Starting on October 12th, Tocumen International Airport restarts operations under strict biosafety protocols that guarantee the safety of both the traveler and residents. The country has not implemented entry restrictions for any country.  

After the cessation of operations decreed on March 22nd – since that day only humanitarian flights for repatriation of nationals and foreigners have been allowed – and after multiple postponements, the Panamanian government has authorized that operations start back up at Tocumen Airport, the main airport in the country and a neuralgic connection point from Latin America to the world.

After multiple investigations and exhaustive preparations, Panama welcomes international travelers again starting on October 12, 2020.

A joint effort between the ministries and national and international organisms to implement all the necessary biosafety measures that will guarantee the safety of both the travelers and the residents.

Amongst the most important measures, you can find the requirement of a negative COVID-19 PCR test completed within a maximum of 48 hours prior to entering the country.

If not able to present the test within the allotted time frame, the traveler is obligated to take a quick COVID-19 test at the airport, which will be paid by the traveler, before being allowed into immigration. (Estimated value of $30-$50).

Here you will find some of the main measures established in the protocol for travelers that will be effective starting today.

Requirements to enter Panama

• Travelers must present a negative COVID-19 PCR or antigens test completed maximum 48 hours prior to their arrival in Panama.
• If it is not possible to present the test within the time frame, it is obligatory to undergo a quick COVID-19 test at the airport, which will be paid by the traveler, before being allowed into immigration. (Estimated value of $30-$50).
• Currently there are no established entry restrictions for any country.
• Medical insurance is not required but highly recommended.
• We do not recommend the use or transport of unnecessary articles on board, such as blankets or pillows, to minimize risk of cross contamination.
• We encourage all travelers to verify the travel restrictions of the country of exit and their country of citizenship.
• Prior to check-in, all incoming travelers must complete a sworn declaration accepting to:
• Comply with all the sanitary restrictions established by the Miniterio de Salud in Panama (MINSA).
• Provide information of physical location while in Panama.
• Confirm that they are stable (without symptoms of any respiratory diseases) and that they have not been exposed to COVID-19 in the last fourteen (14) days.
• The sworn declaration will be available starting on October 10th through a link in this section.

Requirements during your stay

• The use of a mask is obligatory in public spaces for both visitors and residents.
• Increased presence of stations with hand disinfectant.
• Increased use of electronic payment options (credit/debit cards).
• Frequent temperature controls by businesses and tourism operators.
• Digital or board menus and digital maps which will be available to access on your smartphone.
• Beaches, gymnasiums, spas, beauty salons and casinos will only be allowed to operate with the proper safety protocols.
• Remain with your travel companions (social bubble).

Requirements when leaving

• The use of surgical masks are required at all times, except when traveler identification is required in security controls, immigration, etc.
• Temperature control when entering the airport.
• Disinfectant rugs when entering the airport to disinfect shoes and luggage wheels.
• We recommend that all travelers consult the travel restrictions and airport and protocols of their country of destination.

With these measures, the country is slowly returning to normal and anxiously waiting for its visitors that wish to come and enjoy their stay in this tropical paradise.

For more information regarding biosafety measures implemented in the country you can access Official Site of the Panama Tourism Authority.