Covid-19 Travel Info
The community of Bocas del Toro is taking precautions to minimize exposure by enacting protocols based on recommendations, guidelines, and requirements issued by numerous North American health organizations, international organizations, and the Panamanian public health agency.
COVID-19 BOCAS DEL TORO, PANAMA TRAVEL INFORMATION
(Updated September 2, 2021)
Visitors from most countries are welcome to visit Bocas del Toro, Panama. Below we have more information on entry requirements as well as per country restrictions.
As of September 6, 2021, curfew has been removed in the disctrict of Bocas del Toro, Panama (Bocas del Toro archipelago). Curfew remains only for Changuinola 12AM-4AM. Beaches are open to everyone. For more details on beaches and attractions, please refer to the Where to Go and What to Do sections of this website.
ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
- Travelers will be excempt from presenting a negative COVID-19 test for entry as long as they can provide physical or digital proof of a complete vaccination scheme endorsed by the WHO, EMA and FDA, equal to or greater than 14 days after the last dose.
- Non-vaccinated travelers will be required to present a negative COVID-19 PCR or antigen test taken no more than 72 hours prior to their arrival time in Panama.
- If a test is not possible within that time frame, a COVID-19 rapid test will be mandated at the airport before customs and the traveler will have to cover the costs of said test (USD $50).
- If the results are positive, the traveler will be placed under a mandatory 14-day quarantine in a Hotel Hospital designated by the Ministry of Health. The cost of the stay must be fully covered by the traveler.
- If a test is not possible within that time frame, a COVID-19 rapid test will be mandated at the airport before customs and the traveler will have to cover the costs of said test (USD $50).
- ALL travelers are required to present their completed Electronic Health Affidavit (in physical or digital form) to their airline or carrier BEFORE boarding to Panama.
- To register and fill out your Health Affidavit, CLICK HERE
FOR ALL INCOMING TRAVELERS ARRIVING FROM OR THAT HAVE TRANSITED THROUGH HIGH RISK COUNTRIES IN THE LAST 15 DAYS
HIGH RISK COUNTRIES: The United States, Cuba, Guatemala, Costa Rica, French Guyana, The United Kingdom, Greece, Georgia, Estonia, Serbia, Macedonia, Montenegro, Azerbaijan, Israel, Malaysia, Mongolia, South Africa, Guinea Bissau, Tunisia and Fiji.
- Non-vaccinated travelers or travelers without a complete vaccination scheme:
- Will be placed under a mandatory 72-hour quarantine. The passenger can complete the quarantine:
- At an authorized hotel of their choosing with a reservation prior to arrival that they will have to present in printed version upon entry. Each reservation cost must be fully covered by the traveler. For list of authorized hotels click here.
- At the end of the 72-hour period another test will be taken.
- If the results are negative, the quarantine period will be over.
- If the results are positive, the passenger will be placed under a 14-day quarantine in a Hotel Hospital designated by the Ministry of Health. The cost of the stay must be fully covered by the traveler.
- Travelers will be exempt from the 72-hour mandatory quarantine provided that they present the following documents in physical card or digital certification of a complete vaccination scheme endorsed by the WHO, EMA and FDA, equal to or greater than 14 days after the last dose.
- Will be placed under a mandatory 72-hour quarantine. The passenger can complete the quarantine:
RECOMMENDATIONS
- The IATA Travel Pass is currently NOT being accepted as a proof of testing or vaccination.
- Health insurance is not a requirement for entry but is highly recommended.
- We do not recommend the use or carrying of non-essential items onboard such as blankets or pillows in order to minimize the risk of cross-contamination.
- We encourage all travelers to check travel restrictions from your departure country and country of citizenship.
- Plan to travel with more available time for delays or biosecurity procedures, if you are flying to Bocas del Toro arrive to the airport with more than an hour before your flight. Do the same for buses at the Bus Terminal at Albrook, Panama City.
- We encourage all travelers to check travel restrictions from your departure country and country of citizenship.
GENERAL PRECAUTIONS AND REMINDERS
- Passengers that fail to follow protocols may not enter the country or may be sanctioned according to Panamanian laws.
- Visitors will be required to wear a mask that fully covers the mouth and nose during certain parts of your trip. These times may include travel within an airplane or within an airport, riding in a closed for hire vehicle. Visitors are encouraged to wear a mask any time they are unable to maintain a 6’ distance from another individual.
- All public spaces, dining areas, bathrooms, etc. will be sanitized multiple times each day
- Face masks are required in all public spaces for locals and visitors alike.
- Hand sanitizer will be available throughout the archipelago.
- Be sure to cough or sneeze into your elbow and away from others.
- Frequently and thoroughly wash your hands either with soap and hot running water for at least 20 seconds or with alcohol-based hand sanitizers.
CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION ON SAFETY GUIDELINES WHEN VISITING PANAMA.