When seeking residency or a visa in Panama, most people anticipate having to navigate some government bureaucracy. But in preparing for your trip, don’t forget to plan for the dress code at the Panama immigration office.
Yes, you read that right—the dress code. It’s not just about your documents or eligibility—how you dress matters, too.
The Panama immigration office’s dress policy is not especially formal, but there are a few opportunities for missteps if you are in full relaxed vacation mode during your Panama trip. And a failure to comply with the dress code may very well result in you not being let into the building!
So, whether you’re applying for temporary residency, permanent residency, or specific visa programs like the Pensionado Visa or Friendly Nations Visa—dressing appropriately can ensure your experience goes smoothly. This short guide will walk you through what to wear (and what not to wear) when visiting Panama’s immigration office.
The Dress Code
Like we said, the dress code is not especially formal—and you’ll see plenty of people casually dressed in the Panama immigration office. But there are a few dress requirements that are pretty strictly enforced.
Let’s break them down:
Cover Your Legs
One of the strictest rules at the immigration office in Panama is keeping your legs covered. Shorts, short skirts, or any attire revealing too much leg are prohibited.
What to Wear:
- Long pants are a safe and versatile option for both men and women.
- Women can opt for long skirts or dresses that extend below the knee.
What to Avoid:
- Shorts of any length.
- Mini skirts or anything above the knee.
Little-known Fact:
If you do mistakenly show up in shorts, there is often a guy outside of the immigration office who can rent you a pair of pants for $10 per hour. But you didn’t come all the way to Panama to rent a pair of pants by the hour. So, do yourself a favor and leave your casual beachwear at home, no matter how enticing Panama’s tropical weather might feel.
Leave your Flip-Flops at the Hotel
Again, you don’t have to go especially formal here. Sneakers or other casual shoes are fine. But if you show up in Rainbows or Havaianas, there is a good chance you won’t make it past security at the immigration office.
Appropriate Shoes:
- Closed-toe shoes such as loafers, flats, or sneakers.
- For women, closed-toe heels or professional flats work perfectly.
What Not to Wear:
- Flip-flops or slippers.
One Clarification:
The policy is not no open-toe shoes. Actually, you can wear sandals—just don’t wear flip flops. But if you like my husband and are thinking, “What’s the difference between a flip-flop and a sandal”, then just play it safe and just wear close-toed shoes.
Say “Yes” to Sleeves
The immigration office also restricts sleeveless tops or dresses. Clothing with exposed shoulders or straps is considered too informal for the setting.
Recommended Attire:
- Men should wear shirts with sleeves, such as a t-shirt, button-down or polo. Short sleeves are fine.
- Women can opt for blouses or tops with cap sleeves, short sleeves, or long sleeves.
Avoid These Choices:
- Tank tops or spaghetti-strap tops.
- Muscle shirts.
- Off-the-shoulder or strapless outfits, no matter how chic they are.
Creative Solution:
If your outfit doesn’t fully meet this requirement, consider bringing a lightweight cardigan or shawl to throw on before entering the office. I sometimes keep a light scarf in my purse just in case any ladies need to cover their shoulders (or any male clients, for that matter). But we have never seen anyone standing outside of the immigration office renting sleeves by the hour.
Use Your Discretion—and Lean Conservative
There are some additional rules we haven’t mentioned here. For example, you can’t wear a baseball cap in the immigration office. But his is relatively easy to resolve on the spot.
And more generally—if you have any doubts at all, it’s probably better to err on the side of caution. Even when you’ve technically met these requirements, dressing slightly conservatively conveys respect for the institution.
Bottom Line?
Panama isn’t especially formal, but the immigration office is pretty rigid when it comes to enforcing a simple dress code to get in the door. Dressing appropriately helps to ensure that your visit is smooth and hassle-free—saving yourself time and effort in what can already be a meticulous process. So, supplement these guidelines with some discretion. And, when in doubt, lean conservative.
If you have questions about what to wear (or what NOT to wear) to the immigration office, send us a quick email to info@theindependentlawyer.com.
