The Panama Traveler Passport, also known as the Panama Special Passport, is a travel document available under the Private Income Retiree Visa program. While it looks like a regular passport, it does not grant Panamanian citizenship or permanent residency. Instead, it allows international travel while maintaining the holder’s original nationality.
Eligibility Requirements for the Panama Traveler Passport
To obtain this passport, applicants must qualify for the Private Income Retiree Visa, which involves a five-year secured investment in a Panamanian financial institution. This investment must generate at least $850 in monthly returns, with the required amount depending on current interest rates. In 2019, a 4-5% rate required an estimated $350,000 investment.
How to Apply for the Panama Traveler Passport
The Panama Traveler Passport application must be handled by a licensed immigration lawyer in Panama. Once the Private Income Retiree Visa is approved, the lawyer will submit the request on behalf of the applicant. The following documents are required:
- A notarized application and power of attorney.
- Three passport-sized photos.
- A notarized copy of the applicant’s passport.
- A Certificate of Good Health confirming the applicant is physically fit.
- A Declaration of Personal Background with relevant personal and legal details.
- A financial confirmation letter from the Panamanian bank holding the investment, stating the deposit amount, interest, and duration, and confirming it is free of liens.
- A notarized copy of the investment certificate.
If the application includes dependents, additional documents are required:
- A Letter of Accountability stating financial responsibility for dependents.
- Proof of relationship, such as birth or marriage certificates.
- Proof of shared address confirming the applicant and dependents live together.
- If a dependent is 18 years or older, proof of single status and a student enrollment certificate.
Validity and Renewal Process
The Panama Traveler Passport is valid for five years, matching the duration of the required financial investment. To renew it, the investment must be extended for another five-year period. If the renewal does not take place, both the passport and the visa will expire.
Traveling with the Panama Traveler Passport
Holders of the Panama Traveler Passport can travel to multiple countries with different entry requirements.
Visa-Free Entry with the Panama Special Passport
The following countries allow holders to enter without a visa:
- Albania
- Andorra
- Antigua and Barbuda
- Argentina
- Austria
- Bahamas
- Barbados
- Belarus
- Belgium
- Belize
- Bolivia
- Bosnia and Herzegovina
- Brazil
- Bulgaria
- Chile
- Colombia
- Costa Rica
- Croatia
- Cyprus
- Czech Republic
- Denmark
- Dominica
- Dominican Republic
- Ecuador
- El Salvador
- Estonia
- Finland
- France
- Gambia
- Georgia
- Germany
- Greece
- Guatemala
- Guyana
- Honduras
- Hungary
- Iceland
- Indonesia
- Ireland
- Israel
- Italy
- Jamaica
- South Korea
- Latvia
- Liechtenstein
- Lithuania
- Luxembourg
- Macedonia
- Malaysia
- Malta
- Mauritius
- Mexico
- Micronesia
- Monaco
- Montenegro
- Netherlands
- Nicaragua
- Norway
- Paraguay
- Peru
- Philippines
- Poland
- Portugal
- Romania
- Russia
- St. Kitts and Nevis
- Saint Lucia
- St. Vincent and the Grenadines
- San Marino
- Slovakia
- Slovenia
- South Africa
- Spain
- Sweden
- Switzerland
- Trinidad and Tobago
- Turkey
- Ukraine
- United Kingdom
- Uruguay
- Vatican City
Visa on Arrival with the Panama Special Passport
Travelers can apply for a visa upon arrival in these countries:
- Armenia
- Cape Verde
- Comoros
- Djibouti
- Egypt
- Guinea-Bissau
- Iran
- Jordan
- Kenya
- Laos
- Lebanon
- Madagascar
- Malawi
- Maldives
- Mauritania
- Mozambique
- Nepal
- Palau
- Qatar
- Rwanda
- Somalia
- Sri Lanka
- Tanzania
- Timor-Leste
- Togo
- Tuvalu
- Uganda
Electronic Visa (e-Visa) Required
The following countries require an electronic visa (e-Visa) before arrival:
- Azerbaijan
- Cambodia
- Gabon
- India
- Kyrgyzstan
- Lesotho
- Vietnam
- Zambia
- Zimbabwe
Special Entry Permits
Some destinations require additional documentation for entry:
- Samoa – Entry permit upon arrival.
- Seychelles & Solomon Islands – Visitor permit required.
- Suriname – Tourist card required.
Advantages of the Panama Traveler Passport
- Facilitated International Travel: A valid travel document for global movement.
- No Dual Citizenship Issues: Since it does not provide Panamanian nationality, it avoids conflicts for citizens of countries that restrict dual citizenship (e.g., China, Ukraine, Latvia).
- Investment Flexibility: The initial funds and earned interest can be withdrawn after five years if the holder decides not to renew the program.
The Panama Traveler Passport offers a practical solution for individuals seeking temporary residency benefits in Panama. However, it requires careful financial planning to maintain eligibility and extend its validity.