration and planned expenses. ## Good to know - Visa interview appointments may have long wait times; apply well in advance. - All documents must be in English or accompanied by a certified translation. - The consular officer may request additional documents not listed here. - Carry original documents and a copy for submission. ## Common refusal reasons - **Insufficient evidence of ties to home country** — Provide strong proof of employment, property, family, or other commitments that ensure return after the visit. - **Inadequate financial means** — Submit recent bank statements, pay stubs, and any other proof of financial stability clearly covering trip expenses. - **Incomplete or inconsistent application information** — Double-check all information on DS-160 and supporting documents for accuracy and consistency. - **Previous visa overstay or immigration violations** — Be honest about past travel history; provide explanations if applicable. ## FAQs ### Do citizens of Panama need a visa for the United States? Citizens of Panama need a visa for the United States and must apply in person at an embassy or visa centre. Visa type: B-1/B-2 Visitor Visa. ### What documents do citizens of Panama need for the United States? Valid passport (with at least one blank visa page); DS-160 confirmation page; Photo (2x2 inches, white background); Visa application fee receipt; Appointment confirmation letter; Travel itinerary (round-trip flight reservation); and 8 more. ## More - [United States visa for every passport](/visa/united-states) - [Every destination for Panama passport holders](/visa/passport/panama)