Costa RicaPanama: Visa-free

Costa RicaPanama

Do Costa Rica passport holders need a visa for Panama?

Visa-free

No. Costa Rica passport holders do not need a visa to visit Panama for tourism for stays of up to 3 months.

No visa is required for a short tourist stay. Travel on a valid passport alone.

Source: embassyofpanama.org (checked July 19, 2026).

    RequirementVisa-free
    Maximum stay3 months
    ScopeTourism, ordinary passport
    Action before travelNone, travel on your passport
    Data as of2026-10-21
    Distance498 km, straight line (~1h 5m nonstop)
    Visa-free access to Panama163 of 242 nationalities tracked

Travelling the other way? Panama passport holders visiting Costa Rica: Visa-free.

Other visa-free destinations for Costa Rica passport holders

See all Costa Rica destinations →

Frequently asked questions

Do Costa Rica passport holders need a visa for Panama?

No. Costa Rica passport holders do not need a visa to visit Panama for tourism for stays of up to 3 months.

How long can Costa Rica citizens stay in Panama without a visa?

Up to 3 months, for tourism, ordinary passport.

How far is Panama from Costa Rica?

About 498 km in a straight line, roughly ~1h 5m nonstop by air.

What currency is used in Panama?

Panamanian balboa (PAB).

What is the emergency number in Panama?

103 / 104 / 911.

What time zone is Panama in?

Panama (UTC-5).

What is the nearest airport to Panama City?

Marcos A. Gelabert International Airport (PAC), about 5 km away.

How many countries can enter Panama without a visa?

163 of the 242 nationalities this site tracks can enter Panama visa-free, with a visa on arrival, or with an eTA.

Visa rules change frequently and can depend on your specific circumstances. This site is compiled from public government sources and is provided for general information only. Always confirm requirements with the official immigration authority or a consulate of your destination before you travel.