Yet another change in the visa requirements for yacht crews, but this time for the better. As of 15th February, yacht crew is now eligible for free Tourist visas.

Published 6 years ago, updated 5 years ago

The Immigration rules for tourists and yacht crew arriving in Panama are in a constant state of flux and in particular the cost of a visa for yacht crew which has swung from free to over US$100 over the past couple of years.

Following the introduction of the highly inflated “Yatista” visa back in 2016, there was a brief period last year when the free 90-day tourist visa was granted, only to be revoked at the end of the year and the expensive “Yatista” visa reinstated.

The latest situation, however (as of February 15th, 2018), confirmed by the main Immigration office in Panama City, is that a free tourist visa for 90 days will be granted on entry to all non-commercial yacht crew. The Mariners visa process for sailors has been suspended.

For now, Panama is once again sailor-friendly.

Do be aware however that it has not yet been verified that all Immigration Officers have been notified of this change in the rules.

Also, it is not unknown for various Immigration offices to apply their own rules.

Val Ellis

The Noonsite team