Health Alert: U.S. Embassy Panama City, Panama (March 30, 2021)
Event: Updated Regional and Nationwide COVID-19 Restrictions in Panama
On March 29, the President of Panama issued a decree clarifying the regional COVID-19 restrictions previously announced on March 27.
Effective March 31, travelers arriving in Panama who have been in or who transited through any country in South America must have a negative COVID test within the last 48 hours. Such travelers will also be tested upon arrival at the expense of the passenger. If the person tests positive, he or she will be transferred directly to a hotel-hospital. If the person tests negative, he or she will follow a 5-days at home-quarantine and will be tested again by MINSA at the end of 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
State Department – Consular Affairs
+1 (888)407-4747 or +1 (202)501-4444
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Denese A. Rodgers
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