Canada ETA / Visa requirements for Panamanian citizens

There are 3 ways to travel to Montreal Canada

By plane

Montréal-Trudeau International Airport, located about 20 minutes from downtown, is one of Canada's most significant airports, with direct flights from 40 airlines to over 130 international locations in Canada, the United States, and across the world.

Upon arrival, you will find a variety of information and services, including various alternatives for getting to the center of the city: car rental and limousine transportation businesses, as well as airport shuttles such as the 747 Express bus, are on site. The 747 Express bus provides 24-hour service, seven days a week, 365 days a year for only $7. The route has nine downtown stops strategically positioned near major hotels and takes around 25-30 minutes each way, depending on traffic. If you are going by taxi, a trip downtown will cost you a flat rate of $38, tip not included.

By train or bus

VIA Rail Canada serves over 450 Canadian cities. If you are traveling from the United States, take an Amtrak train, which departs daily from many American locations and stops in downtown Montréal. Visitors arrive at Montréal's Central Station, which is conveniently linked to the Underground Pedestrian Network and the Bonaventure metro station.

If you are considering a bus excursion, numerous American and Canadian companies, like Orléans Express, visit Montréal. You will arrive right downtown at the Montréal Bus Central Station, which is also linked to the Underground Pedestrian Network via the Berri-UQAM metro station.

By car

If you're driving from somewhere in Canada or the United States, Montréal is easily accessible via highway. Montréal is approximately 75 kilometers (46 miles) from the US border, and the city is accessible via several highways and expressways, including the Trans-Canada Highway. Depending on your starting position, you can get downtown by one of the major bridges (Champlain, Jacques-Cartier, or Victoria), or the Louis-Hippolyte Lafontaine bridge-tunnel.

To travel to Canada from Panama, you will need to:

• Book your flight: Flying is the quickest and most convenient way to travel from Panama to Canada

The distance between  Canada and Panama is around 3879 kilometers, with an average flight time of 9 hours and 27 minutes. Travelers can opt for direct flights from Panama City to Toronto, with Tocumen International Airport Panama serving as the departure point and Toronto Pearson International Airport as the destination. 

There are several airlines that operate direct flights from Panama to Canada including Copa Airlines, Air Canada, Air Transat, Southwest Airlines, and American Airlines 

• Applying for a Canada ETA online from Panama: Panama citizens are required to apply for a Canada eTA if they want to enter Canada for visits lasting upto 6 months. 
• Get travel insurance: Travel insurance is not necessary in Canada, however, it is strongly recommended that you cover any lost or stolen baggage, the possibility of your trip being canceled due to an emergency, sickness such as Covid-19, or bereavement, and medical expenses.
• Getting ESIM card for Canada: Before eSIMs, many tourists would have purchased a tourist SIM card or rented a portable WiFi gadget upon arrival at their location. However, with the introduction of eSIMs, the process of establishing connectivity has become considerably more straightforward and hassle-free. eSIMs give travelers a faster and more convenient way to connect at a reasonable cost. The procedure from buying an eSIM to being connected takes only a few minutes and may be done without having to speak to a single person.
• Booking your accommodation: There are a variety of different accommodation options to choose from when traveling to Canada including hotels, motels, flats, bed & breakfasts, boutiques, and lodges. Best places to stay in Canada offer spotless rooms, plush beds, first-rate hospitality, and plenty of amenities. Location is also key. They need to immerse you in the local experience, creating opportunities for life-long memories. 

No. Panamanians don’t need visas to enter Canada.

Canada and Panama shared a strong partnership bond from 1961 onward, forging diplomatic relations until now. ETA is required for all Panamanian residents who wish to go to Canada on future holidays. However, because Panama is located inside the American ranges, why is permission required? The Canadian government implemented measures to stimulate the economy through border security partnerships. One such example is electronic travel authorization (ETA). It permits a six-month stay in a single visit for tourists, businesses, and travel.

The Canadian eTA is good news for Panamanian citizens. The process is simple. on 6 June 2023, Canada added Panama to the list of visa-free countries and exempted it from traditional visas. But, before you make any decision, see the eligibility criteria listed below.

General essential conditions

• Panamanians must hold a valid Panama passport. It should be valid for the next six months when people begin filling out the Canada eTA application form from Panama
• A good health condition is important for ETA. The candidate must be medically fit. If you are suffering from any ailment, you must hold others accountable.
• There must be no prior criminal record and no involvement in a significant crime.
• Make plans for a short-term stay (180 days) in Canada.
• The objective of the visit should be to see gorgeous landscapes and spend time with family rather than to conduct business.

However, as a Panamanian citizen, extra requirements apply. Aside from the aforementioned requirements, you can apply for an ETA in Canada if you have:

• Non-immigrant USA visa.
• 10-year Canadian visitor visa or temporary resident visa.
• Must travel by air only.

Yes. If you fly into one of Canada's participating international airports, you can save time at the border. Canada Advance Declaration allows you to submit your customs and immigration declaration online up to 72 hours before you arrive in Canada.

Submit your Advance Declaration online through the following steps

1. Sign in to the ArriveCAN app or the web version online and follow the prompts
2. Confirm your travel ID details (passport or Canadian permanent residency card).
3. Answer all customs and immigration inquiries truthfully.
4. Submit the declaration 72 hours before to arrival in Canada.

When you are done:

• A confirmation screen should appear to confirm the successful submission
• You will receive a confirmation email and a reference number

If you choose not to submit your declaration in advance, you can complete it at an airport self-service kiosk or electronic gate. If you land at an airport that does not have self-service kiosks or electronic gates, you will receive your declaration card on board your aircraft or other means of transport. Read the instructions and complete the declaration card before you arrive. Be prepared to show your declaration card to Canadian officials at the airport, along with your proof of identity and other travel documents. If you are traveling with children, have their documents ready.

If you use a declaration card, tear it off and discard the instructions. To help us serve you faster, please do not fold the declaration card.

Everyone arriving in Canada must complete a declaration card. You can list up to 4 people living in the same residence on one card or 8 people per Advance Filing Submission.

The Declaration Card or Advance Filing Submission tells us what we need to know about you, your travels and what you are bringing into the country.

The consequences of overstaying a Canadian visa can be serious. If a visitor has already overstayed a visa, their future applications to Canada may be refused.

It is extremely advised to act before your visa for Canada expires.

If that is not feasible and travelers mistakenly overstay in Canada, they should alert the local immigration officials as soon as they realize their visa has expired. 

Tips as to not Overstaying in Canada

Here are some ideas to help you avoid staying in Canada for longer than is authorized when you visit: 

1. Understand the Requirements for Entry

Recognize the conditions of your entry, such as the limited length of stay. Typically, the border officer will offer this information or stamp it on your passport.

2. Check Your Visa or eTA Validity

If you require a visa or Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA), ensure that it is valid for the duration of your stay in Canada.

3. Maintain Track of Your Authorized Stay

Set reminders for when your approved stay expires. You might use a smartphone app or a calendar to help you recall.

4. Understand the Consequences of Overstaying in Canada

Overstaying in Canada can result in penalties, deportation, and temporary prohibitions from entering the country. Learn about the consequences so that you may make an informed choice.

5. Contact the IRCC

If you have any questions about your permitted stay or your status, contact Citizenship and Immigration Canada (IRCC) or the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) for help.

6. Maintain Important Documents in Handy

Always keep your passport, visa, eTA, and any other papers regarding extension permission with you. This will let you provide evidence of your legal status if necessary

7. Continue to Communicate Openly

If unanticipated events threaten your departure date, contact the appropriate authorities immediately and get guidance on what to do. 

8. Plan Your Departure:

As your residence permit is about to expire, please make arrangements for a smooth departure. Make sure you have enough time to complete your mission and purchase your departure ticket.

If travelers leave Canada after overstaying, they may be flagged in the Canadian Immigration system as unlikely to comply with Canadian visa requirements and conditions in the future.

This could jeopardize their future visa application. There are no exit controls in Canada. As a result, travelers are usually not checked when they leave. Overstayers may need to be informed that they have been identified.

To prevent overstaying, you should apply for an extension of your Canadian status before your current status expires. You can also request a change of status under certain circumstances, such as changing from student to visitor status. Even if your official status has expired, your status will remain while your extension application is being processed. This is either “implied status” or “maintained status”, again depending on certain requirements. If your renewal applicationư is ultimately denied, you will be considered to have lost your status in Canada as of the date of the denial letter.