Travel Requirements For Panama: Unlocking The Tropical Paradise

If you're planning a trip to Panama, it's important to be aware of the requirements and procedures to ensure a smooth journey. Here's a quick overview of what you need to know:

Firstly, ensure your passport is valid for at least six months from the date of entry into Panama. This is a standard requirement for most countries, and it's always good to double-check the validity of your passport before travelling. Additionally, having a return ticket or proof of onward travel is essential. It's also mandatory to provide proof of economic solvency, which can be shown through local currency in US Dollars or Balboas. This requirement is in place to ensure travellers have sufficient funds for their stay.

Depending on your nationality, you may need to obtain a tourist visa before your trip. It's always advisable to check with the Panamanian consulate in your home country or consult your airline for specific visa requirements. Keep in mind that travellers from Brazil must have a yellow fever vaccination and carry the international certificate issued by ANVISA. However, there are exceptions for certain groups, such as children under one year old and adults over 60.

When travelling to Panama, it's essential to carry proper identification at all times. This can be your original passport, a copy of your passport (including the page with the Panama Immigration entry stamp and/or valid visa), or other valid photo identification. Staying informed about the latest travel advisories and registering with your country's embassy or consulate is also recommended for a safe and enjoyable trip to Panama.

Valid passport

A valid passport is one of the most important documents you will need when travelling to Panama. Here is some detailed information on what to expect and how to ensure your passport meets the necessary requirements:

Passport Validity:

When travelling to Panama, it is crucial that your passport is valid for at least six months beyond your entry date. This means that your passport should have an expiration date that is at least six months after the day you plan to arrive in Panama. This requirement is strictly enforced, and you may be denied entry if your passport validity does not meet this condition. Make sure to carefully check your passport's expiration date before booking your trip to Panama.

Passport Pages:

In addition to ensuring your passport is valid, it is recommended to have a sufficient number of blank pages available for entry stamps. While the number of required blank pages can vary, it is generally advisable to have at least two to three blank pages. This allows for any necessary stamps upon arrival and during your stay in Panama.

Carrying Your Passport:

While in Panama, it is essential to carry your original passport or a copy of it at all times. This includes having it readily available when exploring the country, as local authorities may request to see your identification. Always keep your passport in a secure location, such as a money belt or a locked hotel safe when not carrying it with you. Additionally, consider making photocopies of your passport, including the page with the Panama immigration entry stamp and your photo page. Keep these copies separate from your actual passport as a backup in case of loss or theft.

Multiple Entry Requirements:

If you plan to visit multiple countries during your trip, including Panama, ensure that your passport meets the entry requirements for each destination. Some countries require that your passport has a minimum period of validity, such as six months, for entry. Additionally, if you intend to return to your home country through another country, their entry requirements may differ from those of Panama, so be sure to review the specific passport requirements for all the countries on your itinerary.

Visa Requirements:

Depending on your nationality, you may need to obtain a tourist visa before travelling to Panama. Citizens of certain countries, such as the United States or Canada, may be exempt from obtaining a visa for a specific period. However, it is always advisable to check the latest visa requirements with the Panamanian consulate in your home country or consult your airline for the most up-to-date information.

Proof of economic solvency

When travelling to Panama, you must provide proof of economic solvency with a minimum of $500. Here are some ways you can do this:

Bank Draft

Provide a bank draft with your name on it. This must be translated into Spanish by an authorised translator and notarised.

Bank Statement

Provide a bank statement for the last three months. This must be translated into Spanish by an authorised translator and notarised. The economic solvency must be converted to US dollars by a competent entity, such as your bank, and then notarised by the relevant authorities.

Traveller's Cheque

Provide a traveller's cheque with your name on it.

Credit Card Statements

Provide credit card statements from the last three months.

Work Certificate

Provide a work certificate with your last paycheck. If you are self-employed, you can provide independent worker accreditation.

Retirement Certificate

If you are retired, you can submit a certificate of retirement.

Letter from Employer

Provide a letter from your employer that reflects your monthly wages. This must be translated into Spanish.

Tax Returns

Provide tax returns from the previous fiscal year.

Business Bank Reference

If you are a businessman or woman, you can submit a bank reference.

Other Documents

You may also submit any other document that proves your income and that is acceptable to the Panama National Immigration Service.

Health requirements

The health requirements for travel to Panama are subject to change, so it is important to check for the latest updates before your trip. Here is an overview of the health requirements for entry into Panama as of September 2023:

Proof of Vaccination:

• As of September 2023, there are no specific COVID-19 vaccination requirements for entry into Panama. However, it is recommended to check for any updates before your travel date.
• Travellers coming from Brazil must have a yellow fever vaccination and carry the international vaccination certificate issued by ANVISA. Exceptions are made for children under one year old, adults over 60, transit passengers in Brazil, and those with medical contraindications.

Testing Requirements:

• All travellers, regardless of their country of origin, must present a negative PCR or antigen test result within 48 hours of arrival in Panama.
• Upon arrival in Panama, travellers may be required to undergo an additional molecular test prior to immigration. The cost of this test is $85 and must be covered by the passenger.
• If the test result is negative, travellers are required to undergo mandatory isolation for 3 days at home or in a hospital hotel, as determined by the health authority. The Panamanian State covers the cost of this quarantine period.
• On the third day, travellers must repeat the antigen test, and if the result is negative, they can finish their quarantine. The cost of this test is covered by the health authority.
• If a passenger's test result is positive, they must undergo a PCR test and mandatory isolation for 14 days in a hospital hotel arranged by the Health Authority.
• From the third day onwards, isolation can be carried out in other authorized hotels at the traveller's expense.
• These requirements do not apply to passengers in transit.

Health Declaration Form:

• Both passengers and flight crew members must complete the "Health Declaration Form" before arrival in Panama.
• If passengers do not have a negative PCR test upon arrival, they must undergo testing at their own expense before proceeding through immigration.
• If the result of this test is positive, travellers must carry out mandatory isolation in a hotel designated by the Ministry of Health. After 7 days, they must undergo a new test to either end the isolation or extend it to 14 days.
• This requirement does not apply to passengers in transit, but they must meet the requirements of their final destination country.

Quarantine Requirements:

• As of June 23, 2023, Panamanian passengers and residents are exempt from the 3-day quarantine and molecular test upon admission.
• They must submit a negative PCR or antigen test result for COVID-19, performed within 48 hours before arrival in Panama or upon entering Tocumen Airport.
• Alternatively, they can provide a digital or physical card certifying a complete vaccination schedule endorsed by the WHO, EMA, or FDA, with the last dose administered at least 14 days before arrival.

Economic Solvency:

• All travellers must provide proof of economic solvency, which can be satisfied with local currency in US Dollars or Balboas.
• The specific amount required may vary based on your visa requirements. While customs agents may not always request this proof, it is legally required to carry evidence of your financial solvency.
• If you possess less than $10,000 in cash or valuables, you are not required to declare them. However, any amount exceeding $10,000 must be declared, and failure to do so can result in legal consequences and denial of entry to Panama.
• Travellers in transit within airport terminals are exempt from the solvency proof requirement.

Customs declarations

If you are travelling with family or a group, the authorities may ask for a responsible adult to complete the customs declaration form on behalf of the entire group. Additionally, customs agents may inquire about your visit and may interview each member of the group at their discretion.

The Customs Authority of Panama (Autoridad Nacional de Aduanas – ANA) oversees security checkpoints at airports and ports across the country. They interview travellers and verify that they meet all the necessary travel requirements for entry into Panama.

It is important to note that you must always carry your passport or a copy of it, as well as other necessary documents, when venturing out for tours or sightseeing in Panama. This is for your safety and to comply with local regulations.

• Ensure that your passport has at least six months of validity remaining.
• Have a return ticket to your country of origin or your next destination.
• Provide proof of economic solvency, which can be in the form of local currency (US Dollars or Balboas), a credit card, bank statement, or other accepted forms.
• Declare any cash or valuables exceeding $10,000 to avoid legal consequences and potential denial of entry to Panama.
• Obtain a tourist visa if required, depending on your nationality.
• If entering from Brazil, carry the international vaccination certificate for yellow fever issued by ANVISA, unless you meet certain exceptions.

Identification

• It is mandatory to carry valid identification with you at all times while in Panama. This includes visitors to the country. Failure to do so can result in penalties imposed by the Panamanian authorities.
• When venturing out for tours, sightseeing, or other activities, always carry your original passport, or at least a high-resolution copy. This is important for your safety and to comply with local requirements.
• If you are a U.S. or Canadian citizen, you do not need a visa to enter Panama. However, it is essential to have a valid passport with at least six months of validity remaining.
• For other nationalities, visa requirements may vary. It is advisable to check with the Panamanian consulate or your airline for specific entry requirements.
• If you are transiting through Panama and do not plan to leave the airport, different rules may apply. In some cases, you may not need a transit visa if you do not exit the international connection area. However, this depends on your nationality and the regulations of your final destination. Always check with the appropriate authorities or your airline for the most accurate and up-to-date information.
• When travelling to Panama, it is important to be aware of any additional requirements, such as proof of economic solvency and mandatory vaccinations, which may be requested by the Customs Authority of Panama (ANA) upon your arrival.

Frequently asked questions