Panama Business Visa - Definitive Guide

The Panamanian business visa is an endorsement that lets individuals travel to the country to take part in business-related activities such as meetings, conferences, negotiations, and so on. A large percentage of nationalities have visa-free entry into the country. However, since India is not among them, a Panama business visa for Indian citizens is a requirement to travel to the nation. 

Note that If you possess a valid multiple-entry permit from Australia, Canada, Schengen/EU, Japan, Singapore, South Korea, UK, or the US, you will be able to enter Panama without a Panamanian business permit, for a stay of up to 90 days. Although, the above-mentioned permit must be valid for at least 6 months from the date of entry and it must have been previously used to enter the respective country before. 

The application for the Panama business visa for Indians is an entirely offline process. Since doing on your own would require you to physically travel to the Embassy in New Delhi and further complications, it is suggested that you apply through a visa agency. 

However, before starting your application, you must ensure that you are eligible to travel to Panama on a business category. You may then proceed to make the application as follows - 

1. Visit the website of the Panamanian embassy and download the application form.
2. Fill in the application form with all the required details. 
3. Affix your photograph and sign the application form. 
4. Along with the application form, documents, and the fees, submit them at the Embassy of Panama in person or through a visa agent.

Ensure that you fill in the application form with all the correct details, and provide only genuine documents. Providing false information or fake documents can lead to visa rejection. 

In order to apply for the Panama business visa from India, you must meet the following eligibility criteria - 

• You must be living in India while lodging the application. If you are living on a residence permit in another nation, you will have to apply to the respective authority there.
• You must hold a passport valid for at least 6 months from the date of your entry in the country. 
• Your primary purpose of the visit must be to take part in a business. 
• You must be invited by a Panamanian organization. 

As per the Panama business visa requirements from India, you must submit the following documents at the embassy to complete your application. 

• A passport valid for at least 6 months from the date of intended travel.
• 2 completed application forms. 
• 2 photos as per the specifications.
• Covering letter from the sending Indian company mentioning the details of the visit.
• Round trip flight tickets. 
• Invitation letter from the Panamanian company.
• Letter from the Chamber of Commerce in India.

The Panama business visa photo requirements state that the photographs submitted must meet the following specifications - 

• Dimensions: 35mm X 45mm
• Colour: Coloured
• Head must occupy the central position
• Must be captured within the last 3 months
• Background: Solid, plain white or grey
• 80% face coverage
• Neutral expression
• Glasses: Non-thick framed and prescription glasses
• Headgears - only for religious reasons
• Facial hair - permitted

The time taken to process the Panamanian business permit is around 4-5 working days. However, this can vary significantly based on several factors such as the volume of applications at the embassy, the duration and validity, and so on. As a result, ensure that you apply well in advance. 

The application fee for the business permit can vary slightly depending on the foreign exchange rates.  Apart from this, there may be processing charges, and service charges levied by the visa agent for the application. As a result, ensure that you check the exact amount before starting your application.

Once you have made the application for the business permit at the embassy, it will then begin processing. If the embassy requires it, they may ask you to attend an interview in person or even to submit additional documents. Note that, once you have made the application, you will not be able to modify it. 

Once a decision has been made regarding the application, you may collect the passport from the embassy during the allotted hours on the working days. 

Since the entire process is offline, there is no online tracking service provided by the embassy. However, if you have applied through a travel agent, you can contact them to check if they can check the status by contacting the embassy. 

On successfully obtaining your business permit, you must keep in mind the following few points to ensure that you have a hassle-free journey -

 Before you travel - 

• Note the validity, stay duration, and the number of entries mentioned on your visa. You must not stay in the country beyond this period. 
• Carry all your travel documents before you travel to the country. 

At the border

• You must show your passport with the visa to the immigration officer at the port of entry. Your entry stamp will be placed on the passport.
• You may be asked to show the documents submitted as part of your application. 
• You may be asked about the basic details of your visit. This may include questions regarding the nature of your business. Ensure that you answer honestly and without any hesitance. 

When you enter Panama

• While you are on a business permit, you cannot work on the payroll of a Panamanian company.
• You may be able to extend this type of visa. 
• Carry a copy of your passport and visa while you are travelling within the country.
• You must respect the culture and customs of the country, as well as abide by the immigration laws during your stay.