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Urgent information for visa applicants regarding novel coronavirus.
The Consular Section of the U.S. Embassy in Panama City is responsible for providing visa services to those seeking to enter the United States for a temporary period and for those wishing to take up indefinite or permanent residence in the United States.
Please visit our Global Support Services (GSS) website for complete information on applying for a nonimmigrant U.S. visa, including a directory of nonimmigrant visa categories.
Due to the global pandemic, the Consular Section of the U.S. Embassy in Panama is able to process B1/B2 visa renewals via authorized courier through the Interview Waiver Program only.
Additionally, we are scheduling limited in-person appointments for certain non-immigrant visa services, including the following categories: A, G, C3 (diplomatic), C1/D (crew member), E2 (investor), I (media), P (athletes), O (extraordinary abilities), F and M (students), J (students), H and L (work visas).
All visa services are subject to relevant Presidential Proclamations and U.S. court orders as noted at this link: https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/News/visas-news.html. While the U.S. Embassy Panama aims to process cases as soon as possible, there may be increased wait times due to staffing limitations.
If you have an urgent need to travel – such as an emergency affecting the health or welfare of a visa applicant or immediate family member– please email Panama-Visas@state.gov and explain your emergency.
The U.S. Embassy in Panama will extend the validity of your payment (known as the MRV fee) until September 30, 2023, to allow all applicants who were unable to schedule a visa appointment as a result of the suspension of routine consular operations an opportunity to schedule and/or attend a visa appointment with the already paid fee.
A citizen of a foreign country who seeks to enter the United States generally must first obtain a U.S. visa, which is placed in the traveler’s passport, a travel document issued by the traveler’s country of citizenship or nationality.
Certain international travelers may be eligible to travel to the United States without a visa if they meet the requirements for visa-free travel under the Visa Waiver Program. The Visa section of this website is all about U.S. visas for foreign citizens to travel to the United States. If you cannot find what you are looking for here, please visit Travel.State.gov for additional information.
Note: U.S. citizens do not need a U.S. visa for travel to the United States, but when planning travel abroad a U.S. citizen may need a visa issued by the embassy or consulate of the country they wish to visit.
For nonimmigrant visas, you can go directly to the online application for the DS-160; or for immigrant visas, directly to the USCIS site for the relevant forms. If you are unsure, please use the Visa Wizard below to help you determine your visa type.
Please visit our Global Support Services (GSS) website for complete information on applying for a nonimmigrant U.S. visa, including a directory of nonimmigrant visa categories.
Due to the global pandemic, the Consular Section of the U.S. Embassy in Panama is able to process B1/B2 visa renewals via authorized courier through the Interview Waiver Program only.
Additionally, we are scheduling limited in-person appointments for certain non-immigrant visa services, including the following categories: A, G, C3 (diplomatic), C1/D (crew member), E2 (investor), I (media), P (athletes), O (extraordinary abilities), F and M (students), J (students), H and L (work visas).
All visa services are subject to relevant Presidential Proclamations and U.S. court orders as noted at this link: https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/News/visas-news.html. While the U.S. Embassy Panama aims to process cases as soon as possible, there may be increased wait times due to staffing limitations.
If you have an emergency need for a visa, complete your application, pay for, and schedule your appointment at www.ustraveldocs.com/pa . You may request consideration for an expedited appointment through the same system. Please be sure to submit supporting documents along with your request.
The U.S. Embassy in Panama will extend the validity of your payment (known as the MRV fee) until September 30, 2022, to allow all applicants who were unable to schedule a visa appointment as a result of the suspension of routine consular operations an opportunity to schedule and/or attend a visa appointment with the already paid fee.
The Department of State manages the visa process strictly but fairly in order to best protect the United States. We are committed to the essential openness for which the United States has always been known. Travel to the United States is welcomed and encouraged.
We promise to you, the visa applicant, that:
Furthermore, if you are a:
At the same time, we expect you, the visa applicant, to:
To contact a customer service representative, please visit the GSS Contact Us page for full information or use contact information below:
For information about how to apply for U.S. non-immigrant visas in Panama, please contact our call center between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m Monday through Friday at +507 833-9393 (closed on weekends and holidays), or visit our new visa information website at http://ustraveldocs.com/pa for the most recent guidance.
If you have any information or fact-based suspicions of possible fraud in U.S. visa, immigration or U.S. passport cases, please send us your report with as much details as you have to panamadenuncias@state.gov or leave a voice message at 3175324. Your report can be anonymous, or you if you wish you may leave your name and contact information. Thank you for helping us combat fraud.
Rights and Protections for Temporary Workers
The pamphlet linked below informs you of your rights as a nonimmigrant visa holder in certain employment- and education-based categories.
Rights and Protections for Immigrant Visa Applicants
The pamphlet informs applicants applying for K-1 visas, K-3, IR-1/CR-1 immigrant visas, and F2A immigrant visas of their legal rights relating to domestic violence, sexual assault, and child abuse.
Official Visit the USA Website
Our goal is to inspire people from around the world to discover all the exciting travel possibilities in the United States.
Browse 180 pages packed with beautiful photography, detailed location descriptions and real travel stories.
No matter your destination or travel style, create a personalized, day-by-day itinerary that’s just right for you.
Watch our videos to learn about the diverse destinations and exciting travel experiences, all within your reach.
As your official guide, we’ll show you a diverse range of unique experiences that are all within your reach.
Please call: (507) 317-5000
Outside of Office Hours, contact: (507) 317-5000
Outside of Panama: (507) 317-5000
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