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How to Travel to Panama with Pets in 2025: Entry Requirements, Documents, and Tips

Thinking about bringing your dog or cat to Panama? Whether you're moving, vacationing, or retiring in this tropical paradise, it's important to follow Panama’s pet import regulations carefully to avoid delays or quarantine.

This guide breaks down everything you need to know about traveling to Panama with pets, including required documents, vaccination rules, airport procedures, and home quarantine exemptions—all updated for 2025.

Panama Pet Entry Requirements (Updated for 2025)

Panama enforces strict pet travel rules to protect public health. The process is managed by MINSA (Ministry of Health) and MIDA (Ministry of Agricultural Development). Here's what you need:

Veterinary Health Certificate

  • Must be issued by a licensed veterinarian no more than 10 days before your flight.

  • Needs to be apostilled or authenticated by your country’s relevant authority (e.g., USDA and Panamanian Consulate for U.S. travelers).

Mandatory Vaccinations

Pet Type Required Vaccines
Dog Rabies (≥30 days), Distemper, Hepatitis, Leptospirosis, Parvovirus
Cat Rabies, Panleukopenia, Calicivirus, Rhinotracheitis

Vaccination dates must be clearly listed on the health certificate.

MIDA Import Permit & MINSA Quarantine Waiver

To avoid quarantine and expedite entry:

  • Apply for the Home Quarantine Waiver 3–5 business days before arrival.

  • Email mascotas@minsa.gob.pa with:

    • Health certificate (PDF)

    • Passport copy

    • Flight itinerary

  • Pay the fee (typically $130)

Without this waiver, your pet could face up to 40 days of quarantine at your cost.

Pet Arrival Process at Tocumen International Airport

When you land at Tocumen Airport in Panama City:

  • Head to Area 9, the designated pet clearance zone near customs.

  • Officials will inspect documents, verify vaccines, and confirm waiver approval.

Recommended arrival times:
📅 Monday–Friday
⏰ 8:00 AM – 3:00 PM

Arriving outside these hours may require special arrangements and extra fees.

Airline Guidelines for Traveling with Pets to Panama

To fly pets into Panama, airlines typically require:

  • IATA-compliant pet carriers (hard-sided, ventilated on 3+ sides)

  • Valid health and vaccine records

  • Water and absorbent padding

  • Travel as checked baggage or air cargo

Each airline has unique rules—always check with your airline 2–4 weeks before your departure.

🌴 Living in Panama with Pets: What to Expect

Once you arrive, Panama offers a pet-friendly lifestyle, especially in expat hotspots like:

  • Panama City

  • Coronado

  • Boquete

  • Pedasí

You’ll find:

  • Veterinarians and 24/7 animal clinics

  • Grooming and pet boarding facilities

  • Pet supply stores and delivery services

  • Parks and beaches that welcome dogs

Pre-Flight Checklist: Bringing Pets to Panama

Requirement Status
Health Certificate (10 days max) ✅
Vaccinations complete ✅
Apostille or Consulate stamp ✅
Home Quarantine Waiver Requested ✅
Fee paid ($130) ✅
IATA-approved crate confirmed ✅
Airline notified ✅

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