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Special Visas for Temporary Visitors  

See also:  Special Visas

Temporary visitors are all those persons who enter into Panama for one of the following reasons: 

1. To visit family members for no more than nine (9) months

2. Undergo medical treatment in any Panamanian hospital, with the intent to leave the country within the 30 days after completing the treatment 

3. Study at any recognised educational institution

4. Undertake scientific, cultural, religious or humanitarian activities, sponsored by a recognised institution for more than three (3) months (for example, as a missionary). 

5. Reside temporarily in Panama, without undertaking any remunerated activities, while working at the Panama Canal Authority, or as a dependent of someone who works for the Panama Canal Authority. 

6. Fulfil a position as a paid employee of an Embassy, at an accredited mission in Panama. 

7. Provide services in the country as a specialised worker or as a technician for no more than five (5) years. 

8. Provide services for a Government Contract or to autonomous entities or semi-autonomous entities of the Government, for a specific period of time previously stipulated. 

9. Work for industrial companies which are authorised to transfer the applicant, in accordance with the provisions of the same and for the specific period authorised

10. Act as a Press Correspondent, accredited overseas

11. Provide services without diplomatic status in the offices of a foreign government 

12. Find personal security, subject to the provisions of Chapter VIII of Law Decree 16 (1960) - Assylum. 

Note:  Temporary visitors must apply for the correct visa and may not undertake activities of any nature, other than those specifically authorised.   

The applicable visas are: 

1. Temporary Visitor - visiting family 
2. Temporary Visitor - medical treatment
3. Temporary Visitor - student 
4. Temporary Visitor - missionary  
5. Temporary Visitor - religious
6. Temporary Visitor - employee of the Panama Canal Authority 
7. Temporary Visitor -  
8. Temporary Visitor - employee of a Government
9. Temporary Visitor - Government
10. Temporary Visitor - Personnel of Embassies, Consulates, and Foreign Government Representative Delegations, not covered by Diplomatic Status. 

With these visas, the applicant does not obtain Permanent Residency with the right to a Cédula, nor the future right to obtain Panamanian Citizenship.  These visas are usually valid for one year, renewable for up to four equal periods.  

Special Visas

The following special visas may be applied for, without the right to permanent residency: 

1. Pensioned Tourist Visa and Independent Means Visa (with a right to a Special Passport). 
2. Colon Free Trade Zone Executive

Prepared by Beth Anne Gray J. & Roberto Ríos

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