Panama
Panama travel guide for Canadians
Canadians can enter Panama visa‑free for up to 180 days; travel if passport is valid 6 months, no ETA needed. Change if passport expires soon or you plan a longer stay.
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GuidePanama
Key facts
- Visa requirementcheck
- Visa‑free 180 days
- Passport validity
- 6 months at entry
- Currency
- Balboa (PAB) = US$1
- Plug type
- A, B – 120 V 60 Hz
- Tipping norm
- 10 % if not included
- Emergency numbers
- 911, 104 police, 103 fire
Entry requirements for Canadians
Canadians travelling for tourism, business or transit do not need a visa; a stay of up to 180 days is allowed.
Your passport must be valid for at least six months on arrival. No electronic travel authorisation (ETA) is required for Panama.
- Check passport expiry before booking.
- If you plan to work, study or stay longer than 180 days, apply for the appropriate visa at the Panamanian consulate.
Canadian embassy and consular services
Panama has a Canadian Embassy in Panama City. It handles passport services, emergency assistance and notarial acts.
- Address: Edificio Torre de la Alianza, Ave. Balboa, Panama City.
- Phone: +507 225 3000 (check for current number).
- Website: https://www.canadainternational.gc.ca/panama
Cost of a trip to Panama (CAD)
A typical 10‑day itinerary (3 nights Panama City, 4 nights Bocas del Toro, 3 nights Boquete) costs roughly:
Flights Canada → Panama (round‑trip): CAD 800‑1,200 depending on season.
Domestic flights (Panama City → Bocas/Boquete): CAD 80‑120 each.
Mid‑range accommodation: CAD 70‑120 per night.
Meals: CAD 20‑40 per day.
Transport, entry fees and misc.: CAD 200‑300.
| Item | Estimated cost (CAD) |
|---|---|
| International round‑trip flight | 800‑1,200 |
| Domestic flight (per leg) | 80‑120 |
| Hotel (mid‑range, per night) | 70‑120 |
| Meals (per day) | 20‑40 |
| Transport & activities | 200‑300 |
Flight time and time‑difference
Direct flights from Toronto to Panama City (Tocumen Intl) take about 5 hours 30 minutes. From Vancouver the flight is around 7 hours with one stop.
Panama is UTC‑5 year‑round, the same as Eastern Standard Time (no daylight saving).
Electrical plugs and voltage
Panama uses Type A and B plugs, 120 V at 60 Hz – the same as Canada. Bring a standard Canadian plug or a universal adapter if your devices have a different shape.
Tipping guide
Restaurants usually add a 10 % service charge; if not, leave about 10 % of the bill.
Hotel staff: CAD 1‑2 per bag for bellhops, CAD 2‑5 per night for housekeeping.
Taxi drivers do not expect a tip, but rounding up to the nearest CAD 1‑2 is common.
Emergency contacts
Dial 911 for police, fire or ambulance.
For non‑urgent consular assistance, call the Canadian Embassy at +507 225 3000.
Questions people ask
Do Canadians need a visa for Panama?
No. Canadians can stay visa‑free for up to 180 days as tourists or business visitors; passport must be valid six months.
How much does a trip to Panama cost in CAD?
A 10‑day mid‑range trip averages CAD 2,500‑3,500, covering international and domestic flights, hotels, meals and activities.
Where is the nearest Canada embassy in Panama?
The Canadian Embassy is in Panama City, Edificio Torre de la Alianza, Avenida Balboa. Phone and website are listed in the embassy section.
What plug type does Panama use?
Type A and B plugs, 120 V 60 Hz – same as Canada.
Is a 10 % tip standard in Panamanian restaurants?
Yes. If the bill does not already include a 10 % service charge, add roughly 10 %.
Verify with the official source
Draft, not field-verified
Deep dive
Every source; changeable facts are marked check
Sources
Ask about Panama
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