Panama Has Opened Its Borders to All Countries
PANAMA CITY, PANAMA – Panama has officially opened its borders and is welcoming international travellers back to the country. The reopening of its borders comes after months of strategic planning, which resulted in new health and safety protocols to ensure the protection of both Panamanians and international visitors.
“After closing our borders to travellers in late March, we are excited to safely welcome visitors back to Panama,” said Minister Eskildsen. “The new health and safety protocols reflect our continuous hard work and dedication in protecting both Panamanians and our visitors, and through our efforts, have earned the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) Safe Travels stamp of approval. Our beautiful country, rich in nature, biodiversity and cultural heritage is once again ready to be discovered.”
The pre-travel requirements specify that all incoming travellers, including Panamanians, must present a negative COVID-19 PCR or antigen test upon arrival, which must be taken no more than 48 hours prior to arrival. If a test is not possible within that time frame, passengers are able to take a rapid test at the airport at a cost of US$50. Visitors must also complete an electronic affidavit before checking-in to their flight, where they must agree to comply with all health and safety measures outlined by the Ministry of Health. The affidavit is available on the Visit Panama website or by clicking here.
In time for the reopening, the Panama Tourism Authority (ATP) also announced the unanimous approval of its Master Plan for Sustainable Tourism 2020-2025 which outlines ATP’s strategy for the relaunch of the country as a tourism destination. The plan reactivates Panama’s Tourism, Conservation and Research (TCR) strategy applied in Panama over 20 years ago by the prestigious ecologist Dr. Hana Ayala.
The updated TCR Heritage Routes strategy now features three focus areas: Cultural Heritage, Green Heritage and Blue Heritage. Comprised of 19 circuits that tell the stories of Panama, the plan was developed through thorough analysis and research conducted in multiple workshops with the help of local and international consultants, the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute (STRI), the academic team of the Biomuseo (Biodiversity Museum), the Ministry of Environment, and the Ministry of Culture, the Panamanian travel industry, and other key organizations.
For images, please click on this link here, and for more information on Panama, please visit: www.visitpanama.com/