In 2025, Panama’s passport ranks in the upper mid-tier, offering practical travel access and benefits for expats and international professionals.
Many wonder, is Panama a strong passport compared to other nations?
This guide covers Panama passport visa-free access and key topics including:
- What makes a passport powerful?
- What are the visa free countries for Panama passport holders?
- How good is the Panama passport?
- What is the Panama passport ranking in 2025?
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The information in this article is for general guidance only. It does not constitute financial, legal, or tax advice, and is not a recommendation or solicitation to invest. Some facts may have changed since the time of writing.
What Makes a Passport Strong?
A passport’s strength depends on the following:
- Visa-free access remains the most critical element, as it reflects how many destinations a passport holder can enter without a prior visa or by obtaining a visa on arrival. The wider the access, the more convenient it is for business travelers, expats, and frequent flyers.
- Official rankings also play a significant role. Reputable indexes such as Henley Passport Index, Passport Index, and Nomad Capitalist Passport Index evaluate passports annually based on travel freedom, tax advantages, and overall mobility potential.
- Global usability extends beyond travel. A strong passport should be easy to obtain, renew, and use internationally. It must also be recognized by most countries as a reliable identity document, ensuring smooth passage at borders and facilitating residency or citizenship applications in other jurisdictions.
Panama Passport Visa-Free Access Countries
Panama passport holders enjoy substantial global travel freedom. Different rankings give slightly different figures. As of early 2025:
- The Henley Passport Index reports visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to 148 destinations.
- The Passport Index (by Arton) gives Panama a mobility score of 140, with access to 88 visa-free destinations, 45 visas on arrival.
- The Nomad Capitalist reports Panama has a total mobility score of 88, accounting not just for visa access but also financial freedom, dual citizenship potential, and lifestyle mobility
Popular visa-free destinations across these rankings include:
- Europe: Germany and France—both Schengen members where Panama passports allow visa-free travel.
- Asia: destinations like Israel—Panama passport holders are given 90-day visa-free access.
- Americas: Costa Rica offers 180-day visa-free entry, and the Bahamas is accessible for three months without a visa.
- Special regions: Hong Kong (30 days visa-free)
Panama Passport Ranking in 2025
Across indexes, Panama consistently ranks in the upper mid-range, stronger than many regional peers but below top global passports like Singapore or Japan.
- Henley Passport Index
Panama holds the 27th position globally on the Henley Passport Index, placing it in the upper mid-tier of passports worldwide. - Passport Index (Arton)
Arton Capital’s Passport Index also ranks Panama at 28th, reinforcing its strong position in terms of mobility and global recognition. This ranking reflects a balance of visa-free access and international credibility. - Nomad Capitalist
The Nomad Passport Index gives Panama a lower ranking of 66th, as it considers broader factors beyond travel freedom, including taxation, dual citizenship options, and overall lifestyle quality. Despite being lower than Henley and Arton’s results, it still recognizes Panama as a viable choice for expats seeking global flexibility.
How good is the Panama passport?
Beyond granting visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to over 140 destinations, Panama passport provides additional advantages valued by expats and global investors.
Holders benefit from Panama’s favorable tax regime, including territorial taxation where foreign-sourced income is not taxed, and access to a growing financial hub in Latin America.
Dual citizenship is permitted, allowing individuals to maintain ties to their home country while expanding global mobility.
Additionally, Panama’s passport is recognized for its straightforward renewal process, long validity period, and use in business-friendly jurisdictions.
Combined with the country’s stable economy and residency pathways leading to citizenship, these benefits make the passport an attractive option for those seeking both travel convenience and financial flexibility.
How to Get a Panama Passport?
Key Routes & Steps:
- Secure Residency via programs like Friendly Nations Visa, Pensionado Visa, Self-Economic Solvency Visa, or Qualified Investor Visa.
- Naturalization: Hold permanent residency for five years (or reduced if married to a Panamanian).
- Fulfill Requirements: Show basic Spanish proficiency, civic integration, and pass documentation checks.
- Apply for Passport through Panama’s immigration authority once naturalized.
What Are the Passport Requirements for Panama?
To obtain a Panamanian passport, you must first acquire citizenship through naturalization, marriage, or other legal pathways.
Requirements include a naturalization certificate, valid Panamanian ID, and passport photos, which must be submitted to the Passport Authority of Panama for processing.
How Much Is a Passport in Panama?
The cost of a Panamanian passport is relatively affordable compared to other countries.
As of 2025, the standard issuance fee is approximately USD 100–150, depending on the passport’s validity period and processing speed.
Conclusion
Panama offers a solid passport in 2025, ranking in the upper mid-tier and providing access to over 140 destinations.
While not among the world’s most powerful passports, it delivers strong mobility benefits, practical residency pathways, and dual citizenship potential, making it an appealing option for expats and global professionals seeking flexibility and lifestyle advantages.
FAQs
Can I travel to Panama with an expired Panamanian passport?
No. Panama requires passports to be valid for at least six months beyond date of entry, consistent with global norms.
Can Panama Passport Holders Have Dual Citizenship?
Panama allows dual citizenship in certain cases, but the rules can be complex.
Some naturalized citizens may need to renounce their previous citizenship formally, while others such as those acquiring citizenship by descent, can maintain dual nationality without issue.
How Long Does It Take to Get a Panama Passport?
Generally, it takes around five years of permanent residency to qualify for naturalization and an additional few months for the passport issuance process.
Does Panama Offer Citizenship by Investment?
Unlike Caribbean nations, Panama does not provide a direct citizenship-by-investment (CBI) program.
However, investors can obtain residency through the Qualified Investor Visa, which can lead to citizenship after meeting residency requirements.
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