Expat Community > Panama

Alameda
Joined 2020
Posts: 33

Tips on Arrival into Panama

4 years ago

Like many of you who were out of Panama for the past many months, I am sure you are hoping to get back soon.

I just arrived on 5 November.

Here are a few tips:

- Get your PCR Antigen test before traveling. I spent $150 and got the results the same day I took it.
- DO NOT GET AN ANTIBODY TEST. Panama requires the PCR / Antigen test.
- Be sure the provider knows you need the PCR / Antigen. They can be confused easily with the similar language.
- The results must be dated 48 hours prior to your arrival into Panama
- My results were from the test on 3 November at 1030 am.
- I arrived into Panama on 5 November at 3:30 pm and they were accepted.
- It seems that 48 hours really means 2 days- mas or menos..
- Be sure to bring (2) printed COLOR copies of the results with you; and, have (1) readily available. As we know, Latins love official-looking documents...
- The biggest single challenge was departing my home city on United. The ticket agent was clumsily reading his computer screen and had no clue understanding what was going on in Panama.
- I graciously explained to him that I am resident there and was fully aware of the scene. This reassurance gave me the green light.
- REMEMBER, THE AIRLINE CAN STOP YOU FROM TAKING YOUR FLIGHT. So, be extra nice to the ticketing agent at your departure.
- In Houston, the connecting city, I had to queue up and show my test results, passport, boarding pass and get a new form. It is a Panamanian government document concerning COVID.
- The form is only in Spanish.
- Take your time filling it out. No rush. You will only need it upon arrival into Panama.
- At arrival into PTY, I proceeded as normal to Immigration. There, tables we staffed with medical folks to check my test results. Again, be nice to these folks. They have a tough job and many don't speak English.
- After the green light I went through immigration and customs as usual and entered the county.

NOTE: PTY airport is offering a PCR / Antigen test for $50 upon arrival. You can take that option. It is cheaper and easier. Still, given the high rate of inaccuracy and false positives with the test, I chose comfort and security over price and ease.

Finally, having been gone 8 months, I find Panama is a very different place. It is much cleaner: cleaner than anytime in memory.

Yet, many of the people look like they are suffering from a form of PTSD. Being some of the most social, gregarious, and party people in the world has worked against them during the extreme lockdown.

God Bless Us, Everyone.

AGS Worldwide Movers

AGS Worldwide Movers can move you to and from anywhere in the world.
Get Quote

AGS Worldwide Movers

AGS Worldwide Movers can move you to and from anywhere in the world.
Get Quote

Living in Panama Guide

Our Guide to Living in Panama is a perfect primer for readers interested in Panama. Covers healthcare, cost of living, best places to live, residency, visas, real estate, moving tips and the pros and cons of living in Panama.

Panama Forum
Join our Panama forum to meet other expats and talk about living in Panama.

Contribute
Help other expats and newcomers by answering questions about the challenges and adventures of living in Panama.

Best Places to Live in Panama

If you're dreaming about living in Panama, here are the 15 Best Places to Live in Panama in 2023.

Healthcare in Panama

Expats have differing opinions about healthcare in Panama. Many advice against public hospitals and healthcare, but some recount good experiences. This article covers public vs private healthcare, cost of healthcare, obtaining prescription medications and much more.

Cost of Living in Panama

Expats in Panama enjoy a relatively low cost of living. However, it's important to do your research to make sure you'll actually enjoy those saving while creating a high quality of life as an expat in Panama.

Moving to Panama Guide

Do you have to buy a round trip ticket when moving to Panama? How difficult is it to bring my dog? Should I buy a home in Panama? Can I find health

Real Estate in Panama

Real estate listings in popular cities and towns in Panama.

Pros & Cons of Living in Panama

Take off your rose-colored glasses and learn what expats have to say about the biggest challenges and the greatest rewards of living in Panama.

Retiring in Panama

Advice for people retiring in Panama.

Panama Visa & Residency Guide

This article covers the ins and outs of the most common tourist and residency visas that expats and global nomads obtain when moving to and living in Panama.

10 Tips for Living in Panama

If you've recently arrived in Panama, here are 10 tips for digital nomads living in Panama.

Additional Information:

Visit our Panama Index for a Full List

AGS Worldwide Movers

AGS Worldwide Movers can move you to and from anywhere in the world.
Get Quote

AGS Worldwide Movers

AGS Worldwide Movers can move you to and from anywhere in the world.
Get Quote

Contribute
Help others in Panama by answering questions about the challenges and adventures of living in Panama.

Login

Or, Send Login Link

Expat Community > Panama

Tips on Arrival into Panama

Login