Expert: Lorena Mlns - 12/2/2007

Question
I have a Panamanian friend that wants to visit me in Canada. What is required( travel documents visa passport) how difficult is this request from the government?

Answer
Hi Mike,
Yes, in order for a Panamenian citizen to visit Canada they need a visa.
The visa is given by a Canadian authority, not Panama government.
There is no Canadian office in Panama that does the paperwork, it has to be done through the Canadian Embassy in Guatemala.
It is very difficult to obtain and takes quite a while, not to mention that it is a bit expensive.
Below is information from the Canadian office in Guatemala:
The Canadian Embassy
Immigration Section
P.O. Box 400
Guatemala City Guatemala


Mission Tel.: (502) 363-4348
Immigration Tel.: (502) 365-1250
Mission Fax: (502) 365-1210
Immigration Fax: (502) 365-1214

Responsible for visitor applications from:
Belize, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua, Panama

Good luck,
Lorena