Panama – Covid-19 – Immigration update

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Update: September 02nd, 2020

Commercial air travel resumes for citizens and residents

What is the change?

The government of Panama has reopened commercial flights for citizens and residents with some restrictions. Limited humanitarian flights and flights for medical goods and appliances are currently allowed as well, however, the airport remains closed to the general public.

Key points:

  • Citizens and residents of Panama can now travel by air. “Residents” is anyone with a valid immigration ID card, or those with pending cases that have been filed while the applicant was outside of Panama, has received a receipt of filing, a receipt of payment of the temporary ID card and a RE-Entry Visa.
  • Negative antigen or PCR swab test taken within 48 hours prior to boarding a flight will be required for entry.
  • All travelers must sign an affidavit of commitment to comply with sanitary measures issued by the Ministry of Health and use an application for monitoring symptoms, confirmation of quarantine and traceability.
  • All travelers will be expected to quarantine for 14 days.
  • Travelers must provide a landline telephone number to the place where the individual will quarantine.

Commercial air travel has been suspended in Panama since March. The government expects to reopen the airport by Oct. 12 to the general public, but it is only a projection, not a formal commitment.

Update: March 19th, 2020

Foreign travel suspension and quarantine announced

What is the change?

The Panamanian government recently announced new travel restrictions to mitigate the spread of COVID-19.

Effective March 16, all foreign travelers who do not have a Panama residence are no longer allowed to enter the country.

Panama nationals and foreign travelers with Panama residences are allowed to enter, but will undergo a 14-day quarantine.
The new measures are in place until further notice.

The new travel restrictions will significantly impact travel to the Panama. It is possible further restrictions may be announced. Employers should account for affected travelers and rearrange travel schedules accordingly. Significant delays may occur for consular and in-country processing.

Sophie Carlei

Sophie est Managing Director au sein de l’équipe Mobilité Internationale de Lyon et dirige l’équipe immigration. Elle conseille les groupes français et internationaux et intervient tant pour des clients travaillant dans […]

Fatia Bouteiller

Fatia Bouteiller a rejoint Deloitte Société d’Avocats en 2017 pour renforcer l’équipe Immigration. Fatia dispose d’une expérience de 15 ans en mobilité internationale dans les domaines du droit de l’immigration, […]