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Panama

This information was updated on 28th July 2021.

Current situation

Panama is open to international travelers, keeping the safety and health of both tourists and locals their top priority.

Visitors from all countries are welcome to visit Panama, however, a negative COVID-19 test is required for entry.

Non-vaccinated travellers arriving from or that have transited through from South America, India, South Africa or the United Kingdom in the last 15 days will be required to take an additional COVID-19 test upon arrival and quarantine for 3 days.

However, travellers arriving from these countries that can present a complete vaccination scheme, equal to or greater than 14 days after the last dose, will be excempt from the 3-day quarantine. For more information on these restrictions, click here.

Currently, mobility restrictions are in place as well as mandatory curfew at night time.

Prior to travelling - requirements to enter Panama

ALL travellers will be required to present a negative COVID-19 PCR or antigen test taken no more than 72 hours prior to their arrival time in Panama.

    • If a test is not possible within that time frame, a COVID-19 rapid test will be mandated at the airport before customs and the traveller will have to cover the costs of said test (USD $50).
      • If the results are positive, the traveller will be placed under a mandatory 14-day quarantine in a Hotel Hospital designated by the Ministry of Health free of charge OR at home, if a Panama citizen or resident.

ALL travellers are required to present their completed Electronic Health Affidavit (in physical or digital form) to their airline or carrier BEFORE boarding to Panama.

To register and fill out your Health Affidavit, CLICK HERE

FOR ALL INCOMING TRAVELlERS ARRIVING FROM OR THAT HAVE TRANSITED THROUGH SOUTH AMERICA, INDIA, SOUTH AFRICA AND THE UNITED KINGDOM IN THE LAST 15 DAYS

  • Non-vaccinated travellers or travellers without a complete vaccination scheme:
    • Will be required to take an additional, mandatory molecular COVID-19 test upon arrival at Tocumen International Airport before customs. The travellers will have to cover the costs of said test (USD $85).
      • If the results are positive, the traveller will be placed under a mandatory 14-day quarantine in a Hotel Hospital designated by the Ministry of Health free of charge OR at home, if a Panama citizen or resident.
      • If the results are negative, the passenger will be placed under a mandatory 3-day quarantine. The passenger will have to complete this quarantine in:
        1. A hotel designated by the Ministry of Health free of charge. (Only until August 8th, 2021)
        2. An authorized hotel of their choosing with a reservation prior to arrival that they will have to present in printed version upon entry. The traveler will have to cover the costs of said stay. Authorised Hotels:
          1. Westin Panama
          2. Westin Playa Bonita
          3. Bristol Hotel
          4. Wyndham Panama Albrook Mall
          5. Sortis Hotel
          6. The Santa Maria, a Luxury Collection Hotel
          7. Mio Hotel (Using code “SAFE” on the reservation)
        3. At home, if a Panama citizen or resident.
      • At the end of the 3-day period another test will be taken.
        • If the results are negative, the quarantine period will be over.
        • If the results are positive, the passenger will be placed under a 14-day quarantine in a Hotel Hospital designated by the Ministry of Health free of charge.
  • Travellers will be exempt from the 3-day mandatory quarantine and molecular test upon arrival provided that they present the following documents in physical or digital form:
    1. Negative COVID-19 PCR or antigen test taken no more than 72 hours prior to their arrival time in Panama.
      • If a test is not possible within that time frame, a COVID-19 rapid test will be mandated at the airport before customs and the traveller will have to cover the costs of said test (USD $50).
    2. Card or digital certification of a complete vaccination scheme endorsed by the WHO, EMA and FDA, equal to or greater than 14 days after the last dose

RECOMMENDATIONS

  • The IATA Travel Pass is currently NOT being accepted as a proof of testing or vaccination.
  • Health insurance is not a requirement for entry but is highly recommended.
  • We do not recommend the use or carrying of non-essential items onboard such as blankets or pillows in order to minimize the risk of cross-contamination.
  • We encourage all travellers to check travel restrictions from their departure country and country of citizenship.

Flights from the UK

The borders opened on the 12th of October. 

All airlines are resuming their flights to Panamá in October and November with the exception of LH which will resume in April 2021.

Plans for reopening other entry points

Regarding to entry ports such as cruise ports and other port operators, we estimate to restart operations during the second semester of 2020. Although our ports are likely to reopen at the end of 2020 as our cruise season starts, it is difficult to estimate since most cruise lines that operate in and have transit through Panama come from the United States or Europe, and there might be further delays in the arrivals and transits of these cruise ships. Considering the effects of this pandemic on the cruise industry in general, we understand that in the USA, most cruise ports and lines have postponed activity until September 2020, but focusing on their domestic markets.

As far as bio-security, health and sanitation standards and requirements, the Panama Tourism Authority has been working with the relevant industry experts to develop the guidelines to be followed, with previous approval of the Ministry of Health Panama (MINSA) and Immigration authorities, to ensure that our protocols meet international standards, keeping the safety and security of international visitors and locals and continuing to develop the tourism sector properly.

What Covid 19-related safety measures can travellers expect?

Passengers that fail to follow protocols may not enter the country or may be sanctioned according to Panamanian laws.

Surgical face masks are always required except for:

  • Momentary removal for identification purposes in security checkpoints, immigration, etc. always respecting the social distancing of 2 meters.
  • Infants aged two or younger.
  • Passengers with a different illness other than COVID-19 that prevents breathing with a mask.
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Note: In the case of people with an illness other than COVID-19 which prevents them from breathing with the surgical mask, they must use a face shield and a medical certificate must be presented indicating the illness they suffer from and the medical recommendation that they should not use such personal protective equipment.

Face masks need to be in optimal condition and must be worn properly. Wet, dirty, or damaged masks must be replaced as soon as possible.

  • Passengers should maintain physical distance, a minimum of two (2) meters in the airport facilities.
  • Passengers are subject to temperature screening upon entering the airport.
  • If exhibiting an elevated body temperature or any COVID-19 related symptoms, travelers will be subject to a rapid COVID-19 test at the traveler’s expense and/or additional health screening, in order to take the necessary precautions.
    • Passengers will remain isolated until results have been obtained.
    • If results come back positive, the passenger will be placed under a 14-day quarantine in a hotel designated by the Ministry of Health.
  • The Ministry of Health can perform random rapid testing at any time.
  • The same requirements as set forth above shall be applicable to visitors who arrive on private flights.

 

UPON DEPARTURE:

COVID-19 Testing is available for Departing Passengers from Tocumen International Airport.

  • The center is open from 5:00 AM to 9:00 PM.
  • The cost of the COVID-19 rapid test is $50.00 USD and the result takes around 40 minutes.
  • The service is first come first serve, so we encourage all passengers that want to get tested to arrive with enough time before their flight.
  • Face masks are required at all times (except for momentary removal for identification purposes in security checkpoints, immigration, etc.).
  • Temperature screening upon entering the airport.
  • Expect sanitizing mats when entering Tocumen International Airport to disinfect shoes and luggage wheels.
  • We encourage all travelers to check travel restrictions of your destination country and airport.
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What to expect during your stay in Panama

The government has announced a gradual reopening plan for attractions and activities. Dates are subject to change depending on health conditions.
CURRENTLY:

  • Beaches, rivers, pools (in social areas as well as hotels) and parks are open for visitors only during mobility hours.
    • In the provinces of Panamá, Panamá Oeste, Coclé, Veraguas, Los Santos and Herrera, beaches are only open from 6:00 AM to 5:00 PM
  • Outdoor exercise and activities are permitted during mobility hours as long as they’re contactless and abiding to social distancing guidelines.
  • Restaurants are open for clients. Please find more information on restaurante safety measures below.
  • Stores, beauty salons, barber shops and daycare centers are open for clients.
  • Carwashes, tailor shops, shoe repair shops, non-essential industries, cultural industries, and restaurants are open for clients.
  • Gyms, spas, movie theaters and casinos are are open for clients.

RESTAURANTS

  • Restaurants may operate by reservation system in order to avoid crowding.
  • Tables separated by a distance of at least two (2) meters.
  • Individual packages for salt, pepper, shakers, and sauces.
  • Standing menu and/or digital menus accessible via smartphone or disposable menus.
  • Buffets will not be available.
  • Hand sanitizer will be available at tables or in higher circulation areas.

TOURS AND ATTRACTIONS

  • Reduced capacity (50%) for shared ground transportation vehicles.
  • Event spaces are limited to 30% capacity and four (4) people per table.
  • Marina capacity limited to 25%.
  • Digital maps should be accessed via smartphones.
  • Golf courses will be open (no use of rakes, removing flags, or shared carts).
  • Touristic activities, cultural and creative attractions, libraries, movies and theaters, casinos and others will be enforcing the safety protocols and may be operating with lower capacity and restricted schedules.

MEETINGS

  • Business meetings allowed up to a maximum of 25 people.

Contact details

Eugenia Powell – Sales Director PROMTUR epowell@visitpanama.com
Luciana Kramer – Sales Manager LEISURE PROMTUR lkramer@visitpanama.com
Tatiana Ângulo – Sales Manager MICE PROMTUR tangulo@visitpanama.com

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