Panama travel restrictions, quarantine and entry requirements in May 2023

For entry into Panama

International travel to Panama is permitted. There are currently no requirements in place, such as quarantine or health testing.
For more details Tourism Authority of Panama

Government measures

In addition to safety guidelines, preventative health measures such as frequent hand washing and social distancing are encouraged to combat further outbreaks. More restrictive guidelines may be in place depending on the region visited. Further information can be found at https://visitpanama.com/information/travel-guidelines/

Use of masks

Face masks are only required in healthcare settings and on public transportation.

Public transport

Public transportation is operating as usual.

Restaurants

Restaurants are open with reduced capacity to allow for social distancing. Advance reservations are recommended.

Bars

Bars are open with reduced capacity to allow for social distancing. Advanced reservations are recommended.

Nightclubs

Nightclubs are open with reduced capacity to allow for social distancing. Advance reservations are recommended.

Shops

Shops and services are open with adapted safety measures in place, such as the use of hand sanitizer and social distancing.

On return

Vaccination required

Travelers are required to present a valid international certificate for full vaccination against COVID-19 with the use of an approved vaccine.
The final dose must have been administered at least 14 days before departure. Certificates must be in English or in Chinese.
Those who have recently recovered from COVID-19 and received one dose of vaccination, at least 14 days before departure, are also considered fully vaccinated.
There are exemptions for non-vaccinated citizens and residents.
Full details can be found at https://www.coronavirus.gov.hk/eng/inbound-travel.html

Test/medical certificate required

Proof of a negative rapid antigen test, taken within the previous 24 hours, must be provided on departure.
Test certificates must be in English or Chinese.

Testing on arrival

A nucleic acid test will be administered upon arrival and apart from the transfer from the airport, proof of a negative test result is required to leave the place of residence.

Additional test requirements

Daily rapid antigen testing is required for the first 5 days after arrival. Additionally, travelers must undergo a PCR test on day 2.
Daily antigen results can be reported via the 'Electronic COVID-19 monitoring & surveillance system' (eCMSS). Instructions can be found at https://www.coronavirus.gov.hk/pdf/eCMSSLogin.pdf

The current nationwide nightly 22:00-04:00 curfew will be scaled back to 00:00-04:00. Essential services, critical transportation, and international travelers are exempt from the curfew.
Bars may reopen if serving on outdoor terraces. The public may attend outdoor sporting events at 25 percent capacity. More generally, nonessential businesses will be permitted to open until 23:00. The weekend lockdown in Changuinola district in Bocas del Toro Province will be lifted effective April 17.
Authorities had previously eased other measures under the COVID-19 recovery plan. Cinemas, casinos, and recreational sports fields have reopened at reduced operating capacity. Following this, most nonessential commercial and recreational establishments would have been permitted to reopen subject to strict operation protocols, except for nightclubs and private parties and shows. Other measures remain unchanged. Alcohol may only be served as an accompaniment to meals at restaurants. Access to beaches, rivers, and swimming pools is permitted 06:00-17:00 daily.
All businesses are required to comply with strict sanitation, hygiene, and social distancing protocols, including ensuring that staff and customers use protective facemasks and maintain at least 2 meters (6.5 feet) between each other. Work-related gatherings are to be limited to no more than 25 people. To avoid crowds on public transportation, officials introduced a staggered schedule for work start times; construction workers will start at 07:00, private companies at 08:00, and public servants from 09:00.