Updated information July 2025

In Panama, we welcome you with open doors for an adventurous vacation. Explore beaches, mountains, and tropical forests. Learn about our natural diversity and rich culture while enjoying our cuisine. Prepare for your trip and have everything you need ready for a perfect trip.

Everything you need to know before your trip to Panama can be found here:

1. Required documents.
2. Visa requirements.
3. Requirements for transit travel.
4. Vaccines .
5. Traveler’s Affidavit.
6. Travel with pets.

A.Documents required to enter Panama

1. Valid passport with at least 6 months validity.
2. Return ticket to your country of origin or to your next destination.
3. Minimum financial solvency of US$500*, demonstrable with:
   • Cash.
   • Credit card.
   • Bank reference.
   • Work letter.
   • Traveler’s checks.

*Some nationalities may require higher amounts. Check with the consulate or your airline.

1. Address of the place of lodging and reason for the trip.
2. Tourist visa, if applicable based on your nationality (see the visa section of the Panamanian National Immigration Service ).
3. Panama currently has no COVID-19 restrictions, but check the latest information here . In any case, we advise you to always travel with your vaccination card.

Visa requirements to enter Panama

Citizens of most countries do not need a visa to enter Panama, and have a maximum stay of 90 days.

Some countries require special permits, such as a stamped visa or an authorized visa. These visas must be obtained before travel and require different requirements.

See the full list of visa-exempt countries and those requiring a visa at: https://www.embassyofpanama.org/visas

Special requirements for transit in Panama

If you’re just passing through Panama, check if you need a transit visa.

Check the details for airport transit here. 

Recommended vaccine for traveling to Panama from Brazil

Yellow fever vaccination is no longer required to enter Panama from Brazil.

According to the Ministry of Health’s (MINSA) updated regulations, an international vaccination certificate is no longer required for entry into the country.

Is the vaccine still necessary in some cases?

It is only recommended, but not required, if you plan to visit areas with higher natural exposure, such as:

• Darien
• Guna Yala
• East Panama

For further details, please refer to Resolution No. 0837 of July 11, 2016.

Traveler’s Affidavit

To expedite entry into the country, Panama has simplified customs procedures.

Only if you are entering the country with cash, belongings, or documents valued at more than $10,000 will you be required to declare them to customs. To do so, you must complete the traveler’s declaration form on this page and generate the QR code to present at customs.

If you have nothing to declare, you won’t have to fill out any forms or the affidavit.

Travel with pets

If you’re traveling with your pet, make sure you have all your pet’s paperwork up to date, meet all the requirements, and follow the steps to ensure your pet can enter safely.

• Before starting the process, make sure your airline allows pets and ask about their requirements. Each airline may have different requirements, booking times, costs, and even weight or breed restrictions.
• First steps:
  • Make sure your pet is up to date on all its vaccinations. To enter Panama, you must have:
    • For dogs: Rabies, distemper , hepatitis, leptospirosis, parvovirus.
    • For cats: Rabies, feline viral rhinotracheitis , feline calicivirus , feline panleukopenia
  • Perform external and internal deworming of your pet.
  • Ask your veterinarian for a Certificate of Good Health.

• Steps to follow:
  • Obtain the Zoosanitary Export Certificate: You must obtain this certificate from the health authority in your country of origin.
    • To obtain an export certificate, you must have: Vaccinations, a certificate of good health, and deworming.
    • Each country has specific requirements, so we recommend checking the corresponding pages.
  • Visit the Panamanian consulate in your country of origin and have the Zoosanitary Export Certificate apostilled.
  • Notify your pet of entry into the country by completing and sending the “Home Quarantine Request” form to cam@minsa.gob.pa and camzoonosis@gmail.com
• Entry into the country:
  • Upon arrival at the port of entry, visit the MIDA offices so the veterinarian can perform the necessary inspection of your documents and your pet.
  • Make the official payment at the office.
• Enjoy your vacation with your pet.

Depending on the country you’re in, the documents and vaccinations your pet needs may vary. For more information on traveling with your pet to Panama, visit the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MIDA) website .