Panama Embassy in Canada

The Embassy of the Republic of Panama in Ottawa serves as the primary diplomatic mission for Panamanian citizens residing in Canada, as well as for Canadians and other foreign nationals interested in traveling to or conducting business with Panama. The Embassy facilitates a range of consular and administrative services, from passport renewals and civil documentation for Panamanians to visa issuance and legalization of documents for Canadians.

This guide summarizes the core services available through the Panama Embassy in Ottawa, providing insights into key consular procedures, required documents, service hours, and available contact channels. Whether you are a Panamanian national abroad or a Canadian citizen preparing to travel or invest in Panama, the Embassy is your official point of support and engagement.

The Panama Embassy in Canada

Located in Ottawa, the Panama Embassy delivers essential consular services to Panamanian citizens and residents, including passport issuance, consular IDs, birth and marriage registrations, and assistance in emergencies. The Embassy also supports legal processes such as power of attorney and document authentication, especially for Panamanians living in Canada.

For Canadian citizens, the Embassy processes visa applications for tourism, business, and residence in Panama. The site outlines all visa types and requirements. In addition, the Embassy provides legalization services for documents to be used in Panama, including commercial papers, academic transcripts, and civil records.

Besides consular work, the Panama Embassy plays a role in maintaining bilateral relations with Canada. It promotes Panamanian culture, economic cooperation, and diplomatic dialogue through various public affairs and cultural initiatives.

Contact details

Panama Embassy in Canada – Ottawa

Consulate General of Panama, Toronto

Consulate General of Panama, Montreal

Consulate General of Panama, Vancouver

Opening Hours

Panama Embassy in Ottawa (Consular Division):

Panama Consulates in Toronto, Montreal, Vancouver:

Payment methods

Fees are payable in USD only, in exact cash or via Money Order made out to “Embassy of Panama – Consular Section”.
No personal checks are accepted.

Important Notes on Consular Jurisdictions

The Panama Embassy in Ottawa handles all consular services for residents across Canada. There are no additional Panamanian consulates listed in other provinces, so jurisdiction is centralized in Ottawa.

For official document authentication, visa inquiries, or Panamanian citizenship services, Canadian residents in any province must contact or coordinate with the Panamanian Embassy in Ottawa.

While the Panama Embassy in Ottawa oversees national-level diplomatic and consular affairs, the Consulates General in Toronto, Montreal, and Vancouver support regional consular services. These consulates assist Panamanian nationals and residents in their jurisdictions with services such as passport renewals, notarial acts, visa-related queries, and travel documentation.

However, the Ottawa embassy remains the primary authority for more comprehensive or high-level consular procedures such as citizenship registration or diplomatic matters.

List of Consular Services at the Panama Embassy in Canada

Passport applications, renewals, and issuance of emergency travel documents for Panamanian citizens
Visa processing for Canadian and foreign nationals traveling to Panama (tourist, business, student, work, transit, diplomatic visas)
Notarial services and power of attorney issuance for Panamanian citizens
Authentication of Canadian public documents for use in Panama (apostille-based)*
Civil registration of Panamanian nationals abroad (birth, marriage, death records)
Consular registration and assistance for Panamanian citizens in Canada
Police record processing for Panama visa and immigration purposes

Document Authentication Process - Apostille

As of January 11, 2024, both Canada and Panama are members of the Hague Apostille Convention, eliminating the need for traditional legalization of public documents between the two countries.

This means Canadian public documents, such as birth certificates, marriage certificates, police clearances, educational records, and business documents, now require a Canadian-issued apostille rather than legalization by the Panama Embassy or consulates.

Canadian authorities, including Global Affairs Canada and designated provincial offices (e.g., Alberta, British Columbia, Ontario, Quebec, Saskatchewan), issue apostilles for documents originating or notarized within their jurisdictions.

Most documents must be notarized by a Canadian notary public before an apostille can be issued.

Once apostilled, Canadian documents are recognized in Panama without further legalization or authentication by the Panama Embassy or consulates.

Apostille Process for Canadian Documents Intended for Panama

All Documents
When is an apostille needed?	Canadian public documents to be used in Panama require a single-step apostille issued by the appropriate Canadian authority.
Description	Birth certificates Marriage certificates Death certificates Educational documents (diplomas, transcripts) Police clearance certificates (not issued by RCMP) Business and commercial documents (contracts, powers of attorney) Legal documents (wills, affidavits) Immigration and travel documents Corporate records and export documents
Who can apply?	Canadian citizens and foreign nationals residing in Canada who intend to use Canadian-issued documents in Panama.
Fee (in CAD)	Apostille: Free via Global Affairs Canada (or provincial authorities) Notary: CAD 35–75 Provincial apostille cost: CAD 10–65, depending on the province, e.g., (Ontario: CAD 16 for notarial documents, CAD 32 for public documents, Quebec: CAD 65 per document, Alberta: CAD 25 per document, British Columbia: CAD 20 per document, Saskatchewan: CAD 50 per document)
Processing Time	Notarial processing (if required) typically takes about 5 business days. Apostille issuance by Global Affairs Canada or provincial authorities may take 10–20 business days.
Criteria for apostille	The document must be originally issued in Canada. It must bear an original, recognized signature and, if applicable, an official seal. The document must be authenticated by the competent Canadian authority with an apostille certificate. The content must not violate Panama’s legal principles or requirements.
How to submit	Determine the appropriate apostille authority: Apostilles are issued by Global Affairs Canada (for federal documents and for provinces/territories that have not designated their own apostille authority) or by provincial authorities in provinces like Ontario, Quebec, British Columbia, Alberta, and Saskatchewan. Prepare documents, ensuring all signatures and seals are visible. Include a self-addressed, prepaid return envelope. Mail documents to the relevant office. For Global Affairs Canada, send to: Global Affairs Canada Authentication Services Section (JLAC) 2421 Lancaster Road Ottawa, ON K1B 4L5 Canada Clearly include your name, address, and phone number inside the package.
Submission Notes	Courier waybills with account numbers are not accepted; only prepaid shipping labels or envelopes. Notarization must be completed before submission if the document is unofficial, a translation, or lacks formal certification. If unsure, notarization prior to apostille submission is recommended to avoid rejection.

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Notarial Services at the Panama Embassy in Canada

The Panama Embassy in Ottawa, together with its Consulates General in Toronto, Montreal, and Vancouver, provides notarial services through issuance of Notarial Certificates (Certificado Notarial) by prior appointment or via the apostille-based authentication process. These notarial services are primarily for Power of Attorney or travel authorizations, intended for use in Panama.

Scope and Options

For documents like a Power of Attorney or travel authorization letters, the Embassy offers two pathways:

Option I – Remote Authentication (Apostille):
Submit your document through Global Affairs Canada’s Apostille system. No embassy visit is needed.

Option II – In-Person Notarial Certificate:
Schedule an appointment with the Embassy or any of the Panamanian Consulates in Canada. Provide:

The document translated into Spanish
Copies of your passport and driver’s license or Canadian ID

Fee: USD 48.00, payable in exact cash or Money Order to “Embassy of Panama – Consular Section”.

Important Requirements and Procedures

Appointments must be arranged via email to [email protected]
Documents requiring translation must be rendered in Spanish
Notarial and legalization services are available across Ottawa, Toronto, Montreal, and Vancouver consular offices
The Apostille route is recommended for remote processing where acceptable.

Special Service: Travel Authorization for Minors (Salida de Menores)

If a Panamanian minor or permanent resident under 18 plans to travel out of Panama, they must present an authorization letter authenticated by the Panama Embassy or Consulate:

In-Person Notarial Certificate:
- Submit copies of parents’ passports or Panamanian identity cards
- Birth certificate and minor’s passport
- Fee: USD 48.00, payable in cash or Money Order

Remote Apostille Process:

Authenticate the authorization letter through Global Affairs Canada
No consular visit required

Templates include a signed original and copy; the online immigration form is no longer required. Document issuance is recommended before departure from Canada.

Civil Status Declarations & Birth Registration Abroad

The Panama Embassy also supports birth registrations for Panamanian minors born abroad via a consular sworn declaration (Declaración Jurada). Requirements include:

Apostilled original birth certificate
Certified Spanish translation (in Canada or Panama)
Parent’s passport (Copy) or Panamanian ID
Signed sworn statement, performed in-person at the Embassy or Consulate
Electoral residence certificate from Panama (via Tribunal Electoral)*

Fee: USD 48.00 (plus USD 5.00 if requesting birth certificate issuance in Panama). Documents are sent directly from Ottawa to Panama via pre-paid courier or mail.

Travel and Passport Services at the Panama Embassy in Canada

The Panama Embassy in Ottawa, along with its Consulates General in Toronto, Montreal, and Vancouver, offers passport and travel-related services for Panamanian citizens residing in Canada. These services include passport issuance, renewal, emergency travel documents, and minor travel authorizations. Services are provided by appointment only and are subject to jurisdictional restrictions.

Passport Services Offered

New Passport Applications: Panamanian citizens may apply for a new passport at the Panama Embassy in Ottawa or designated Consular offices, submitting required forms, identification, and supporting documentation.
Passport Renewals: Eligible applicants may renew passports by mail or in person, depending on their location and documentation status. Renewal requires two prepaid return courier envelopes and appropriate photographs.
Emergency Travel Documents (“Salvoconducto”): If a passport is lost, stolen, or has expired, a temporary travel document valid for direct return to Panama can be issued. This document is valid for one month and must be paid for online. Processing typically takes 5–6 business days.

Application Process

Appointment Required: Passport services are provided by appointment only. Contact the consular office via email to schedule.
Required Documents: Applicants must complete official passport forms, submit a Panamanian birth certificate (for minors), proof of identity (Panamanian ID or passport), three standardized passport photos, and prepaid return shipping envelopes.
Payment: Fees are paid via an online link (debit or credit card). Applicants will receive payment instructions after their application is accepted.

Fees and Processing Times

Standard Passport Fee: USD 100.00 for general applicants; USD 50.00 for retirees (women over 55, men over 60).
Emergency Travel Document: USD 30.00, paid online via card.
Processing Time: Regular passport applications typically require around 30 business days once sent to Panama. Emergency documents are issued within 5–6 business days.

Important Travel Information for Panamanian Citizens in Canada

Panamanian citizens should travel with a valid Panamanian passport even if they hold Canadian citizenship or residency; passengers presenting only a Canadian passport may face complications upon entry to Panama.
Ensure passports have at least six months of validity from the date of planned entry into Panama.

Visa Requirements for Travelers to Panama (for Canadians and Foreign Nationals)

Visa Exemption: Canadian citizens and many other nationalities may enter Panama visa-free for up to 180 days if holding a valid multiple-entry visa or residence permit from Canada, the U.S., EU, UK, Australia, Japan, Singapore, or South Korea.
Requirements:
- Passport valid for at least 6 months
- Financial solvency of at least USD 500
- Round-trip ticket or itinerary
If these conditions are not met, a stamped or authorized tourist visa will be required.
Visa Types and Processing:
- Stamped Tourist Visa: For select nationalities (e.g., Philippines, China), processing may take up to 30 business days.
- Authorized Visa: For other nationals, it may take up to 90 business days. Fees are USD 60.00, payable in exact cash only. If approved, applicants must collect the visa in person at the consular post.

Immigration and Citizenship Services at the Panama Embassy in Canada

The Panama Embassy in Ottawa, together with its Consulates General in Toronto, Montreal, and Vancouver, provides a comprehensive range of immigration and citizenship-related services for Canadian residents and foreign nationals who intend to travel, work, study, or immigrate to Panama. These services also aid Panamanian citizens abroad.

Visa Applications

Visa Exemption (Tourist)

Under Executive Decree #521 of 2018, Canadian citizens and Permanent Residents may enter Panama without a visa for up to six months, provided they meet the following conditions:

Hold a passport or travel document with at least 6 months validity
Have financial solvency of at least USD 500
Possess a round‑trip ticket
Hold a valid multiple-entry visa or permanent residency from Canada, U.S., EU, UK, Australia, Japan, Singapore, or South Korea.
As of October 2024, prior use of that visa or status is no longer mandatory.

Stamped or Authorized Tourist Visas

Travelers who do not qualify for the visa exemption must apply for one of two types of tourist visas:

Stamped Visa (e.g. nationals of China, India, Philippines, Ghana, Venezuela, etc.): processed in up to 30 working days
Authorized Visa (e.g. nationals of other specified countries): processed in up to 90 working days
Visa fee: USD 60, payable in exact cash only at the embassy or consulate.

Visa Requirements include:

Completed visa application form
Passport valid for minimum 6 months
Round-trip airline reservation
Proof of financial solvency (USD 500 or more
Copy of ID or residency card
Three passport-size photographs
Invitation or host documentation (if applicable)
For minors: parental consent documentation in Spanish
All documents must be translated into Spanish as required.

Special Visas: Transit Visa & Remote Worker Visa

Transit Visa (Haitians or Cubans): Required for citizens of listed countries not qualifying for visa exemption when transiting through Panama. Valid for 24 hours. Same USD 60 fee and timelines as tourist visas.
Remote Worker Visa: Issued under Decree No.198 (May 7, 2021), valid for 9 months, extendable once. Must be applied for within Panama via a legal representative, not via Canadian consulates. Requirements include notarized documentation, proof of income (> USD 3,000/mo), health and criminal record certificates, insurance, and payment of USD 250 to the National Immigration Service.

Citizenship & Travel Document Services

Travel Documents (“Documento de Viaje”): Canadian permanent residents unable to travel with a Panamanian passport may enter Panama using an official travel document, valid for up to 6 months, subject to eTA or visa exemption conditions. Documents must have at least 6 months’ validity and no restrictions returning to Canada.
Consular Registration for Panamanian Citizens Abroad: Available via email or appointment at Ottawa or consular posts.

Fees, Submission & Appointments

Visa and travel document fees must be paid in USD exact cash at the consular office. No personal checks accepted.
Appointments required for all immigration-related services. Applications must be submitted in person at the appropriate consular office.
Processing timelines depend on visa type: 30 to 90 working days for stamped/authorized visas; transit visas processed similarly.

Applicant Guidance

Apply early, citizen services can involve lengthy processing times.
Ensure your passport has at least six months of validity.
Retain consistent documentation including email confirmations, receipts, and invitation letters.
Submit Spanish translations where required.

Minors require parental or legal guardian consent forms in Spanish, as well as proof of legal custody.

Panama Embassy FAQS

Does Panama accept apostilles, or is embassy legalization required?

Panama is a party to the Hague Apostille Convention, and Canada joined on January 11, 2024. This means Canadian public documents only need an apostille from Global Affairs Canada or an approved provincial office, no further consular legalization at the Panamanian Embassy is required.

What is an apostille and how does it differ from legalization?

An apostille is an internationally recognized certification used between members of the Hague Convention. It certifies a document’s authenticity in a single step (from Canadian authorities). Since Panama and Canada both participate, traditional consular legalization is replaced by the streamlined apostille process.

Is a visit to the Panama Embassy in Ottawa still needed for apostilled documents?

No. Panama fully accepts apostilles under the Hague Convention. With DAC handling authentication and translation, embassy visits are not necessary. Apostilled documents are legally recognized in Panama without additional embassy validation.

How long does it take to apostille Canadian documents for Panama?

Processing times vary depending on the province and type of document. DAC typically completes the process within 5–15 business days, plus an additional 2–5 days if translation is required.

What types of Canadian documents can be apostilled for use in Russia?

Documents commonly apostilled for legal or official use in Panama include birth and marriage certificates, Canadian police clearance documents (RCMP or local), diplomas and transcripts, powers of attorney, affidavits, business registrations, contracts, notarized translations, and export documentation. DAC ensures all are properly verified, notarized if needed, and authenticated with the correct Canadian apostille authority.

Can DAC help with notarizing Canadian documents before apostille for Panama?

Yes. If your document isn’t official (e.g., a personal declaration, translation, or copy), it must be notarized by a Canadian notary public to be eligible for apostilling. DAC coordinates notarization with qualified notaries to ensure the document meets Panama’s acceptance requirements.

Do Canadian documents require translation into Spanish for use in Panama?

Yes. Many Panamanian institutions, for legal, immigration, or academic purposes, require documents to be presented in Spanish. DAC offers certified translation services from English or French to Spanish alongside apostille processing, ensuring full compliance.

I need to use a Canadian diploma in Panama. What steps must I follow?

Your diploma may require notarization (if issued privately), followed by apostille authentication by the appropriate Canadian authority. DAC also provides certified Spanish translations if needed. The combined process ensures your diploma is legally accepted in Panama.

How do I start working with DAC to prepare my documents for Panama?

Begin by requesting a free quote on our website. DAC will guide you through every step, whether it’s notarization, apostille, certified translation, or delivery, ensuring your documents meet all requirements for use in Panama.

Can the Embassy of Panama in Canada help with visas or Panamanian travel documentation?

Yes. The Panama Embassy in Ottawa offers consular services including visa processing for Canadian and foreign nationals, passport renewal for Panamanian citizens, and travel documentation such as tourist and student visas. Applicants must submit required forms and supporting documents through the Embassy, often by appointment. It’s important to note that while DAC does not assist with visa services, we ensure your Canadian documents, such as police clearances, medical letters, or financial statements, are apostilled and translated as required for Panamanian immigration or travel applications. For the most current visa requirements, consult the Embassy’s official website or contact the consular office directly.

IN CONCLUSION

You should now have a clearer understanding of the requirements, fees, and procedures to obtain visas, passports, document legalization, and other consular services from the Panama Embassy in Canada.

Navigating embassy processes and government departments can be complex and overwhelming, especially if you are planning to travel, work, study, or immigrate to Panama, or if you need to authenticate important documents for official use.

At Document Authentication Canada (DAC), we simplify and streamline the entire process for you. We coordinate closely with the Panama Embassy in Ottawa and its Consulates to ensure your documents are correctly prepared, submitted, and returned to you on time.

If you need assistance with Panama document authentication, our expert team is here to guide you every step of the way.

About The Author

Muna Hasen, Director of Customer Experience

Muna Hasen brings a strong background in legal support and community engagement. Born and raised in Ottawa, she has gained valuable experience both across Canada and internationally. Muna is committed to client-centered service, ensuring every interaction is guided by clarity, professionalism, and trust.