Executive Decree 1089 of September 23rd, 2020, establishes sanitary measures for nationals, residents, or foreigners entering the Republic of Panama, while the State of National Emergency is in place.
The following measures shall apply from October 12th, 2020:
- To enter the country without the need for mandatory isolation, travelers must present a negative COVID-19 PCR or antigen test taken no more than 48 hours before their arrival.
- Travelers who do not present a Test Certificate on arrival must take a rapid COVID test before clearing customs and be responsible for covering the test’s cost.
- If the test result is negative, the traveler will be exempt from mandatory isolation.
- If the test is positive, the traveler will be placed in mandatory isolation at a hospital hotel designated by the Ministry of Health. Seven days later, the passenger will be tested again, and if the result is positive, the traveler must finish the 14-day isolation period; otherwise, the mandatory isolation ends.
- The competent authorities may sanction travelers who fail to comply with this protocol.
Technical crews, auxiliary crews, mechanics, and humanitarian personnel who must comply with other biosecurity measures established by the Ministry of Health are exempted from the Executive Decree’s provisions.
These measures will be in force until December 31st, 2020, and will be updated on an as-needed basis.
