Panama entry requirements for Australian citizens

The UK government is introducing a new Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) requirement for non-visa travellers starting in 2025. This system, similar to the US ESTA, will require most visitors to obtain an ETA or eVisa before travelling to the UK. The ETA is a digital permit linked to the traveller's passport, costing £10, and allows multiple entries into the UK for up to six months at a time over a two-year period.

ETA rollout schedule:

• From January 8, 2025: All non-European nationals will need an ETA.
• From April 2, 2025: European citizens will also require an ETA.
• Applications: Open for non-European nationals on November 27, 2023, and for European citizens on March 5, 2025.

Who needs an ETA?

It will cover all non-European and European nationals (except British and Irish citizens).

Exemptions:

British and Irish passport holders, those with British Overseas Territories passports, existing visa holders, and individuals with permission to live, work, or study in the UK do not need to apply for an ETA.

Restrictions:

While the ETA permits stays for tourism, business, short-term studies, or visiting friends and family for up to six months, it does not allow activities like getting married, claiming benefits, residing in the country through frequent visits, or self-employed work.

• Mandatory proof of return or onward ticket from Panama

  Travellers require proof of a ticket showing a return to their origin country or the next destination from Panama.
  This requirement doesn’t apply to the following travellers: -Nationals of Panama; -Foreign nationals residing in Panama.

• Proof of minimum funds may be required

  Travellers may be required to prove economic solvency of at least USD 500.00 to enter Panama. Please see the source for more details.

• Recommended vaccinations for Panama

  Travellers should consider: -Hepatitis A and Hepatitis B vaccines; -Typhoid vaccine for visits to smaller cities or rural areas; -Routine vaccines including Measles; -Yellow Fever vaccination if travelling to the region of Embera and Kuna Yala, the province of Darien, and areas of the provinces of Colon and Panama that are east of the Canal. Yellow Fever vaccination is not recommended for travellers whose itineraries are limited to the following areas: west of the Canal, the city of Panama, the Canal area itself, Balboa Islands (Pearl Islands) and San Blas Islands. Additional vaccine recommendations may apply. Consult your healthcare provider and check the source for details.

• Travel Declaration form may be required before arrival

  Travellers arriving at Panama via Tocumen International Airport (PTY) or Scarlett Martinez International Airport (RIH) who need to declare more than PAB 10,000 must complete a customs form before arrival. Travellers not declaring PAB 10,000 are not required to complete this form. Different requirements apply to travellers entering Panama via Panama Pacifico International Airport (BLB) : -Travellers entering Panama via Panama Pacifico International Airport (BLB) can complete the form online or by completing a physical document their airline distributes. Different requirements may apply to other airports.
  Complete online

• Travellers require a passport valid for at least 3 months from the time of entry

  Travellers need a valid passport to enter Panama. The traveller's passport must remain valid for at least 3 months after the traveller arrives in Panama.