Panama splits the passport fee into two separate payments to two separate places, and getting that wrong is the usual reason an appointment fails. The first is a money order made out to the consulate; the second is paid on the day, online, through the passport authority’s own website by card.
Quick facts
Bring a card as well as the money order. The second payment is made at the appointment itself through the passport authority’s site, and only Visa or Mastercard are accepted.
Fees breakdown
| Item | Cost | Paid to |
|---|---|---|
| Passport, first payment | Money order | The consulate, by name |
| Passport, second payment | Card, at the appointment | Passport authority website |
| Safe-conduct, first payment | $48 money order | The consulate |
| Safe-conduct, second payment | $30 online | Once approved |
| Return postage | Prepaid envelope | Must have a tracking number |
Published totals and the two-part breakdown do not always agree with each other, so confirm the exact amounts when you book rather than relying on any figure found online, including this one.
How to renew
- Request an appointment with the consulate covering your state, by phone or email.
- Buy the money order for the first payment, made out exactly as instructed.
- Bring a Visa or Mastercard for the online payment at the appointment.
- Attend in person with your identity card and the expired passport.
- For a lost passport, file a report with the consulate or the state police first.
- Supply a prepaid envelope with a tracking number for the return.
Required documents
- Valid Panamanian identity card.
- Expired or current passport.
- Police or consular report where the passport was lost or stolen.
- Money order for the first payment.
- Card for the second payment.
- Prepaid tracked return envelope.
Where to apply
At the consulate covering your state. Panama publishes a state-by-state jurisdiction list, and it is worth checking before travelling.
Consulate General of Panama
View details โLong BeachConsulate of Panama Los Angeles
View details โMiamiConsulate of Panama
View details โNew OrleansConsulate General of Panama
View details โNew YorkConsulate General of Panama in New York
View details โPhiladelphiaConsulate General of Panama
View details โTampaConsulate General of Panama
View details โTampaConsulate of Panama
View details โWashingtonPanama Embassy
View details โWashingtonConsulate General of Panama
View details โAdditional notes
An expired identity card complicates things
The consulate asks you to contact them in advance if your card has expired, because the passport depends on it and the card procedure may have to come first.
Lost abroad
The safe-conduct document lets a Panamanian return home without a passport. It takes roughly three to ten days and is also paid in two parts.
Confirm before buying the money order
A money order made out to the wrong payee cannot be used and is awkward to refund. Ask for the exact wording.
Tracking number required
A prepaid envelope without tracking will not be accepted for the return.