Effective April 4, 2018, valid Schengen visas and current EU residence permits will once again be accepted for entry into Panama. Pursuant to Executive Decree No. 114, foreigners requiring an entry visa are now permitted to enter pursuant to a valid Schengen visa or current resident permit for a European Union country. The Schengen visa, however, must be:
1) multiple-entry;
2) used on a prior occasion to enter the granting country; and
3) valid for a period of one year after entering Panama.
Furthermore, starting June 2018, Indian nationals will no longer be required to hold an authorized visa and can enter Panama on a stamped visa alone, which is more easily obtained. Any foreign national traveling to Panama is nonetheless advised to first check updated visa and entry requirements with their Panamanian consulate or contact your EIG attorney prior to departure to ensure proper documentation is presented for entry.