It is the one that those citizens of countries that for immigration policy reasons require prior authorization from the National Directorate of Migration, to enter the country.
Nationals of these countries can apply for an Authorized Tourist Visa through the nearest Panamanian Embassy or Consulate, or with the assistance of a lawyer in Panama. The applicant must apply for the visa 60 days in advance, since the Public Safety and National Defense Council must verify the application and provide its authorization. The approval or not of the visa is a decision made at the discretion of the immigration authorities and the Security Council. Requirements to apply for the Authorized Visa All this documentation must be translated into Spanish, and must be apostilled or authenticated: • Complete the Authorized Visa Application Form • Power of attorney, if the visa is requested with a lawyer from Panama • Four (4) passport size photographs • Valid passport for at least 6 months • Two color copies of the entire passport, including the blank pages • Two color copies of the identity card or residence card • Two color copies of a second applicant identification • Copy of the travel itinerary. Applicant must have a reservation made with an airline • Proof of financial solvency showing no less than USD $ 500 • Proof of current income such as a job, pension or retirement letter, or equivalent • Copy of previous visas or permits approved by Panamanian immigration authorities, if any. • Present hotel reservation or invitation letter from the person responsible for the visit in Panama. About the invitation letter As mentioned in the last requirement, an invitation letter must be presented from the person responsible for the visit in Panama if there is no hotel reservation. The invitation can be from a natural person (national or resident) or from a company (public or private). If the invitation letter comes from a natural person, it must be accompanied by other documentation such as: • Copy of the identity card, residence card or passport of the person • Copy of utility bills stating your address • Bank reference letter • Job letter indicating salary If the invitation letter comes from a public or private entity, it must be accompanied by other documentation, for example: • Letter of responsibility from the legal representative of the entity • Copy of public service receipts where the address is stated • Those who invite and are responsible must prove their financial solvency through Bank Certification (with a maximum validity of 3 months) or Declaration of Income with peace of mind. • For private entities: Certificate of Public Registry, Copy of the Notice of Operations. Exceptions Citizens of restricted countries are exempt from the Authorized Tourist Visa process if they meet these 4 criteria: • Have a valid Residence or Tourist Visa issued by the United States, Canada, United Kingdom, Northern Ireland, Singapore, Japan, South Korea, Australia or countries of the European Union • This residence or tourist visa must be valid for a minimum of 6 months • This residence or tourist visa must for multiple entries • This residence or tourist visa must have been used at least once to visit the granting country
