Panama

Foreigners are restricted from entering Panama due to COVID-19.

Departing Panama

Commercial flights leaving Panama have mostly been suspended, but unscheduled flights may become available at short notice with carriers such as Spirit Airlines.

Contact airlines or your travel provider for updates. You can also follow the Australian Embassy in Mexico on social media for updates should unscheduled flights become available. Book directly with the airlines.

If you secure a flight, arrive at the airport early.

Notify the Australian Honorary Consul in Panama as you and your driver may need to show a Letter of ‘Salvoconducto’ (safe passage) from the Australian Government to facilitate your exit. Check with local authorities to confirm exit requirements.

Travel via the United States

Travel options from Panama to Australia transiting through United States hubs are quickly disappearing. Confirm your travel arrangements directly with your travel provider. If you’re travelling through the US, you must meet US entry or transit requirements. This includes transit through Hawaii.

Check your visa requirements with an embassy or consulate of the United States before you travel.

More information:

Travel via Canada

Transit arrangements through Canada due to COVID-19 are strictly enforced. Confirm your travel arrangements directly with your travel provider. If you’re travelling through Canada, you’ll need an eTA (Electronic Travel Authorisation) for Canada. Check your visa requirements with either: 

More information:

Remaining in Panama

A daily curfew is in place in Panama between 9:00 pm and 5:00 am.

There are strict quarantine measures and movement restrictions based on gender.

Women are only permitted to shop for essential supplies on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, while men can only do so on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays. Everyone must stay home on Sundays.

If you’re in Panama City, you must wear a facemask when you leave your accommodation.

Ubers are no longer available and access to taxis is limited.

Public events are cancelled until further notice.

If your visa expired after 13 March and you can’t leave Panama, the Panamanian Government will permit you to remain in Panama on your current visa until 30 April. 

If you’re remaining in Panama:

• follow the advice of local authorities
• take care to protect yourself from exposure to COVID-19
• ensure you have arrangements in place for an extended stay
• keep in contact with family and friends so they know you’re safe and well
• refer to the list of essential services available on the Australian Embassy in Mexico website

More information: 

Read the original advice at SmartTraveller.gov.au by Australian Government