Regardless of country of origin, all travelers to Panama must have a valid passport and a return ticket. Upon leaving Panama, all travelers must pay a $20 US exit fee.
As of 2009, the list of countries requiring no additional documents to enter Panama is as follows:
Argentina, Austria, Belgium, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Finland, France, Germany, Guatemala, Honduras, Hungary, Israel, Italy, Luxembourg, Paraguay, Poland, Portugal, Singapore, Switzerland, UK
As of 2009, travelers from the following countries must purchase a tourist card or tourist visa, available at embassies, border crossings and airports serving Panama and other places:
Antigua, Australia, Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Bermuda, Bolivia, Brazil, Canada, Chile, China, Colombia, Denmark, Granada, Greece, Guyana, Iceland, Ireland, Jamaica, Japan, Malta, Mexico, Monaco, Netherlands, New Zealand, San Marino, South Korea, Suriname, Taiwan, Tobago, Trinidad, USA, Venezuela
Citizens from the following countries require a tourist visa, which can be obtained from their consulate or embassy:
Chad, Ecuador, Egypt, Philippines, Peru, Dominican Republic, Thailand
Tourists with visas can stay a maximum of 30 days in Panama with an option to extend the visa to 60 days at the Panama City Immigration Office. The Panamanian Embassy provides details for interested parties.
As of 2009, according to the US State Department, travelers aboard ships transiting the Panama Canal who do not plan to leave the ship need not purchase tourist visas or pay other entry fees.
