Panama Visa in Nigeria: Cost, Application, Requirements (November, 2024)

For whatever reason you will be travelling to Panama, it’s certain that you will need a visa to have access to this central American country. There are certain procedures to follow in getting a Panama visa in order to visit Panama. If you have been inquisitive on how you can get visa to Panama, the visa application form, its cost and the location of Panama embassy in Nigeria, this article will answer all queries here today.

A lot of people who are intending on traveling to Panama have been putting in this query on how to apply for Panama visa from Nigeria or how to travel to Panama from Nigeria and other questions that relates to Panama visa and how to eventually get there. All of these will be our focus here in this article. The issue has become significant due to the fact that a good number of Nigerians love to visit this American country.

Nigeria citizens should know that they would need visa for travelling to Panama as tourist. Due to the COVID pandemic, the country is partially open for travelers. And so, stay has been shortened for a period of 90 days. It is compulsory for applicants to be available when applying for a visa, submitting the eight required documents.

What You Should Know About Panama

Firstly, you should know some things about Panama before planning your intended visit. This will help you know where to visit in the country. In a short overview, Panama is a Central America country that shares common borders with Costa Rica to the west, Colombia (in South America) to the southeast, the Caribbean Sea to the north and the Pacific Ocean to the south. Panama City is the capital and largest city of the country.

Over the years, Panama has been a destination for most people and the country has been gaining popularity on this. There are many things that intrigue these people to b visit Panama. An advantage of staying in the country is that the cost of living is relatively low. If you are considering to visit or stay in this central American country, then you have made a right choice.

Panama Visa Types

There are two groups or types of Panama visa. They include – the “stamped visas” and “authorized visas.” The former which is the “stamped visas”, let some travelers enter the country several times throughout the year. This type of visa is only available through a Panamanian embassy or consulate, and the length of the stay is usually 30 days per visit. Panama stamped visa is open for anyone who is eligible to visit the country on a tourist card.

On the other hand, the “authorized visa” is the most restrictive type of tourist visa, and it’s applicable for citizens of some countries.  This kind of visa is only available through a Panamanian consulate or embassy just like the “stamped visa”. Your length of stay will be determined by the officials who will also choose to either approve to decline the visa application.

The majority of countries on this list are in the Middle East, Asia, Africa, or eastern Europe. These include Nigeria, Bangladesh, Cuba, Haiti, India, Pakistan, China, and South Africa, although the list is subject to change.  It’s a good idea to check with the consulate before beginning the application process, because the requirements can vary by consulate. Also, early application is the best you should do in order to get a swift process. It’s recommended to begin the application process at least a month before the start of your travel.

Steps on How to Get Panama Visa in Nigeria

Here we will explain the step by step guide on how to get visa for Panama from Nigeria;

Firstly, there are two types of visa – Authorised and Stamped visa. We earlier explain much on these visas. On the off chance that the visa is granted, you must come personally to the consulate to get the visa stamped on your passport.

Step 1: Get The Required Documents For Getting Panama Visa

Ensure to keep handy the documents required for Panama tourist visa. Below is the detailed rundown of these important documents;

• Visa Application Form: You should complete the application form for Panama visa.
• Proof of economic solvency during stay, (which should be not less than USD $500.00)
• Your previous visa(s) will also be required if available.
• Passport Photo: You be required for your passport photograph which must be no older than 6 months.
• A copy of your Nigerian ID or residence card.
• A copy of your most recent Panama visa, if applicable
• Passport Copy: Another document that will be required is your Passport copy. You should have a clear scan of the information pages of your signed, machine readable passport. This should include the pages of your current passport showing your photo, personal details and passport issue and expiry dates. This passport must be valid for six months beyond the expiry date of the visa.

Also, the copies of all the pages of your passport will be needed. The passport should have at least three months validity before expected trip. If your documents are verified at the embassy, you will be granted the visa.

Step 2: Book Hotel

It’s also important to have a hotel reservation(s) for the duration of your visit. On hotel bookings, the Panama embassy recommends not to purchase tickets until visa is approved. This will help you not to risk your money, time and effort by buying actual tickets.

Step 3: Book Flight For Traveling

On the flight bookings, the reservations(s) of flights for the country of your visit and return ticket should follow this flight itinerary. You can utilize the onward ticket which is a flight reservation made by a real travel agency. However, this can be helpful for visa applications or if you want to enter a country without purchasing a return flight.

Step 4: Present Your Cover Letter

You should also have a cover letter mentioning your full details, travel and details of the other members travelling with you (if any). This will be used in processing your visa application.

Step 5: Invitation Letter

An invitation letter is another important thing that is needed to process the Panama visa. This should be a letter from your relative or friend or company inviting you to visit and their relationship to you. The letter could state: the purpose of your visit and length of stay, if you will be staying with them. Also you will be required to provide the proof of their funds, if this person will be paying for your stay. For a smooth process, it’s preferable to present a letter of invitation, which may come from either a Panamanian resident or a private entity.

Location of Panama Embassy in Nigeria

While there are no Panamanian embassy in Nigeria, Panama already have treaties with other countries such as Austria, Portugal, United Kingdom, and United States. If  you get a valid visa from one of such countries, you would be granted access into Panama.

United States of America Embassy in Abuja

Address: Plot 1075 Diplomatic Drive, Central Business District, Abuja

Phone: +234-9461-4000

Fax: +234-9461-4171

Email: Consularabuja@state.gov

Website: http://nigeria.usembassy.gov/

Conclusion

That’s the size of this write-up, as we have been able to highlight the guide on how to get Panama visa in Nigeria. This article will help those who intend on going to the American country, to have the knowledge of what’s involved