A letter from STRI stating that you have been invited here as a scientific appointee or research visitor.See Visas Required Documents for more information.Īdditionally, STRI strongly recommends you bring: This document is an essential requirement for obtaining a short-term scientific visitor visa. A certified police record from your country of permanent residence, in case there is a chance you will stay longer than 90- 180 days in Panama (apostilled and translated into Spanish).Proof of solvency: either $500 USD in cash, traveler checks, or credit card or debit card with most recent monthly statement.A round-trip bus or plane ticket as proof that you plan to leave.A passport that is valid for at least three months after date of entry.Upon entering Panama, you will need the following documents and information: Required documents for STRI visitors to Panama Please see our Visas, Extensions and Driver’s License page for details. If you plan on staying in Panama for 90-180 days AND driving during that time, you will need a license issued in Panama. Please see our Immigration: Essential Information page for more information. Panamanian police officers may request your identification papers, including your passport, when you travel through the country or within Panama City. This will greatly facilitate your visit to Panama and any research activities that require immigration services or scientific permits.

On the first business day after your arrival in Panama, visit STRI’s Visitor Services Office at the Tupper Center in Panama City to register your visit. If you are a scientific visitor to STRI and will require more than 90-180 days to complete your research, you will need to contact our Office of External Affairs for information on length of stay or to make arrangements. Please see the country lists below for exceptions and details.

In general, foreigners can visit Panama for 90 days without a visa, depending on country of origin. All visitors to STRI must comply with current immigration regulations. Regulations are modified regularly so, even if you have visited us before, it is important to review immigration requirements. Officials from Panama’s National Immigration Service control entry to Panama and enforce immigration laws and regulations. The Panamanian government has generously granted certain special considerations to STRI that allow us to facilitate your visit. The Republic of Panama is the host country for the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute.

Bahamas immigration card per person