Can You Drive in Panama With a Foreign License? Rules for Expats (2026)

16.06.2026

Can You Drive in Panama With a Foreign License? Rules for Expats (2026)

You bought the car — can you legally drive it? The answer depends on whether you're still a tourist or you've become a resident. Here's the clear version.

As a tourist: your foreign license works for 90 days

Visitors can drive in Panama on a valid foreign driver's license for up to 90 days, which generally lines up with the standard tourist stay. Carry your passport (with the entry stamp) and your home-country license together.

As a resident: you must get a Panamanian license

The key rule expats miss: the moment you receive your residency card, your foreign license is no longer enough. Temporary and permanent residents are required to obtain a Panamanian driver's license — even if you only arrived recently. Your legal documents need to match your new status.

How to convert your foreign license

License conversion is only available once you have legal residency (it's not an option for tourists). Requirements typically include:

  • Your valid foreign driver's license
  • Your residency documents and passport
  • A medical certificate
  • A blood-type certificate

Exact steps and accepted documents can change and may depend on your country — always confirm the current requirements with the transit authority (ATTT) or a licensed advisor.

A couple of things that make Panama easy to drive

  • Panama drives on the right, like the US and most of the Americas.
  • The currency is the US dollar, so fuel, tolls, and fees are all in dollars — no conversion math.

Bottom line

Tourist? Your foreign license covers you for 90 days. Becoming a resident? Plan to convert to a Panamanian license right away. Either way, we'll make sure the car side is fully handled.

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Need help getting road-ready? Reach our English-speaking team on our contact page.

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