PanamaCosta Rica: Visa-free

PanamaCosta Rica

Do Panama passport holders need a visa for Costa Rica?

Visa-free

No. Panama passport holders do not need a visa to visit Costa Rica for tourism for stays of up to 6 months.

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

Source: embassycr.org (checked July 18, 2026).

    RequirementVisa-free
    Maximum stay6 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 Costa Rica139 of 242 nationalities tracked

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

Other visa-free destinations for Panama passport holders

See all Panama destinations →

Frequently asked questions

Do Panama passport holders need a visa for Costa Rica?

No. Panama passport holders do not need a visa to visit Costa Rica for tourism for stays of up to 6 months.

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

Up to 6 months, for tourism, ordinary passport.

How far is Costa Rica from Panama?

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

What currency is used in Costa Rica?

Costa Rican colón (CRC).

What is the emergency number in Costa Rica?

112 / 911.

What time zone is Costa Rica in?

Costa Rica (UTC-6).

What is the nearest airport to San Jose?

Quepos Managua Airport (XQP), about 25 km away.

How many countries can enter Costa Rica without a visa?

139 of the 242 nationalities this site tracks can enter Costa Rica 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.