Question 1

Do I need a negative Covid test if I am vaccinated?

Accepted Answer

As of September 1st, you can provide physical or digital proof of a complete vaccination regimen with the final dosage at least 14 days prior to your arrival.  No additional Covid test is required.

Question 2

What do I need to do if I am not vaccinated?

Accepted Answer

If you are not vaccinated and you are arriving from a country NOT designated as "high risk" then you will need to present a negative Covid test (Antigen or PCR) taken within 72 hours prior to arriving in Panama.  You must bring the official test result and present it after departing the plane and before reaching customs.

As November 30, 2021, the United States was removed from the list "High Risk" countries designated by the Health Ministry of Panama   If you are not vaccinated and you arriving from a country that IS designated as "high risk" then you will be required to quarantine for 72 hours at a designated hotel on your own expense.  Following the 72 hours, you will be required to take another Covid test and if negative you will be free to leave the quarantine.  A positive result will require a mandatory 14 quarantine. Click here for the full up to date Covid guidelines.)

Question 3

Do I need any other forms required by the government?

Accepted Answer

An affadavit confirming your health and understanding of the Covid control measures MUST be completed on-line.
Click here to access the form.  A hard copy form WILL not be accepted at the airport. 
Complete the form before your arrival on your phone and take a screenshot of the QR code when completed.

Question 4

Do all children need to be tested before traveling to Panama?

Accepted Answer

As of 11/30 - Children under the age of 12 are not required to show a negative test upon arrival in Panama if they are not vaccinated.  Children who are 12 and older must either be vaccinated or show proof of a negative test taken no more than 72 prior to their arrival in Panama,

Question 5

Are masks required to be worn all the time?

Accepted Answer

Face masks are required in all public spaces for locals and visitors alike.

Question 6

What should I expect at the airport when I am departing Panama?

Accepted Answer

Your temperature will be taken upon entering the terminal.  You may also be guided to sanitizing mats to disinfect shoes and luggage wheels.

Question 7

Do I need to take a Covid test in order to leave Panama?

Accepted Answer

As of December 6, 2021,  the United States is requiring all international travelers returning to the United States to show a Negative rapid antigen coronavirus test result received within the prior 24 hours before boarding their flights or on the previous calendar of their arrival back to the United States.

Question 8

Can I use the Abbot BinaxNow Self Test for proof of a negative result?

Accepted Answer

If you are flying United Airlines from Panama, you must order the BinaxNOW Home Test from eMed through United's Travel-Ready Center when you make your travel plans. The tests will be shipped to you prior to your trip. You will need to download an app to enable recording of the test results.   While United Airlines has indicated that the Abbot BinaxNOW Self Test has been authorized to be accepted as proof of a negative test, you cannot use one that is purchased over-the-counter at retail stores since there is no way to record the results from those home kits.   Check with your airline if you are not flying with United.

Question 9

When is the best time to visit Panama?

Accepted Answer

Panama has a dry and a rainy season.  The dry season typically runs from December thru March.  Temperatures all year round hover in the high 80s to low 90’s.  When it  does rain from April through November, it will usually be for a short downpour and then remain hot humid the rest of the day.

Question 10

In what time zone is Panama located?

Accepted Answer

Geographically, it is in the Eastern Time zone.  However, since Panama does not change their clocks for Daylight Savings Time, they are 1 hour behind or on Central time from March thru November.

Question 11

How do I get to the city from the airport?

Accepted Answer

There are plenty of choices to choose from when you are ready to leave the airport.  You can choose to use Uber, take a taxi or you can arrange for a driver prior to your arrival.  You can also rent a car from one of the many companies operating in Panama.  See our Transportation page for more options.

Question 12

Are the car rental prices advertised accurate?

Accepted Answer

The daily rates are accurate however there are mandatory third party insurances that can range from $18 - $25 per day.  Be sure to check with the rental agencies when making reservations.

Question 13

Are there hotels near the Jewish neighborhoods?

Accepted Answer

Yes, there are many hotels within a short walking distance to the synagogues and kosher restaurants in Paitilla, Punta Pacifica, Marbella & Bella Vista. See the Hotels page for the ones that are listed in Panama City.

Question 14

Are there daily minyanim at the synagogues?

Accepted Answer

There are regular services throughout the week and Shabbat.  You can check on the minyan times on Godaven.com and enter Panama City, Panama.   You will need to pre-arrange your security clearance in order to enter a number of the synagogues.  Please complete the following form prior to arriving in Panama: Visitors Registration Form

Question 15

Do the dairy restaurants offer Cholov Yisroel?

Accepted Answer

Jeffrey's Bake Shop currently is the only restaurant that offers Cholov Yisroel that is acceptable for those keeping to Ashkenaz standards.

Question 16

Are there any Kosher establishments near the beach resorts?

Accepted Answer

There are currently no restaurants outside of Panama City.  There is a supermarket in Coronado that carries a wide selection of kosher packaged items. Many of the restaurants and caterers in Panama City have also begun to deliver to the beach areas on a limited and scheduled basis.

Question 17

Do any hotels offer Shabbat meals?

Accepted Answer

Not yet!  We are working with several hotels and caterers to provide for arranged meals.  At this time, many of the restaurants will be able to provide take out orders for Shabbat meals.

Question 18

How far is the Panama Canal from the city?

Accepted Answer

The  Miraflores Locks is less than a half hour ride by car from the center of Panama City.

Question 19

What is the best time to see boats coming through the canal?

Accepted Answer

The most popular question without a guaranteed answer.  The general consensus is to get there as early as possible.  The visitor center is open from 9:00-5:00PM. As a general guideline from a travel site - “ The best times to see big ships are 9:00am to 11:30am and 3:00pm to 5:00pm.”

Question 20

Can I go to the beach just for the day?

Accepted Answer

Yes - there are a number of islands you can visit. See the Things To Do and Transportation pages for destination and ferry travel times to and from the islands.

Question 21

How far are the beach resorts from Panama City?

Accepted Answer

The resorts are approximately 1.5 to 2 hours by car.

Question 22

What is the best way to get to the beach resorts?

Accepted Answer

You can arrange with one of he drivers listed on the Transportaion page.

Question 23

How many days should we spend in Panama City?

Accepted Answer

You can plan for 2 or 3 days to see the sites in and around Panama City.

Question 24

How do we get to Bocas Del Toro, San Blas, where can we stay?"

Accepted Answer

The best and fastest way is by flying. You will take a short boat ride to reach the island when you arrive at the airport. There are plenty of places to stay, but you will need to bring your kosher food from the city.

Question 25

Do we need to get shots before we travel to Panama?

Accepted Answer

No shots are required at this time. (Consult with you medical professional).

Question 26

Do we need to change currencies to use in Panama?

Accepted Answer

Panama’s local currency is the Balboa, but the dollar is an accepted currency all through the country. When you do pay with dollar bills, it is likely you will receive coin change in Balboas.

Question 27

Do I need to bring Cash and/or Credit Cards when traveling out of the city?

Accepted Answer

The Beach resorts and the larger supermarkets will accept credit cards.  When travelling to any of the islands make sure to have cash as the hotels, tour operators and local merchants may not accept credit cards.

Question 28

Are the electric outlets the same as the US, or do we need adapters?"

Accepted Answer

Yes, they are the same (110 v) and no adapters are needed.

Question 29

Can I use my cell phone?

Accepted Answer

You can either subscribe to your US carriers travel plan or purchase a SIM card at the airport from one of several local carriers.  
 If you do purchase the SIM card, all instructions and customer service once you leave the airport will be in Spanish

Question 30

Who can I contact in event of a medical emergency?

Accepted Answer

There are several hospitals in the immediate Panama City vicinity. Pacífica Salud Hospital Punta Pacífica: Boulevard Pacífica y Vía Punta Darién https://www.pacificasalud.com (Affiliated with Johns Hopkins Medical Center ) Centro Medico Paitilla: Avenida Balboa con calle 53 https://hospitalpaitilla.com/

Click here for
AFFIDAVIT OF HEALTH OF PASSENGERS TO ENTER PANAMA
To be completed prior to arrival at airport

FAQ

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Click here for AFFIDAVIT OF HEALTH OF PASSENGERS TO ENTER PANAMA To be completed prior to arrival at airport

FAQ

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Click here for
AFFIDAVIT OF HEALTH OF PASSENGERS TO ENTER PANAMA
To be completed prior to arrival at airport