COVID-19 Precautionary Measures in Panama (23 July Update)

Can a resident or citizen enter the country?

• Yes

• Residents and citizens are allowed to enter.

Can a foreigner enter the country?

• Yes

• Foreigners are allowed to enter.

Is transit allowed through the country?

• Yes

• Transit through Panama is allowed.

Is a test required on arrival?

• No, with exceptions

• Passengers are subject to temperature screening upon entering the airport. Travellers exhibiting an elevated body temperature or any COVID-19 related symptoms will be subject to a rapid COVID-19 test at the traveller’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.

• Travellers arriving without a negative COVID-19 PCR or antigen test certificate issued no more than 48 hours before arrival must undergo a rapid test on arrival in Panama at their own expense.

• All passengers arriving from South America, India, South Africa, and the United Kingdom or those who have transited through any of these countries in the last 15 days, will be required to take an additional, mandatory PCR molecular COVID-19 test upon arrival at Tocumen International Airport at their own expense. All of them will be in quarantine for 3 days until receiving test results.

• If the test results are positive, the Panamanian government will facilitate a hotel stay at no cost to the traveller for a mandatory 14-day quarantine.

Test certificate accepted?

• Yes

• Test certificates issued outside of Panama must be issued in Spanish or English to be considered valid.

Test certificate required?

• Yes

• All arrivals are required to have a negative COVID-19 PCR or antigen test certificate issued within 48 hours prior to arrival.

• Travellers who cannot provide a test certificate must have a rapid COVID test performed at the airport at their own expense.

Is quarantine required on arrival?

• No, with exceptions

• Travellers who provide a negative COVID-19 test certificate issued either before or upon arrival do not need to enter quarantine.

• Travellers without valid certificates will be tested on arrival. If the test result is positive, the traveller will have to enter a 14-day quarantine at a government-designated hospital/hotel.

• Travellers arriving from *South America, India, South Africa, or the United Kingdom * or who have transited through any of these countries in the last 15 days must meet the following requirements:

• Will be required to take an additional, mandatory molecular COVID-19 test upon arrival at Tocumen International Airport before customs.

• 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:

• A hotel designated by the Ministry of Health free of charge.

• An authorized hotel of their choosing with a reservation prior to arrival and with a printed version to present upon entry. The traveller will have to cover the costs of this stay. Authorized Hotels are: Westin Panama, Westin Playa Bonita, Bristol Hotel, Wyndham Panama Albrook Mall, Sortis Hotel, the Santa Maria, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Mio Hotel (Using code “SAFE” on the reservation); or 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 allowed to exit quarantine subject to testing negative at the end of the 3-day period.

• Travellers who are fully vaccinated and can prove that they have received the vaccine at least 14 days prior to entry are exempted from quarantine.

• Based on the above restrictions, arriving travellers will be either exempted or will be required to spend up to 14 days in quarantine, depending on their travel history.

Insurance required?

• No

• Proof of insurance coverage for COVID-19 expenses is not a requirement to enter the country but is highly recommended.

Recommended Border App

• Yes

• Use of the “Protégete con Salud” application is optional for contact tracing. The app is available for download on Android.

Entry Form required?

• Yes

• All travellers entering Panama must complete and sign an electronic sworn affidavit prior to check-in.

• The Panama Canal Authority (ACP) requires that ships coming from countries where there is a recorded transmission of COVID-19 cases and with a crew member exhibiting symptoms must notify the ACP at least 30 days before its arrival and of any crew changes within 14 days of arrival. In the event a crew member is a confirmed COVID-19 case, the vessel will not be permitted to transit and must be quarantined for 14 days.

Airline Restrictions

• Minimal

• Flight operations have resumed at Tocumen International Airport.

Border Restrictions

• Moderate

• Borders are open.

• The Panama Canal Authority (ACP) requires that ships coming from countries with a confirmed case and with a crew member exhibiting symptoms must notify the ACP at least 30 days before its arrival and of any crew changes within 14 days of arrival. In the event a crew member is a confirmed COVID-19 case, the vessel will not be permitted to transit and must be quarantined for 14 days.

Curfew Restrictions

• Moderate

• A nationwide curfew is in place from midnight until 04:00 (local time), Monday through Sunday. Local authorities may impose their own restrictions, which can be found here. .

• Additional movement and business restrictions vary by region.

• International tourists arriving in Panama who need to transfer to their lodging accommodations outside of Panama City or during curfew hours will be able to do so as long as they provide valid airline ticket information and hotel reservations.

Social Restrictions

• Significant

• All kinds of mass gatherings or group walks are prohibited. Business meetings are allowed, with up to a maximum of 25 people in attendance.

• Outdoor exercise and activities are permitted during non-curfew hours as long as they are contactless and adhering to social distancing guidelines.

Internal Travel Restrictions

• Moderate

• Public transportation is operating at a reduced capacity, and masks are required.

Non-essential shops open?

• Yes

• Non-essential services/shops are open.

• Retail stores and administrative and general services are open. Markets, supermarkets, drug stores, and gas stations are open.

Accommodations open?

• Yes

• Hotels, motels, and rural hostels are open.

Restaurants open?

• Yes

• Restaurants are allowed to open and can operate with a reservation system and social distancing norms. Buffets will not be available.

Bars and cafes open?

• No

• Bars are closed.

Beaches and tourism sites open?

• Yes, with exceptions

• Beaches, rivers, pools, parks and tourist attractions are open for visitors only during non-curfew hours.

• In the provinces of Panamá, Panamá Oeste, Coclé, Veraguas, Los Santos and Herrera, beaches are only open from 06:00 to 17:00 (local time).

• Tourist activities, cultural and creative attractions, libraries, movies and theatres, casinos, and other sites will operate with adherence to safety protocols, at a lower capacity, and with restricted schedules.

Museums and heritage sites open?

• No

• Museums and heritage sites are closed.

Personal care services open?

• Yes

• Barbershops and beauty parlours are open.

Places of worship open?

• Yes

• Religious sites and places of worship are open.

Events allowed?

• Yes

• Gatherings in public or commercial areas must comply with the Government’s limited capacity rule to prevent overcrowding.

• People are now allowed to gather at conferences, seminars, sporting events, and musical presentations in small venues.

Masks required in public?

• Yes with exceptions

• Face coverings are required in public places. Infants aged two or younger and passengers with a different illness other than COVID-19 that prevents breathing with a mask are exempt.

• 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.

Other Restrictions

• Carwashes, daycare centres, tailor shops, shoe repair shops, and non-essential cultural industries (excluding movie theatres), massage parlours, gyms, spas, fishing centres, casinos, movie theatres, and sports fields are allowed to operate.

• Economic sectors (construction industries and related activities) are open, including in the Panama Pacifico Special Economic Area, Colon Free Zone and free zones, private marinas, and sport fishing.

• Universities and schools are closed for in-person classes nationwide until further notice.

• Golf courses are open.

The COVID-19 epidemic is constantly changing worldwide. Travel and border restrictions may change with little or no notice. Airlines may have their own requirements for testing, masking, and distancing. It is recommended that travellers carry a supply of face masks since the requirement can vary by location. It is recommended that travellers practice social distancing, maintain a 6-foot distance from other individuals and avoid crowded areas. Check with your airline, booking agent, or country's embassy for information on your specific travel plans.