Health Alert: U.S. Embassy Panama City, Panama (March 27, 2021)
Event: Updated Regional and Nationwide COVID-19 Restrictions in Panama
On March 27, the Government of Panama announced updated regional and national COVID-19 restrictions beginning Sunday, March 28, at 00:00 hours. Additional restrictions will go into effect Wednesday, March 31, at 00:00 hours.
Starting Sunday, March 28, ALL passengers who have been in or transited through any country in South America in the last 15 days will be required to test for Covid-19 upon entry to Panama, prior to presenting their declaration form to an Immigration Official.
Effective March 31, Panama will suspend entry for anyone who has been in or transited through any country in South America in the last 15 days. Exceptions are Panamanian citizens or lawful residents who will not be denied entry but will have to submit to a COVID-19 test upon entry AND quarantine.
The Ministry of Health’s decision to implement the new travel restriction occurred after a resident of Panama, who had recently traveled to South America, tested positive for the new P1 SARS-CoV-2 variant hours after presenting a negative COVID test at the airport.
The Embassy reminds U.S. citizens in Panama that it is always obligatory to comply with local laws.
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 when in public.
The Embassy will continue to send messages, as needed, about larger changes that may affect U.S. citizens in Panama. Minor changes, such as new health recommendations or reopening of a new sector of Panama’s economy, will be placed on the Embassy’s COVID-19 Information page. For all the details about changes made by the Government of Panama in response to the pandemic, please see the daily announcements from the Ministry of Health.
Actions to Take:
- Consult the CDC website for the most up-to-date information.
- For the most recent information on what you can do to reduce your risk of contracting COVID-19, please see the CDC’s latest recommendations.
- Visit the COVID-19 crisis page on travel.state.gov for the latest information.
- Visit our Embassy webpage on COVID-19 for information on conditions in Panama.
- Visit the Department of Homeland Security’s website on the latest travel restrictions to the United States.
Assistance:
U.S. Embassy Panama City, Panama
Building 783, Demetrio Basilio Lakas Avenue
Clayton, Panama
+507 317-5000
Panama-ACS@state.gov
https://pa.usembassy.gov/
State Department – Consular Affairs
+1 (888)407-4747 or +1 (202)501-4444
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