New Immigration Regulations
05/10/2019Traveling with Pets to Panama
05/10/2019Update: Specifically for the transportation of dogs, Resolution No. ADM-DSA-073-2023 of 17th may 2023 was issued, which establishes new requirements and procedures that must be taken into consideration.
Any traveler that wishes to bring his pet to the Republic of Panama may do so, provided that he complies with the requirements established by Law 23 of July 15th, 1997, law which empowers the Ministry of Agricultural Development to regulate this matter.
All the owners which enter their pets (cats and dogs) to the Panamanian territory must submit the following documentation:
- Vaccination Certificate (Rabies, Distemper, Parvovirus, Leptospirosis, Hepatitis)
- Good health certificate issued by the attending veterinarian
Both documents must be authenticated by the Panamanian Consul in the country of origin or legalized by Apostille.
The pet owner must notify the pet’s arrival three (3) days in advance by means of a form called “Domiciliary Quarantine Application Form”. This form could be obtained in this site Click here
Upon arrival at the Tocumen International Airport, the traveler must file the aforementioned documentation before a Health Ministry representative at the offices located at the Customs area. There the following must be paid:
- US$130.00 for each animal, which corresponds to the cost of the domiciliary quarantine formalities. This payment must be in cash.
- US$1.00 for the license application form.
- US$5.00 for the Phytosanitary license.
- US$10.00 for the veterinary inspection.
It is a duty of the carriers, whether land, sea or air, to demand to the interested parties (pet owners) all the requirements established by the Ministry of Agricultural Development. In case of not fulfilling this requirement, the carriers shall be fined. These fines range between US$100.00 up to US$100,000.00, depending on the seriousness of the offence, the damages incurred, aggravating or extenuating circumstances of the offence, social and economic repercussion, as well as the reoccurrence of the offender.
