Experiences from Residing in Panama by expats living in Panama.

Flying into Tocumen International Airport Panama, what to expect?

Written by Reside Panama | Oct 24, 2022 11:38:53 PM

What to expect when flying into Tocumen International Airport of Panama?

During most flights flying into Panama, you will be handed an immigration form. On the immigration form, you need to submit your personal information, the reason for the visit, and the address of where you will stay. In addition, it will ask if you carry more than 10.000$ in cash or bring in any goods that need to be reported. If you haven’t received the immigration form during your flight, you can find it when entering the immigration check area. 

In this article we will cover the following:

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Getting to the Immigration Check in Panama

Leaving the plane you will enter the main terminal of the airport. Depending on the origin of your flight you might need to walk 5 - 10 minutes towards immigration. If you flew in from Amsterdam, Istanbul, Paris, or Madrid, the immigration check is located 1 minute from your arrival gate. Signs located at the gates will guide you toward one of the current two immigration checks. Both immigration checks are located one level below the gates and will get you to the luggage belts. At the immigration checks, you will find special lanes for tourists, Panamanians (and permanent residents), and diplomats or flight crew.

The immigration officer will ask you for your passport, and if applicable your residency card. In addition, the officer will ask the reason for your visit and where you are staying or living. A picture of your face and a scan of your fingerprints might be taken. In general, the immigration officers are friendly and appreciate if you speak a bit of Spanish. Even if you are only saying “Buenas”. Once all the information is checked by the immigration officer, you will be able to continue to pick up your luggage at the designated belt which is located right after the immigration check. 

You will have to go through one more security check after you have retrieved your luggage. At this check, the officer will ask for the signed immigration form, and your luggage will be checked by a scan. After which, you are all set, and ready to leave the airport. 

How to get from the airport to my hotel or residency?

 There are a variety of possibilities to travel from Tocumen International Airport to downtown Panama City. Of which the most convenient might be Uber, which costs you about 15 - 20$. Other options are the local bus or metro, which will cost you no more than a few dollars. More about traveling from Tocumen International Airport you can find in the designated blog post. 

Any questions? Contact us at info@residepanama.com, or submit the comment form below.