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
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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