Panama
Panama travel guide for New Zealanders
New Zealanders can enter Panama visa‑free for up to 180 days; if you plan to stay longer or work, a visa is required. Change to a longer stay or work purpose and you must apply beforehand.
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GuidePanama
Key facts
- Visa‑free stay
- 180 days
- Currency
- Balboa (PAB) = US$1
- Plugs
- Types A & B, 120 V 60 Hz
- Tipping
- 10 % in restaurants if not included
- Emergency numbers
- 911, 104 police, 103 fire
Quick answer
New Zealand passport holders do not need a visa for tourist visits up to 180 days; apply only if you need a longer stay, work, or study.
Entry requirements
Passport must be valid for at least three months beyond your intended departure date. No visa is required for stays up to 180 days. A return or onward ticket and proof of sufficient funds may be asked at immigration.
- Passport validity: ≥3 months
- Visa‑free stay: 180 days (check)
- Proof of funds: typical $100 USD per day (check)
Embassy contact
New Zealand does not have an embassy in Panama. The nearest consular representation is the New Zealand Embassy in Washington, D.C., USA. For emergencies, contact the New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (MFAT) via their 24‑hour consular assistance line.
- Nearest NZ embassy: Washington, D.C., USA (check)
- MFAT emergency line: +64 4 472 1234 (check)
Trip cost
A moderate budget for a two‑week trip (including flights, accommodation, meals and transport) is roughly NZ$3,500–4,500 per person. This estimate assumes mid‑range hotels, occasional tours and local meals.
- Flights (Auckland ↔ Panama City): NZ$1,800–2,200 (check)
- Accommodation: NZ$40–80 per night (mid‑range) (check)
- Meals: NZ$15–30 per day (check)
- Transport & tours: NZ$500–800 total (check)
Flight information
The main international gateway is Tocumen International Airport (PTY) in Panama City. Typical one‑stop routes from Auckland involve a stop in Los Angeles, Dallas or Miami, with total travel time of 15–18 hours.
- Main airport: Tocumen International (PTY)
- Typical flight time from Auckland: 15–18 h (check)
- Time difference: Panama is UTC‑5, New Zealand is UTC+12/13 (check)
Electrical plugs
Panama uses Type A and Type B plugs, the same as North America, at 120 V 60 Hz. Bring a universal adapter if your devices use other plug types.
Tipping
A 10 % tip is customary in restaurants when service is not already included. Small tips for hotel staff, taxi drivers and tour guides are appreciated.
Emergency numbers
Dial 911 for police, fire or medical emergencies. The national police line is 104 and fire is 103.
Questions people ask
Do New Zealanders need a visa for Panama?
No, you can stay visa‑free for up to 180 days as a tourist. Apply for a visa only if you need a longer stay, work or study.
How much does a trip to Panama cost in NZD?
A typical two‑week trip costs about NZ$3,500–4,500, covering flights, mid‑range accommodation, meals and transport. Prices vary with season and travel style.
Where is the nearest New Zealand embassy in Panama?
New Zealand does not have an embassy in Panama; the nearest is in Washington, D.C., USA. For consular help, contact MFAT’s 24‑hour line.
What is the time difference between New Zealand and Panama?
Panama is UTC‑5 year‑round; New Zealand is UTC+12 (standard) or UTC+13 (daylight). The difference is 17 hours (or 18 hours when NZ is on daylight time).
Do I need an adapter for my electronics in Panama?
Panama uses Type A/B plugs at 120 V 60 Hz, the same as North America. Bring an adapter if your devices have different plugs.
Verify with the official source
Draft, not field-verified
Deep dive
Every source; changeable facts are marked check
Sources
- secondaryVoykit – Panama guide
Ask about Panama
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