Entry and visa requirements

A US $5 tourist visa is issued to citizens of the US and Canada on arrival.  In May 2007 the Panama Legislature reduced the term of the visa from 90 days to 30 days.  A backlash from the real estate and tourism sectors followed and the 90 days has since been re-instated for US citizens - un-officially, as the Law has not been revised.  Canadian citizens still are allowed 30 days, although this may also change.  Citizens of many European countries require only to show a valid passport.  Immigration officials occasionally ask for a return ticket. 

There are special programs available for those wishing to retire in Panama.  Review the Panama retirement section below.

Residency

A number of permanent residency programs exist in Panama including the Investor Visa (requiring a minimum investment of US$200,000); the Reforestation Visa (requiring a minimum investment of US$80,000 in an approved reforestation program); and the Person of Means Visa/Rentista Visa (requiring a CD in a local bank an/or residential property investments).  These programs are subject to change and investment amounts are revised frequently.  The progressive nature of Panama's retirement and residency programs have done much to underpin the interest in the market for Panama real estate among foreigners.

With the exception of the investment amounts required, the application documents required are similar for the main residency programs. These include a police clearance report from last place of residence, birth certificate and medical clearance from Panama.

Retirement program

In 2008 Panama revised its immigration laws.  The benefits of its now famed retirement program have seen little change but income requirements for eligibility have been increased.  Applicants now need to demonstrate US$1,000 per month. There is no minimum age for the program and the benefits are the most far ranging of the region.

• Benefits include: Tax free entry of US$10,000 worth of personal goods and exemption of import duty on a car every two years. A wide range of discounts apply including: 50% discounts for movies, theaters and sporting events; 30% discount for city buses, Panama trains and boats (not cruise boats); 25% discount for flights purchased with COPA airlines in Panama; 30-50% discounts on hotels; 25% discount at restaurants; 15% discount at fast food outlet; 15-20% discount for hospital and private clinic services, dentists and optometric exams; 20% discount on local professional services; 20% discount for prosthetic devices; 50% discount on the price of a Panama passport; 25% discount on electric bill up to 600KW; 25% discount to the basic residential phone service charges; and a 25% discount on primary residential water bill (if monthly bill does not exceed US $30). 


• Income requirement: US$1,000 per month (plus $100 for each dependent.)


• Other requirements: There is no minimum age for the retirement program.  Applicants need to supply a birth certificate, marriage certificate (if applicable) and police report certified by the nearest Panama Consulate.

Climate

Panama's Pacific side dry season runs from mid-December to mid April.  On the Caribbean coast, dry and wet seasons are less marked and it can rain at any time of the year.  Panama's mountain areas (for example Boquete, El Valle) can get cold with temperatures falling to below 50˚F (10˚C).  Temperatures in other parts of the country average around 84˚F (29˚C)   As with Nicaragua and Costa Rica, temperature is more a factor of  elevation than season.

Health

Panama City has high standard care offered in a number of hospitals and clinics.  Outside the capital medical facilities are limited and most doctors will communicate only in Spanish.

Safety

With the exception of the remote Darien Province, Panama is considered a safe country.  It is not recommended to travel to areas close to the Panama-Colombia border.  Crime is rising slightly in Panama City but the overall feeling is that the country is safe and welcoming to visitors.  The road infrastucture in Panama is of a higer quality than found elsewhere in the region.