COVID-19 Panama Information

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COVID19 Panama Information
COVID19 Panama Information

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Any U.S. citizen in Panama requesting travel assistance to return to the United States should send an email to PanamaCityUSCitizen@state.gov

View the U.S. Embassy in Panama’s most recent Alerts & Messages
  • On December 16, the Panamanian Ministry of Health confirmed 199,947 total cases of COVID-19 in Panama.
  • The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has issued a Level 4 Travel Health Notice for Panama due to COVID-19.  The State Department has also issued a Level 3 Travel Advisory for Panama. Read the Health Notice and Travel Advisory.
  • On October 12 Panama resumed commercial aviation.  See the Entry and Exit Requirements section for more details.
  • Beginning Saturday, October 24, families are allowed to gather in groups of seven or fewer at beaches and rivers.  Activities at beaches and rivers are only be permitted from 6:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m.  Masks must be worn at all times, except when within your family bubble or when entering the water.  Drinking alcohol at beaches and rivers is prohibited except at restaurants nearby.
  • The following remain pending and do not have a foreseen date for reopening: schools, colleges, universities, day care, kindergartens, indoor play areas for children, bars, clubs, conferences, concerts, fairs, carnival, parades, and processions.
  • MINSA reminds citizens and residents of Panama that staying at home, not touching your face, and washing your hands frequently are the best means of prevention against COVID-19.  It also requires the use of masks, even homemade ones, when in public.
  • On June 2, the Government of Panama’s Ministry of Health (MINSA) published a resolution stating that anyone leaving their residence must be wearing a mask that covers their nose and mouth. Any individual not wearing a mask is subject to possible detention and fine.
  • Movement restrictions are in place across the country. These restrictions vary by province. Please scroll down on this page to the section Movement Restrictions for more information.
  • MINSA is also declaring health cordons in areas that have higher incidence of infection. For more information, contact MINSA (see local resources below).
  • MINSA called on the entire population, especially those who have recovered from COVID-19 to donate blood. Contact a local hospital or blood donation center if you’re interested and willing to participate.
  • Schools and universities are closed for in-person classes nation-wide until further notice. Festivals, and all gatherings larger than 50 people, as well as public spaces and venues, have been banned. Visit the local government COVID-19 website for updated information.

Entry and Exit Requirements:

  • Are U.S. citizens permitted to enter? Yes 
  • Is a negative COVID-19 test (PCR and/or antigen) required for entry? Yes 
  • Are health screening procedures in place at airports and other ports of entry? Yes 

On October 12, the Government of Panama permitted international commercial flights to resume services to and from Panama.

Entry Requirements:

  • The Government of Panama requires a negative COVID-19 test (PCR or Antigen) within 48 hours prior to traveling to Panama.
  • If you do not have a test, or the test was done more than 48 hours before traveling to Panama, you will be required to take a test at the airport at your expense ($50.00).
  • If you test positive, you will be required to quarantine at a designated hotel.  After seven days you will be tested again; if you test negative you will be allowed to leave; otherwise, you must remain in quarantine for 14 days or until you test negative.
  • Each individual entering Panama must complete and sign an electronic sworn affidavit prior to check-in.
  • See the Ministry of Tourism webpage for more information about current entry requirements.
  • As of March 13, all cruise ship passengers are banned from disembarking in Panama.

Exit Requirements:

  • Upon entering the airport, your temperature will be taken. 
  • Any U.S. citizen in Panama requesting travel assistance to return to the United States should send an email to PanamaCityUSCitizen@state.gov 

 

Movement Restrictions:

  • Is a curfew in place? Yes 
  • Are there restrictions on intercity or interstate travel? No

Movement Restrictions: 

On December 8, movement and alcohol restrictions in the province of Panama changed as follows: Daily curfew is from 9:00 p.m. until 5:00 a.m. and the sale and consumption of alcohol is prohibited during curfew hours.

On December 4, movement and alcohol restrictions in the province of Panama Oeste changed as follows: Daily curfew is from 9:00 p.m. until 5:00 a.m. and the sale and consumption of alcohol is prohibited from 7:00 p.m. until 5:00 a.m.

In the rest of Panama, a daily curfew is in effect from 11:00 p.m. to 5:00 a.m.

On December 15, the Government of Panama announced new nationwide movement and business restrictions between December 18 and January 4.

  • From December 18 through January 4, curfew is set from 7:00 p.m. to 5:00 a.m.
  • Beginning December 18, access to rivers and beaches is forbidden.
  • From December 23 at 5:00 a.m. through January 4 at 5:00 a.m., access to/from beaches and the interior will be restricted. There will be checkpoints in strategic locations such as Chorrera, Divisa, La Villa, Chagres, Vigui.
  • Full lockdown from December 25 at 7:00 p.m. through December 28 at 5:00 a.m.
  • Full lockdown from January 1 at 7:00 p.m. through January 4 at 5:00 a.m.
  • International borders remain open.
  • One person per household allowed into supermarkets, with the exception that a minor or a person with a disability may also enter.

Business operations:

From December 18 through January 4, there will be a prohibition on the sale of alcohol (“ley seca”) from 7:00 p.m. to 5:00 a.m.

Government construction projects related to responding to the pandemic are exempted from curfew hours.

Movement restrictions at the provincial and municipal level are subject to change.  U.S. citizens are advised to follow local media outlets and government sources for the latest updates, and reminded that they are subject to Panamanian laws and guidelines.

The Embassy encourages everyone to prepare accordingly. Maintain adequate supplies of food and medicine and be prepared to shelter in place as directed by local authorities.

Quarantine Information:

  • Are U.S. citizens required to quarantine? No
  • International arrivals who test positive at Tocumen will be required to quarantine at a designated hotel.  After seven days you will be tested again; if you test negative you will be allowed to leave; otherwise, you must remain in quarantine for 14 days or until you test negative.
  • The Panama Canal Authority (ACP) requires that ships coming from countries with a confirmed case and with a crew member exhibiting symptoms must notify the ACP at least 30 days before its arrival and of any crew changes within 14 days of arrival. In the event a crew member is a confirmed COVID-19 case, the vessel will not be permitted to transit and must be quarantined for 14 days. Preventative measures for such ships include, but are not limited to:
    • Boarding of vessels by health authorities in order to investigate any cases
    • Use of personal protective equipment, such as masks
    • Holding the vessel in quarantine as a precautionary measure

COVID-19 Testing:

Testing is available at the following locations:

  • Tocumen International Airport (only for international arrivals), cost: $50.
  • Hospital Nacional, cost: $157.50. Contact 306-3300, WhatsApp 6949-6124.
  • Hospital Punta Pacifica, cost: $95.00. If you want this done inside your car, you visit the Punta Pacifica drive-through testing center. Appointments are made at in the following link: https://www.pacificasalud.com/expresscovid. Results take 24 to 48 hours.
  • Lab Center is offering home services. Appointments are made through WhatsApp at 6285-7181 and they have three modalities of testing, costs: $375 for a result in 1 to 2 hours, $250 for a result in 6 to 8 hours, $150 for results in 24 to 48 hours.
  • Panama Clinic, cost $99.00. Contact 310-1111.

Transportation Options:

  • Are commercial flights operating? Yes 
  • Is public transportation operating? Yes 

Masks are required any time you leave your home, including when using public transportation.

  • Public Transportation is operating.  For information and traveler requirements for the Metro rail system, go to https://www.elmetrodepanama.com. Information on the bus system is available at https://www.mibus.com.pa. 
  • Non-essential transportation, such as tourism transportation, is also permitted as of October 12. 
  • Due to the resumption of international aviation on October 12, we will no longer send messages to citizens about upcoming humanitarian flights.  If you still wish to evacuate Panama and return to the United States, you should do so by booking a commercial flight through the airline of your choice.  

Fines for Non-Compliance:

  • Fines are set by the Juez de Paz in each jurisdiction and not published in any decrees. The Embassy has media reports that fines range from $100 to $1000.

Consular Operations:

 

American Citizen Services

  • We have resumed routine American Citizen Services. Staffing is still reduced due to pandemic precautions, and there will be a limited number of interviews scheduled per week. Please go to our website, https://pa.usembassy.gov/u-s-citizen-services/, to schedule your appointment.
  • If you need to request an emergency service, email your request to Panama-ACS@state.gov, and be sure to explain the nature of the emergency.

Visa Services

  • As of September 17, the Consular Section of the U.S. Embassy in Panama is able to process certain immigrant and non-immigrant visa services.  If you have an emergency need for a visa, or you are requesting an H1B, H2B, H4, L, or certain J visa categories covered by Presidential Proclamation 10052, email Panama-Visas@state.gov and explain your emergency or why you should qualify for an exemption to the current suspension of services.
  • We are currently scheduling appointments for the following types of non-immigrant visas: students, crew-members, journalists, people with extraordinary abilities, artists, athletes, investors, diplomatic, and work visas.  B1/B2 visa holders can also renew their visas by mail if they meet the requirements.  Complete your application, pay for, and schedule your appointment at www.ustraveldocs.com/pa
  • We are also scheduling immigrant visa interviews for spouses, fiancés of U.S. citizens, and diversity visa applicants.  Please contact Panama-IVisas@state.gov if you have questions or need assistance.

Local Resources:

  • For updates from Panama’s Ministry of Health and COVID-19 resources, go to (in Spanish) https://yomeinformopma.org/
  • Inquiries about COVID-19 can be directed to: Ministry of Health hotline in Panama (169). Department of Epidemiology Dra. Lourdes Moreno (507-9100).

Other links:

 

By | 17 December, 2020 | Topics: Alert, Events, News

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