Sarah Bennett
If you're planning a trip to Panama, it's important to be aware of the country's entry requirements and health protocols. While Panama does not currently have any COVID-19 restrictions, it is one of the countries that enforce vaccination requirements for visitors. All visitors to Panama must adhere to the country's COVID-19 protocols, which include either being fully vaccinated or providing a negative PCR test result with a certificate. Additionally, visitors from selected countries must present a yellow fever vaccination certificate, and rabies vaccination is mandatory for those working with mammals and bats. It is recommended that you consult with your local health authority and refer to official sources for the most up-to-date information on required and recommended vaccinations, as well as other travel requirements, before your trip to Panama.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Vaccination Requirements | While there are no mandatory vaccination requirements to enter Panama, the CDC and WHO recommend the following vaccinations: typhoid, hepatitis A, polio, yellow fever, chikungunya, rabies, hepatitis B, influenza, COVID-19, pneumonia, meningitis, chickenpox, shingles, Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis), and measles. |
| COVID-19 Protocols | Visitors must either be vaccinated or provide a negative PCR test result with a certificate. |
| Yellow Fever Certificate | Required for visitors from selected countries, including African countries, Bolivia, Venezuela, Ecuador, Colombia, Brazil, and Peru. |
| Rabies Certificate | Required for visitors working with mammals and bats. |
| Malaria | Malaria risk is generally low in Panama, but anti-malaria pills are recommended for travel to rural areas with stagnant water, such as Bocas del Toro, eastern Panama, Darien, and the Guna Yala and Embera territories. |
| Other Recommendations | Visitors are advised to take preventative measures against mosquito-borne diseases like dengue, chikungunya, and Zika. Protective clothing, insect repellents, and bed nets are recommended. |
| Visa Requirements | Tourist visas may be required depending on nationality. Most international visitors can stay for 90-180 days without a visa. |
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![International Certificate of Vaccination with Vinyl Document Holder - World Health Organization Bilingual Version [cards] World Health Organization [Jan 01, 2007]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/61SHjBP1VYL._AC_UY218_.jpg)
What You'll Learn
COVID-19 vaccination or negative PCR test required
As of 2025, Panama does not have any COVID-19 restrictions in place for travellers. However, it is always recommended to carry your vaccination card when travelling.
Previously, Panama required all visitors to either be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 or provide a negative PCR test. This mandate was enforced after the pandemic disrupted the globe in 2020, with Panama, like many other countries, enforcing strict lockdowns and vaccination requirements. While many countries have since relaxed their health policies, Panama's vaccination mandate for visitors remained in force.
Panama also has several other vaccination requirements and recommendations for travellers. The CDC and WHO recommend the following vaccinations for Panama: typhoid, hepatitis A, polio, yellow fever, chikungunya, rabies, hepatitis B, influenza, COVID-19, pneumonia, meningitis, chickenpox, shingles, Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis), and measles. It is important to note that some of these vaccines, like the rabies vaccine, may be mandatory only for specific groups, such as those working with mammals and bats that can transmit the disease.
Additionally, Panama requires visitors from certain countries to have a yellow fever vaccination certificate. This includes visitors from African countries, Bolivia, Venezuela, Ecuador, Colombia, Brazil, and Peru. It is recommended that travellers receive the yellow fever vaccine at least ten days before their trip to Panama.
Panama also has a prevalence of certain diseases, such as hepatitis A and B, due to exposure to contaminated water and food. Malaria is also a risk in some rural areas of Panama, so it is recommended to take anti-malarial medication if you plan to visit these regions.
To protect yourself from mosquito-borne diseases, it is important to take steps such as wearing long-sleeved shirts, long pants, and hats, as well as using insect repellent and permethrin-treated clothing and gear.
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Yellow fever vaccination for visitors from certain countries
Vaccinations are not mandatory for entry into Panama. However, the CDC and WHO recommend getting vaccinated against several diseases, including yellow fever, before visiting the country.
Yellow fever is a viral infection transmitted by infected mosquitoes. The infection can cause fever, headache, jaundice, muscle pain, nausea, and vomiting, and can even be fatal in some cases. The yellow fever vaccine is safe and effective in preventing infection, and a single dose is adequate for most travellers. The vaccine provides long-lasting protection, and booster shots are not necessary.
The World Health Organization (WHO) publishes a list of countries with a risk of yellow fever virus transmission. According to the WHO, countries or areas with risk for yellow fever transmission are those where yellow fever virus activity has been reported currently or in the past, and where vectors and animal reservoirs exist. The CDC recommends yellow fever vaccination for travellers to areas classified as having endemic or transitional risk of yellow fever transmission.
Some countries require proof of yellow fever vaccination for entry, and these requirements differ from the CDC's recommendations. Under the International Health Regulations (IHR), countries are permitted to establish their own yellow fever vaccine entry requirements to prevent the importation and transmission of the virus within their boundaries. Certain countries require proof of vaccination from travellers arriving from all countries, while others require proof of vaccination only for travellers above a certain age coming from countries with a risk of yellow fever virus transmission. It is important to check the specific entry requirements for your destination country before travel.
In addition to yellow fever, the CDC and other sources recommend travellers to Panama get vaccinated against other diseases such as hepatitis A, hepatitis B, rabies, typhoid, tetanus, and malaria. It is important to consult with a healthcare professional to determine which vaccinations are appropriate for your specific travel plans and health status.
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Rabies vaccination if working with bats or other mammals
Vaccination requirements for entering Panama vary depending on the traveller's nationality, activities, length of stay, and other factors. While the Panamanian government does not mandate any vaccinations for entry, it is highly recommended that travellers consult with a healthcare professional to determine their specific needs.
For those working with bats or other mammals in Panama, the rabies vaccine is an important consideration. Rabies is a viral zoonotic disease transmitted through the saliva of infected mammals, and it poses a risk in Panama, although it is not a significant threat to most travellers. The rabies vaccine is recommended for travellers involved in outdoor activities in remote areas, such as caving, camping, trekking, and those working with animals, including veterinarians, wildlife professionals, and researchers.
The Public Health Agency of Canada recommends the HDCV (Human Diploid Cell Rabies Vaccine) or PCECV (Purified Chick Embryo Cell Vaccine) for pre-exposure vaccination. A series of three pre-exposure shots is advised for individuals planning an extended stay or working in remote and rural areas. These vaccines provide initial protection, but if exposed to the virus, two additional post-exposure doses are necessary.
In addition to rabies, other recommended vaccinations for Panama include hepatitis A, hepatitis B, yellow fever, typhoid, chikungunya, and malaria. It is worth noting that some vaccines, like the yellow fever vaccine, are required for visitors coming from specific countries.
To summarise, while vaccination requirements for Panama are generally flexible, those working with bats or other mammals should strongly consider a rabies vaccine, especially if they will be in remote areas or engaging in outdoor activities that increase their risk of animal bites. Consulting a healthcare professional before travelling is always advisable to ensure all necessary precautions are taken.
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Malaria risk in some areas, take prescription medication
Vaccinations are not mandatory for entry into Panama. However, it is recommended that you review the vaccination requirements and consult a travel health professional before your trip. Some recommended vaccinations include:
- Hepatitis A
- Hepatitis B
- Typhoid
- Yellow fever
- Rabies
- Diphtheria
- Tetanus
In addition to vaccinations, it is important to be aware of the risk of mosquito-borne diseases in Panama, such as dengue fever, Zika virus, and malaria. At the end of March 2025, an increase in malaria cases was reported in the province, with a total of 66 cases. This outbreak occurred in an area where a sugar harvest was taking place in the Ngäbe-Buglé region. To protect yourself from mosquito-borne illnesses, it is advised to take steps such as using insect repellent, wearing long-sleeved clothing, and sleeping in air-conditioned or screened rooms.
Malaria is a risk in certain areas of Panama, and if you are travelling to these regions, it is crucial to take prescription medication. Consult your doctor before your trip to obtain the necessary medication and follow their instructions for taking the pills. Ensure that you have enough medication for the entire duration of your stay in Panama.
It is worth noting that some vaccines, like the one for dengue fever, are not widely available. For this reason, it is important to consult a healthcare professional and plan ahead to ensure you receive the necessary vaccinations and medications before your trip to Panama.
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Hepatitis A and B risk from contaminated food and water
Vaccination is not mandatory to enter Panama. However, the CDC and WHO recommend getting vaccinated for several diseases, including hepatitis A and B. This is because the risk of contracting hepatitis A and B in Panama is heightened due to the potential consumption of contaminated food and water.
Hepatitis A is a contagious virus that can cause liver disease. It is transmitted by consuming food or drinks contaminated with the virus, often due to infected food handlers who have not washed their hands appropriately. It can also be contracted by touching infected surfaces or people and then touching one's mouth. The risk of contracting hepatitis A is higher in countries where the virus is circulating in the local population and where personal hygiene and sanitation are poor.
Hepatitis B, on the other hand, is spread through exposure to infected blood or bodily fluids. While it is not as commonly transmitted through contaminated food and water, it is still recommended to take precautions due to the potential risk.
To prevent hepatitis A and B transmission, it is crucial to practice safe food handling and preparation measures. This includes washing hands with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds before and after handling food, after using the bathroom, and after changing diapers. Additionally, it is important to wash and sanitize all surfaces, utensils, and cutting boards that may have come into contact with contaminated food.
It is worth noting that, in addition to hepatitis A and B, there are other health risks in Panama that cannot be prevented by vaccines. These include mosquito-borne diseases such as dengue, chikungunya, and malaria, as well as diseases spread by ticks, fleas, and other insects. Taking precautions to prevent insect bites and practicing safe food and water handling are essential to reducing the risk of these diseases.
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Frequently asked questions
While Panama does not mandate any specific vaccinations for entry, it is recommended that you get vaccinated for yellow fever, rabies, hepatitis A and B, malaria, and COVID-19. Additionally, if you are coming into the country to work with mammals and bats, a rabies vaccination and certificate are required.
It is important to take measures to prevent bug bites, especially from mosquitoes, ticks, and fleas, as they can spread diseases like dengue, chikungunya, Zika, and malaria. Cover exposed skin, use insect repellent, and stay in screened rooms. Additionally, ensure that your routine vaccinations, such as MMR, diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis, chickenpox, polio, and flu shots, are up to date.
All visitors to Panama must adhere to the country's COVID-19 protocols. You must be fully vaccinated or provide a negative PCR test result with a certificate.
Visa requirements depend on your nationality and purpose of travel. Most international visitors can stay in Panama for 90-180 days without a visa. However, some countries require special permits, such as a stamped or authorized visa, which must be obtained before travel. It is recommended to check the specific requirements for your country.
