Requirements for Panamanians

Beginning in 2021, Panamanian passport holders will be required to apply for pre-authorization to visit France in the form of an ETIAS or European Travel Information and Authority System. The ETIAS is a visa-waiver program that enables travelers from Panama to receive permission to visit France, as well as the rest of the Schengen Zone, without the need for a traditional visa. The thought-process from European authorities is that the ETIAS will help strengthen Europe’s borders and add a preventative layer against possible terrorist attacks. Holders of the ETIAS will be allowed to stay for up to 90 days within a period of 180 days in France or any other Schengen Zone member states.

The ETIAS application process will be able to be completed entirely online, removing any necessity for travelers to make appointments to visit consulates or embassies before traveling. In order to be eligible for the ETIAS, citizens from Panama will need to comply with a number of requirements.

ETIAS France Personal Information for Panamanian citizens

The ETIAS France online application requires Panamanian passport holders to provide a number of personal details but was designed to take only a few minutes to fill out. The application will ask travelers to provide details such as the information on their passport information page, information about their health and security histories, as well as contact details. This information will be cross-referenced against the information that security authorities already have as part of the pre-screening process.

Applicants should be prepared to provide the following pieces of information:

First and last name
Contact details including an email address
Passport details including the passport number and the date of expiration
Place of birth

As mentioned above, further questions regarding health and safety will be asked so make sure to have this information on hand when you are filling out the application.

Documents That I Need for France ETIAS

There are very few documents that Panamanians are required to provide while applying for the ETIAS for France. The only necessity is their valid Panama passport, which must have a minimum of three months’ validity from the date of application. If the passport does not have the required validity, travelers will need to apply for a new passport before submitting their ETIAS application.

Medical Info for Panamanians

There are currently no vaccines required for Panamanian citizens to have in order to visit France. It is always wise to double-check the websites of organizations such as the Center for Disease Control (CDC) for all the up to date information and recommendations before traveling.

Travelers are also advised to provide their own medical insurance as their coverage in Panama most likely does not extend into France or any other country they may visit in the Schengen Zone. In the event that medical attention is required, it will be necessary to pay for it up front. Should you not be able to afford the care required, it is possible that you will be refused care. Medical payments are typically accepted in cash only, though a “Feuille de Soins” or treatment form is often available for later reimbursement from your domestic insurance provider.

If you take prescription medication, it is recommended that you travel with the medication in their original packaging with the labels intact. If you require medical assistance at any time, dial either 15 or 122 to connect to an operator.

ETIAS Application for France

The ETIAS application form for France is completed entirely online. The whole process was designed to be completed quickly and easily, but that doesn’t mean that you should rush through it as any incorrect information entered is likely to lead to the delay or outright rejection of your application.

In addition to the requirements already mentioned, there is a non-refundable application fee payable alongside each application. This must be paid with a debit or credit card.

Once the application has been reviewed, you will receive the response via email. If you are accepted, print out a hard copy of the visa and carry it with you to your French port of entry to show the border officials alongside your travel documents. The turnaround time is in most cases up to 72 hours, though it is often much shorter.

For all the latest information regarding the ETIAS France please consult this page. If you have further questions, check out our F.A.Q. page here.