Holders of ordinary Panamanian passports can generally enter Vietnam without a visa for up to 90 days under a bilateral exemption agreement, as long as the trip is not for work. That means the Vietnam visa for Panamanian citizens depends mostly on your purpose and length of stay, not on paperwork for a standard holiday. This guide explains the rule, its limits, and when an e-visa may still make sense.
Is a Vietnam Visa for Panamanian Citizens Required in 2026?
For short tourist stays, generally no. Vietnam’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs published Notification 64/2020/TB-LPQT announcing that the agreement on visa exemption for ordinary passport holders between Vietnam and Panama had entered into force. Under that agreement, citizens of each country may enter the other without a visa for up to 90 days, provided the purpose of entry is not one of the restricted activities, such as working.
Rules can change, so confirm the current position before you book. The table below summarises the usual routes.
| Your situation | Usual route | What to note |
|---|---|---|
| Holiday, up to 90 days | Visa exemption (ordinary passport) | Entry conditions still apply at the border |
| Visiting friends or family, up to 90 days | Visa exemption | Carry your return or onward travel details |
| Working in Vietnam | Suitable visa and, where required, work permit | The exemption is not meant for employment |
| Staying longer than 90 days | Another visa or approved extension | Arrange it before the 90 days end |
| Non-ordinary passport | Check with the Vietnamese embassy | The agreement covers ordinary passports |
What Does the 90-Day Visa Exemption Cover?
It covers ordinary passport holders making tourist or other short visits. It does not turn into a work or residence permit.
Practical points to prepare include:
- A valid ordinary Panamanian passport, ideally with at least six months of remaining validity
- Proof of onward or return travel
- Details of where you will stay
- Funds to support your stay
Airlines and border officers may ask for these items, so keep them handy rather than packed away in checked luggage.
When Might Panamanian Travellers Need an E-Visa?
An e-visa may suit travellers who fall outside the exemption, for example those planning a purpose or length of stay that the agreement does not cover. Vietnam’s e-visa is applied for online, and Panamanian passport holders are generally eligible. It can be valid for up to 90 days, with single or multiple entry.
Reported official figures, which you should confirm on the portal before paying:
- Single-entry e-visa: $25 government fee
- Multiple-entry e-visa: $50 government fee
- Official processing time: 3 working days
- The fee is non-refundable if the application is refused
The fee amounts follow Circular 28/2026/TT-BTC, effective 1 April 2026, as reported by secondary sources. Real processing times can run longer around public holidays, so avoid applying at the last minute.
How Do You Apply for a Vietnam E-Visa?
Apply on the government portal at evisa.gov.vn, the official site run by Vietnam’s immigration authorities. Check that the address ends in .gov.vn, because copycat sites exist.
The usual steps are:
- Open the foreigners’ e-visa application on the official portal
- Complete the form and upload your passport data page and a recent portrait photo
- Pay the government fee online
- Track your application status with the portal’s search function
- Print the approved e-visa and carry it with your passport
Some travellers prefer help with the form, and a commercial agency can assist for a service fee. You are always free to apply directly on the government portal.
Is Older Advice About Embassy Visas and Visa on Arrival Still Accurate?
Not always. Some guides still tell Panamanian travellers to visit an embassy or arrange an approval letter for visa on arrival, which can be outdated for short tourist stays. Rules and processes change, so treat any single guide, including this one, as a starting point and verify against official sources.
Before you fly, check that:
- Your passport is an ordinary passport and is valid for your whole trip
- Your purpose of travel fits the exemption
- Your planned stay does not exceed 90 days
- You have onward travel and accommodation details ready
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Panamanian citizens need a visa for Vietnam?
Generally not for short stays. Holders of ordinary Panamanian passports may enter Vietnam without a visa for up to 90 days under a bilateral exemption agreement, provided the trip is not for work. For longer stays or other purposes, a visa or another permit may be required, so check official guidance before booking.
How long can Panamanians stay in Vietnam without a visa?
The exemption allows stays of up to 90 days. Carry your return or onward travel details and accommodation information in case you are asked at the border. If you plan to stay longer, arrange the appropriate visa or an extension before your exemption period ends rather than relying on a last-minute solution.
Can Panamanians work in Vietnam under the visa exemption?
No. The exemption is intended for tourism and short visits, not employment. Anyone planning to work in Vietnam generally needs a suitable visa and, where required, a work permit arranged through the employer. Confirm the exact requirements with Vietnamese authorities or a qualified adviser before travelling.
How much is the Vietnam e-visa government fee?
The official government fee is reported as $25 for a single-entry e-visa and $50 for multiple entries, based on Circular 28/2026/TT-BTC effective 1 April 2026. The fee is non-refundable if an application is refused. Always confirm the current amount on evisa.gov.vn before paying, and note that agencies may add service fees.
Where can Panamanians apply for a Vietnam e-visa?
Applications can be submitted on the official government portal, evisa.gov.vn, which is run by Vietnam’s immigration authorities. Check that the web address ends in .gov.vn. Private agencies such as VisaOnlineVietnam also assist with applications for a service fee, but applicants may always apply directly on the government portal themselves.
Conclusion
For most Panamanian holidaymakers, the Vietnam visa for Panamanian citizens question has a short answer: an ordinary passport may allow up to 90 days visa-free, but not for work. If your plans are longer or different, an e-visa or another permit may be the right route.
Not sure which route fits your trip? Check your options and apply on VisaOnlineVietnam.
