Travel Authorization Letter to Panama: 2026 Requirements
The content of this article is informational only and does not constitute legal advice. Multi Servicios 360 is not a law firm. If you need advice specific to your situation, consult a licensed attorney in California.
Panama is a connection hub for all of Latin America and also a popular tourist destination for families of Panamanian and Central American origin living in the United States. Panama's National Immigration Service has strict protocols for the entry and exit of minors.
If your child is traveling to Panama without both parents, or if you are the only accompanying parent, you need to prepare a notarized travel authorization letter.
⚠️ Important notice: Multi Servicios 360 is a self-help document preparation software. We are not attorneys or licensed document preparers. This article is for informational purposes only. Consult the Panamanian consulate or an attorney for your specific situation.
What does Panama require?
Panama's Family Code and immigration legislation establish that minors entering or leaving Panama without one or both parents must present a notarized authorization from the absent parent.
In Panama, minors are also subject to review at the airport even when just making a layover (connection). If the minor has a Panamanian passport or is a Panamanian citizen, authorities apply Panamanian law.
Airport and entry points
- •Tocumen International Airport (PTY) — Panama City (main hub for Copa Airlines and one of Latin America's busiest)
- •Albrook International Airport — domestic flights
- •Paso Canoas border crossing — border with Costa Rica
- •Guabito / Sixaola border crossing — border with Costa Rica (Bocas del Toro)
What should the letter include?
The authorization letter for Panama must contain:
Minor's information: full name, date of birth, US passport and Panamanian ID if applicable. Authorizing parent/guardian's information: full name, Panamanian ID number (if applicable) or US passport, address and contact phone number. Companion's information: full name, identification number, relationship to the minor. Travel details: entry and exit dates for Panama, destination or cities to visit, airline. Notarized signature: the authorizing parent's signature must be certified by a notary public.Layover through Panama
If your child passes through Tocumen Airport only as a layover (without formally entering the country), a travel authorization letter is generally not needed. However, if there is a delay and the minor needs to enter the immigration area, they may need the document.
If unsure, always carry the authorization letter as a precaution.
Special situations
Panamanian-American dual citizenship: Minors with a Panamanian ID are treated as Panamanian citizens by authorities. Panama applies its laws regardless of the US passport. Minor traveling alone: In addition to the parental authorization letter, airlines require specific forms for unaccompanied minors. Copa Airlines, for example, has a specific service. Contact them directly. Divorced parents: Bring the custody judgment translated into Spanish.Airlines with flights to Panama
The main airlines with flights to Panama from US cities are Copa Airlines, United Airlines, American Airlines, and Spirit. Copa Airlines has direct flights from Miami, New York, Los Angeles, and other cities.
Prepare your document easily
At Multi Servicios 360, we generate your travel authorization letter for Panama quickly and easily. The document is correctly structured, in Spanish and English, and ready to take to the notary.
We are a self-help software — you enter your family and travel details, we generate the document. We do not provide legal advice. → Prepare your travel authorization letter — $49Multi Servicios 360 is a self-help document preparation software. We are not attorneys and do not provide legal advice. For complex situations, please consult a qualified attorney.
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