The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) has issued updated travel advice for British nationals visiting Panama.
Panama is moving towards a fully digital system for immigration and customs declarations, though paper forms remain accepted during the transition period.
The Panamanian authorities are now recommending travellers complete their immigration paperwork digitally before departing for the Central American nation.
The FCDO said: “You must complete an immigration and customs declaration form when entering Panama.”
Panama is home to some beautiful beaches
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Tourists entering Panama may be required to provide several key documents at border control.
The FCDO stated: “Make sure immigration officials stamp your passport with the date you arrived in the country.”
At Panamanian border control, you may need to give the address of your accommodation and a contact telephone number.
The FCDO added: “You may need to show a return or onward ticket, particularly if you arrive by land from Costa Rica and are not a legal resident of Costa Rica.”
Proof of financial means is mandatory, with travellers needing to demonstrate they have at least $1,000 (£807.51) or equivalent in other currencies. A credit card can also be accepted as proof of sufficient funds.
Visitors can stay in Panama for up to three months without requiring a visa when arriving by air or land. Different visa requirements apply to those arriving by sea.
Stay extensions are not normally permitted unless tourists apply to change their immigration status, such as for business purposes or marriage, within the initial three-month period.
The FCDO has warned that attempting to extend stays by visiting neighbouring countries and returning to Panama may result in detention by immigration officials.
The new entry requirements come as Panama changes its border system
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The FCDO said: “The British Embassy cannot intervene in decisions made by Panama’s immigration officials.”
British holidaymakers have also been warned of an entry requirement in Asia which could deny them permission to leave.
The FCDO issued updated travel advice for British nationals visiting India with guidance on the mandatory registration procedures for foreign visitors.
The details note that accommodation providers, including hotels and hostels, are required to register all foreign guests with the Foreigners Regional Registration Office.
