Is Panama Open for Tourism? – Latest Travel Restrictions

Home | Travel | Coronavirus | Is Panama Open for Tourism? – Latest Travel Restrictions

Panama has been open for international tourism since October 12, 2020. Tourists from all countries can now enter Panama.

Like many other countries that are open for tourism, all travelers must have a negative PCR or antigen test result that was obtained within 72 hours prior to arrival in Panama. They must also complete an Electronic Health Affidavit.

Unvaccinated travelers that are arriving from or have transited through high-risk countries must also get tested at the airport on arrival in Panama at their own expense. If the test is positive, they will have to quarantine for 14 days in a Hotel Hospital designated by the Ministry of Health at their own expense.

If the test is negative, unvaccinated travelers will have to quarantine for 72 hours, either at an authorized hotel of their choosing at their own expense if they are a tourist or at home if they are a Panamanian citizen or resident. At the end of the 72-hour quarantine period, they will get tested again. If that test is negative, the traveler may end their quarantine.

Fully vaccinated travelers from high-risk countries are exempt from testing on arrival and quarantining as long as they present a valid negative PCR or antigen test result that was obtained within 72 hours prior to arrival in Panama and proof of vaccination.

Can I travel to Panama right now?

Travelers from almost any country can visit Panama right now. Below is a map of all the countries that can currently enter Panama.

Panama - EN

Panama COVID-19 travel restrictions and entry requirements

Although Panama is open for tourists from all over the world, there are still several entry requirements that travelers must observe.

All travelers must have proof of a negative PCR or antigen test result that was obtained within 72 hours prior to arrival in Panama. If they do not have a test or their test is older than 72 hours, they must get tested at the airport at their own expense, which costs $50. All travelers must also complete an Electronic Health Affidavit.

All unvaccinated travelers from high-risk countries (Argentina, Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, Guyana, India, Paraguay, South Africa, Suriname, United Kingdom, and Venezuela) must get tested on arrival in Panama at their own expense. If the test is negative, they will have to quarantine for 72 hours, either at an authorized hotel if they are a tourist or at home if they are a Panamanian citizen or resident.

At the end of the 72-hour quarantine period, unvaccinated travelers will get tested again. If that test is negative, they may end their quarantine.

Fully vaccinated travelers from high-risk countries are exempt from testing on arrival and quarantining as long as they present a valid pre-arrival test result and proof of vaccination.

Covid-19 vaccine to travel to panama

Fully vaccinated travelers from high-risk countries (Argentina, Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, Guyana, India, Paraguay, South Africa, Suriname, United Kingdom, and Venezuela) are exempt from testing on arrival in Panama and quarantining.

In order to be exempt, vaccinated travelers must present a valid negative PCR or antigen test result that was obtained within 72 hours prior to arrival in Panama and a card or digital certification for a complete vaccination scheme. The vaccine received must be approved by the WHO, EMA, and FDA, and at least 14 days must have elapsed since the final dose of the vaccine was received.

Is PCR testing mandatory to travel to Panama?

Taking a PCR or antigen test is mandatory to travel to Panama, no matter which country you are coming from. You must be able to present evidence of a negative PCR or antigen test result that was obtained within 72 hours prior to arrival in Panama. If your test is older than 72 hours or you do not have a test, you will have to get tested at the airport (the test is at your own expense and costs $50).

If you are an unvaccinated traveler coming from a high-risk country (Argentina, Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, Guyana, India, Paraguay, South Africa, Suriname, United Kingdom, or Venezuela), you must also get tested at the airport on arrival in Panama at your own expense.

If the test is positive, you will have to quarantine for 14 days in a Hotel Hospital designated by the Ministry of Health at your own expense. If the test is negative, you will have to quarantine for 72 hours, either at an authorized hotel of your choosing at your own expense if you are a tourist or at home if you are a Panamanian citizen or resident.

At the end of the 72-hour quarantine period, you will get tested again. If that test is negative, you may end your quarantine.

Is there a mandatory quarantine upon arrival in Panama?

There is a mandatory quarantine on arrival for unvaccinated travelers from high-risk countries (Argentina, Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, Guyana, India, Paraguay, South Africa, Suriname, United Kingdom, and Venezuela).

Unvaccinated travelers from these countries must get tested at the airport on arrival in Panama at their own expense. If the test is positive, they will have to quarantine for 14 days in a Hotel Hospital designated by the Ministry of Health at their own expense.

If the airport test is negative, unvaccinated travelers will have to quarantine for 72 hours. If they are a tourist, the quarantine will be at an authorized hotel of their choosing at their own expense. If they are a Panamanian citizen or resident, the quarantine will be at home.

At the end of the 72-hour quarantine period, travelers will take another test. If that test is negative, they can end their quarantine. If that test is positive, they will then have to quarantine for 14 days in a Hotel Hospital designated by the Ministry of Health at their own expense.

Is there any mandatory quarantine upon arrival in Panama?

Is travel insurance with COVID-19 coverage mandatory to enter Panama?

Panama does not require you to have travel insurance with COVID-19 coverage in order to enter the country, but it is always prudent to travel with some kind of travel insurance, especially if it includes medical coverage.

If you’re looking for travel insurance that will also give you great COVID-19 coverage, we recommend Heymondo. We compared various travel insurance with COVID-19 coverage, and Heymondo ranked first for coverage and value for money. You can even get a 5% discount on their policies just for being our reader.

Other travel restrictions for Panama during COVID-19

Panama has implemented a few other regulations for travelers during the COVID-19 pandemic:

• Travelers from all countries must complete an online Electronic Health Affidavit
   prior to entering Panama.

• All travelers should expect to have their temperatures taken upon arrival.

• Face masks are required in all public areas.

• Social distancing must be observed.

• Depending on your nationality, you may need a tourist visa to enter Panama. Check if you need one below.

What’s open in Panama

There is so much to see and do in Panama. Luckily, hotels, attractions, beaches, and restaurants are open, so you can make the most of your time in this beautiful country.

Hotels and accommodations that are open in Panama

Panama has reopened plenty of hotels and accommodations for international travelers. However, several health and safety regulations have been implemented to protect both staff and guests.

Hotels and accommodations that are open in Panama

Guests must wear masks at all times when they are in the hotel’s public areas. Buffets will not be available; however, guests can still eat a la carte or order room service. Hand sanitizing stations are available in all main areas for guests to disinfect their hands. The lobby and reception area will be cleaned 3 times a day, while elevators will be disinfected every 2 hours.

More information on these regulations can be found here.

Beaches that are open in Panama

Looking forward to sunbathing and relaxing on the beach? Many of Panama’s beaches are open, so you can soak up the sun and even take a dip in the ocean.

Beaches are currently open during mobility hours. In the Panama, Panama Oeste, Cocle, Veraguas, Los Santos, and Herrera provinces, beaches are open from 6 AM to 5 PM.

Masks must be worn at all times, except when you are entering the water or within your family bubble. You must keep your distance from other beachgoers who are not in your family bubble.

More details on beach regulations can be found here.

Attractions that are open in Panama

Sunbathing can be lovely, but maybe you’d rather explore a beautiful national park, see gorgeous landscapes, or take an informative tour while you’re in Panama. Fortunately, all of that is still possible, since Panama’s attractions and tours are currently open.

These are the most popular tours that are operating in Panama right now:

• Panama Canal Ship Cruise
• San Blas Islands Day Trip
• Monkey Island and Indian Village Tour
• Panama Canal, Colón Rainforest, and San Lorenzo Fort
• Panama City Day Tour

Bear in mind that all tours and attractions may have different hours than usual or reduced capacities for groups, so be sure to check the opening hours for the attraction/tour you’re interested in and book in advance to make sure you have a ticket.

Attractions that are open in Panama

If you take a tour in a car, on a bus, or in any other vehicle, the vehicle will only be filled up to 50% capacity. Any event spaces can only fill up to 30% capacity and will have a limit of 4 people per table. If you’re a golf fan, golf courses are open, but sharing carts, removing flags, or using rakes is not allowed.

More information on regulations for tours and attractions can be found here.

Restaurants that are open in Panama

Whether you want to try local, authentic Panamanian cuisine or just get a bite to eat, Panama has plenty of open restaurants for you to fill up on delicious food. Even better, restaurants have had their health and safety protocols validated by MINSA (Panama’s Ministry of Health).

You must wear a mask at all times in a restaurant, except when you are seated and eating/drinking. Many restaurants will only take reservations, no walk-ins, so be sure to check if you need to make a reservation before you go to a restaurant.

All tables will be at least 2 meters apart from each other. Each guest will get individual packets of salt, pepper, and sauces. Hand sanitizer will be available on tables or in main areas.

More information on restaurant regulations can be found here.

Airports that are open in Panama

Panama has over 40 different airports, but the largest international airport, where most international travelers will arrive, is Tocumen International Airport in Panama City, which is currently open.

Airports that are open in Panama

All travelers must wear masks at all times in the airport and observe social distancing rules. They should also expect to have their temperatures checked.

Curfew in Panama

There are currently curfews in many different regions of Panama.

In Panama Oeste, there is a nightly curfew from 12 AM to 4 AM. In Panama Este, there is a 10 PM to 4 AM nightly curfew in the Chepo district. In the Pacora township of Panama Este, there is a nightly curfew from 12 AM to 4 AM.

In Panama Metro and San Miguelito, there is a nightly curfew from 12 AM to 4 AM. In Herrera, the Parita, Chitre, and Pese districts, there is a nightly curfew from 12 AM to 4 AM. In other districts in Herrera, the nightly curfew is from 10 PM to 4 AM.

In Colon, there is no curfew in the Donoso district. In the Chagres, Portobelo, Colon, and Omar Torrijos districts, there is a nightly curfew from 12 AM to 4 AM. All other Colon districts have a nightly curfew from 10 PM to 4 AM.

In Cocle, the Ola, Aguadulce, La Pintada, Nata, and Penonome districts have a nightly curfew from 12 AM to 4 AM. All other districts in Cocle have a 10 PM to 4 AM nightly curfew.

In Veraguas, the Santiago, Sona, Canazas, Montijo, Calobre, Santa Fe, Rio de Jesus, San Francisco, La Mesa, Atalaya, and Llano de Catival areas have a 12 AM to 4 AM nightly curfew. All other Veraguas districts have a nightly curfew from 10 PM to 4 AM.

In Chiriqui, there is a nightly curfew from 12 AM to 4 AM. In Darien, there is no curfew for the Chepigana and Cemaco districts. All other Darien districts have a nightly curfew in place from 12 AM to 4 AM.

In Ngaba Bugle, all movement restrictions have been lifted. In Guna Yala, the curfew has been lifted for the Puerto de Obaldia township. All other Guna Yala districts have a nightly curfew from 12 AM to 4 AM.

In Los Santos, there is a nightly curfew from 12 AM to 4 AM for the Pedasi, Macaracas, Guarare, Tonosi, Pocri, Las Tablas, and Los Santos districts. In all other Los Santos districts, there is a nightly curfew from 10 PM to 4 AM.

In Bocas del Toro, there is no longer a curfew in the Chiriqui Grande and Almirante districts. In all other Bocas del Toro districts, there is a nightly curfew from 12 AM to 4 AM.

Where to get a PCR test in Panama

Your country may require you to take a PCR test in order to fly back home. If you need to get a PCR test in Panama, you can find information on testing here.

Panama reopening its borders to tourists – F.A.Q.

Check out these FAQs related to Panama reopening for tourists and let us know if you have any other questions in the comments below.

Sources

We will update this guide on Panama reopening to tourism with any new developments. If you need more information on travel to Panama, you can check these official sources:

• US Embassy Updates on COVID-19 in Panama
• CDC Travel Recommendations for Panama
• General Panama Travel Advisory
• Panama’s Ministry of Health Coronavirus Information in Spanish
• Health Declaration Form
• Panama Tourist Board Travel and COVID Guidelines in English