Panama has announced the reopening of its border to international visitors from all countries begins on October 12 after the lockdown of the border since March 2020 due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

The Panama Tourism Authority jointly with The Ministry of Health and other government authorities has implemented strategic health protocols to keep visitors and local communities safe during the reopening process.

All inbound travelers are required to present mandatory negative COVID-19 PCR or antigen tests report taken no more than 48 hours prior to arrival. In the case the report is older than 48 hours, passengers need to take a rapid test at the airport prior to customs with their own cost of approximately USD 30.

Mandatory use of face cover or face mask is required when arriving and process through airport formalities except removing identification purposes. All visitors will be processed through temperature screenings and should adhere to social distancing protocols, hand sanitizing stations and touchless payment options.

All travelers must complete an electronic affidavit form before checking-in to their flight, where they are required to comply with all sanitary control measures outlined by the Ministry of Health.

Panamanian Minister of Tourism Ivan Eskildsen said in his statement, “After closing our borders to travelers in late March, we are excited to safely welcome visitors back to Panama. The new health and safety protocols reflect our continuous hard work and dedication in protecting both Panamanians and our visitors, and through our efforts, have earned the WTTC Safe Travels stamp of approval.”

“Our beautiful country, rich in nature, biodiversity, and cultural heritage is once again ready to be discovered,” Eskildsen continued.

Panama has recorded total of 121,296 cases with death recorded of 2511 until date.