Access
Visa free
FStay 90 days
Policy · PanamaPassport Atlas
South Africa passport to Panama
Yes — South Africa passport holders can visit Panama without a visa for up to 90 days.
Snapshot 2026-10 · This week · Passport-index source
The other way
Visa free
FStay 90 days
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Key facts
- Panama lets 116 of 198 passports in without a prior visa — South Africa is one of them.
- South Africa passports get “Visa free” at 60 of 198 destinations.
- Travel is open both ways: Panama passports also enter South Africa without a prior visa.
Nearby passports travelling to Panama
Open to South Africa passports near Panama
Before you fly
- Remaining validityOften 6 months’ validity remaining
- Blank visa pagesAbout 2 blank visa pages
- Photo spec35 × 45 mm
Flight corridor
Connection likely
South AfricaPanama- Typical duration
- 17.5 hours
- From
- JNB · CPT · DUR
- To
- PTY · BOC · DAV
Usual hubs
Netherlands · 24.2 hours
France · 23.7 hours
United States · 22.5 hours
Duration is a great-circle estimate between main airports. Direct corridors come from the OpenFlights public snapshot — check the carrier or Google Flights for times and prices.
South Africa
Country profile
Capital
Pretoria
Population
63.1 million
Area
1,219,912 km²
Currency
South African rand ZAR
Languages
English, Zulu, Afrikaans
Time zone
UTC+02:00
Foreign-born
2.6 million · 2024
Migrant share
4.1%
Ethnic groups · 2021
- Black African80.9%
- Colored8.8%
- White7.8%
- Indian/Asian2.6%
Foreign-born counts are UN international migrant stock via the World Bank (mostly 2024). Ethnic groups follow each country's published categories — most do not census by skin colour. Indicative only.
Panama
Country profile
Capital
Panama City
Population
4.1 million
Area
78,200 km²
Currency
Panamanian balboa PAB
Languages
Spanish
Time zone
UTC-05:00
Foreign-born
477,749 · 2024
Migrant share
10.6%
Ethnic groups · 2010
- Mestizo65%
- Indigenous12.3%
- Black or African descent9.2%
- Mulatto6.8%
- White6.7%
Foreign-born counts are UN international migrant stock via the World Bank (mostly 2024). Ethnic groups follow each country's published categories — most do not census by skin colour. Indicative only.
Travel notes
Plug
Type A
Mains
120 V · 60 Hz
Driving
Right
Emergency
Police 112 · Ambulance 112
Dialing code
+507
Airports
PTY · BOC · DAV · CTD
Highlights
- Panama Canal
- Casco Viejo
- San Blas
South Africa · Visa free
FAQ
Does a South Africa passport need a visa for Panama?
On the 2026-10 matrix the result is “Visa free”. typical stay 90 days. Rules change — check the carrier and mission before you fly.
How long can you stay?
The matrix records a typical stay of 90 days. The entry stamp, eTA or visa page is authoritative.
Passport validity and blank pages?
Panama typically wants about 6 months’ remaining validity and 2 blank visa pages. Photo spec is often 35 × 45 mm. Confirm with a Panama mission.
What about a Panama passport entering South Africa?
The reverse result is “Visa free”.