How to get a Panama visa from Nigeria

• This is the type of visa issued to persons intending to visit Panama for tourism purposes.
• Any visitor who wants to visit Panama as a tourist will need to be in possession of a valid passport and an onward or return ticket.
• The Panama tourist visa is a restrictive visa that visitors need to obtain before they enter Panama.
• The duration of stay granted to a tourist is determined by the migration authorities. Most times, this is usually 90 days.
• Instead of an authorized tourist visa, visitors to Panama can also get a visa stamp or a tourist card, both of which can still permit a visitor to enter Panama several times throughout the year.
• The validity of the visa stamp is generally 30 days per visit.
• Applicants must ensure that the passport photograph they use matches or corresponds to all the specifications required for visa photographs. They will need to submit two copies of the passport photograph along with the visa application form.
• A visitor who is eligible to visit Panama on a tourist card can also apply for a visa stamp. However, citizens of some countries are specifically required to have a visa stamp for entering Panama.
• To be eligible for Panama tourist visa, you must provide proof of your financial ability to support yourself during your stay in Panama.
• The visa application fee is non-refundable. Whether or not visa is granted, the fee will not be refunded.

• This is the type of visa issued to Nigerians traveling to Panama for business purposes.
• Because of its geographic location, the Panamanian business and social climate is heavily influenced by North American and Latin American cultures.
• Its diversified economy -- largely focused on banking, trading and tourism -- has increased its role in the global marketplace as much as the Panama Canal facilitates trade and transportation.
• Panamanians highly value education and are enthusiastic about expanding their awareness of international relations and business practices.
• About four (4) categories of visa are available for business travelers to Panama. They are:

a. Inversionista (Investor): A minimum of $160,000 must be invested in setting up a company in Panama with a minimum of five Panamanian employees in its payroll, and $1,050 must be deposited in advance ($800 with the National Immigration Service and $250 with the National Treasury).

b. Permiso Temporal (Temporary Permit): For executives transferred from an overseas office to work in Panama temporarily or technicians working with a company in Panama for a limited time. Executives must prove their income will come from outside of Panama. Foreign technicians shall not exceed 15% of the employees of the company. The visa is valid for one year and is renewable up for six years.

c. Visa Corta Estancia Por Negocios (Short Stay Business Visa): For businesspersons coming to Panama for the purpose of setting up a branch office of a foreign company in Panama. The visa is valid for up to nine months and is nonrenewable.

d. Permiso de Residencia para Nacionales de Paises con relaciones amistosas, económicas y de inversion con la República de Panamá (Friendly Nations Residency Permit). The U.S. is included in the friendly nations list. This residency status is granted to individuals coming to Panama with the purpose of pursuing commercial or professional activities in Panama. Once approved, this permit grants an indefinite residency in Panama. Applicants must show a bank account with approximately $5,000 or more and proof of a commercial or professional activity.

• There are other business related residency permits available, some related to special zones such as the “Panama – Pacific Area”; the “City of Knowledge”; “Export Processing Zones”; and for “Call Centers.”
• If you are employed, you will have to present a certificate from your employer stating or allowing your business travel.
• Proof of sufficient funds to cover the costs of stay (e.g. bank statement for 2 recent months) is required.
• Self-employed people may need to submit proof of business registration. You cannot be gainfully employed while you are in the country with this visa.
• It must be made clear whether your trip will be sponsored by the employer or the local company. Proof of payment of visa application fee should be submitted.
• The embassy/consulate reserves the right to ask for additional documents or personal appearance for an interview in special cases.
• Submission of all the documents does not guarantee that a visa is granted. Submission of incomplete documentation or refusal to appear for a special visa interview will definitely result in the rejection of your visa application.

The official currency of Panama is the Balboa, named after Spanish explorer Vasco Núñez de Balboa, who discovered the Pacific Ocean in 1513.

Panama is located in Central America, bordering both the Caribbean Sea and the Pacific Ocean, between Colombia and Costa Rica.

The capital and largest city of Panama is Panama City.