In order to be in Panama legally as a student on our program, you must apply for a student visa.

The process for applying for a student visa is done once you arrive in Panama. You will be required to purchase a Tourist Card for $5 at the airline counter prior to boarding the plane departing for Panama or upon arrival in Panama. Most airlines require exact change in cash to obtain the Tourist Card. This card is good for a 90-day stay in Panama. There have been some recent changes in immigration policies for Panama that require applying for a student visa in addition to the Tourist Card.

The new application process required by the Panamanian government is cumbersome and lengthy and must be done through a law office in Panama. In order to be legally in Panama as a student you must apply for this visa. Upon arrival in Panama, the the ISA on-site staff will help you apply for your extended student visa.

Due to the recent immigration changes, in order to process your visa application you will now need to supply the following documents:

1. Background check from local police or sheriff's office in location of permanent residency. This background check must be notarized and certified with an Apostille
2. 6 Passport Photos
3. Copy of all passport pages front to back (including blank pages)

Note: Embassy and consulate contact information is subject to change without notice. Please refer to the website of the embassy or consulate to verify information.

In order to find contact information for your specific consulate, please choose the state or region of your permanent residence from the dropdown box below, and click submit to continue.