PCR test and quarantine to enter Panama
On Tuesday, August 11, the head of the Minsa, Luis Francisco Sucre, announced that nationals and residents will have to undergo a PCR test 48 hours before the flight that will bring them to Panama.
The official indicated that it will also be mandatory that they remain in quarantine for 14 days after their arrival in the country. In addition, upon arrival at the Tocumen International Airport, they will have to sign a document authorizing their inclusion in the monitoring program that the health authorities keep active to determine the evolution of active cases of the coronavirus.
On July 31, Decree 300 was published in the Official Gazette authorizing the operation of a “mini hub of connections” in Tocumen. The decree establishes that Panamanians and residents may leave the country on any of the connecting flights that depart from Tocumen. It also allows passengers to arrive at the airport from other destinations to board the air connections that leave Panama, but with the condition that they do not stay more than 6 hours in Tocumen.
The airlines consulted said that they are waiting for the Ministry to publish the decree that explains how they should apply the conditions announced by Sucre last Tuesday.
Spokesmen for at least 3 airlines commented that they do not know if the airlines will be responsible for demanding the documentation of the PCR test from the passengers and they also do not have information on when they should request these data.
We do not know if people must present the proof when buying the ticket or when boarding the plane to Panama, they indicated.
At least four airlines have confirmed that they will have flights to and from Panama: Copa Airlines, AirFrance, KLM and United. This number is expected to increase in the coming days.
On July 31, Decree 300 was published in the Official Gazette authorizing the operation of a “mini hub of connections” in Tocumen. The decree establishes that Panamanians and residents may leave the country on any of the connecting flights that depart from Tocumen. It also allows passengers to arrive at the airport from other destinations to board the air connections that leave Panama, but with the condition that they do not stay more than 6 hours in Tocumen.
The airlines consulted said that they are waiting for the Ministry to publish the decree that explains how they should apply the conditions announced by Sucre last Tuesday.
Spokesmen for at least 3 airlines commented that they do not know if the airlines will be responsible for demanding the documentation of the PCR test from the passengers and they also do not have information on when they should request these data.
We do not know if people must present the proof when buying the ticket or when boarding the plane to Panama, they indicated.
At least four airlines have confirmed that they will have flights to and from Panama: Copa Airlines, AirFrance, KLM and United. This number is expected to increase in the coming days.