The Panama Declaración de Viajero (Travel Declaration) is a mandatory online form that all travelers must complete before entering Panama. This digital health and immigration declaration collects essential information about passengers for border security and public health purposes. Whether you're visiting Panama City's cosmopolitan attractions, exploring the famous Panama Canal, or venturing into the country's lush rainforests, you'll need to submit this declaration before arrival.
Panama introduced the electronic travel declaration to streamline the arrival process and enhance its ability to track visitor movements for health and security reasons. The form replaces previous paper-based customs and immigration forms, making entry into Panama faster and more efficient. This comprehensive guide explains everything you need to know about completing the Declaración de Viajero for your 2026 visit to Panama.
What is the Panama Declaración de Viajero?
The Declaración de Viajero (Travel Declaration) is an electronic form administered by Panama's Dirección General de Migración (Immigration Authority) in coordination with health and customs authorities. The declaration serves multiple purposes: it helps immigration officers verify traveler information, assists health authorities in monitoring potential disease outbreaks, and provides customs with advance information about goods being brought into the country.
The online system was developed to modernize Panama's border control processes. By collecting information digitally before travelers arrive, authorities can process arrivals more quickly and identify potential concerns before passengers reach immigration counters. The declaration generates a QR code that is scanned at immigration, linking your digital submission to your passport.
The Declaración de Viajero is separate from visa requirements. Even if you're from a visa-exempt country or already hold a valid Panama visa, you still need to complete the travel declaration. It's a universal requirement for all incoming passengers regardless of nationality or visa status.
Panama Travel Declaration Quick Facts
Cost: Free of charge
Validity: Single entry, valid for your declared arrival date
Submission window: 72 hours before travel
Processing: Instant confirmation with QR code
Required for: All travelers entering Panama
Ports of entry: All international airports, seaports, and land borders
Who Needs to Complete the Declaration?
The Panama Declaración de Viajero is mandatory for all travelers entering Panama, regardless of nationality, visa status, or purpose of visit. There are very few exceptions to this requirement:
- All foreign tourists: Whether visiting for leisure, business, or transit, all visitors must complete the form
- Returning Panamanian citizens: Nationals returning home also need to submit the declaration
- Residents of Panama: Foreign residents with permanent or temporary residency must complete it
- Transit passengers: Even if you're connecting through Tocumen Airport to another destination, completion is required if you exit the transit area
- Cruise passengers: Those disembarking in Panama for shore excursions must complete the declaration
- Children: Each traveler needs a declaration - parents must complete forms for minor children
Information Required on the Declaration
Before starting your Declaración de Viajero, gather the following information. Having everything ready will make the process quick and straightforward. The form typically takes 10-15 minutes to complete.
- Full name exactly as it appears on your passport
- Passport number, nationality, and expiry date
- Date of birth and gender
- Email address and phone number
- Country of residence and home address
- Flight number and airline for your arrival
- Accommodation address in Panama (hotel name and address)
- Purpose of visit (tourism, business, transit, etc.)
- Countries visited in the last 21 days
- Customs declaration (items you're bringing into Panama)
Accuracy Matters
Ensure all information matches your passport exactly. The QR code generated links directly to your passport, and discrepancies may cause delays at immigration. Double-check your flight number and arrival date before submitting.
How to Complete the Declaration Online
Completing the Panama Declaración de Viajero is a straightforward online process. Follow these steps to submit your declaration before departure:
- Access the official portal — Visit the Panama Immigration Service's official declaration portal through DoVisa or directly at the government website. Ensure you're using the legitimate portal to protect your personal information.
- Select your language — The form is available in Spanish and English. Choose your preferred language to proceed.
- Enter passport details — Input your full name, passport number, nationality, and passport validity dates exactly as shown in your travel document.
- Provide contact information — Enter your email address and phone number. You'll receive your confirmation and QR code via email.
- Add travel details — Input your flight number, airline, departure city, and expected arrival date and time in Panama.
- Declare accommodation — Enter your hotel name and address, or the address where you'll be staying if with friends or family.
- Complete health questions — Answer any health-related declarations about symptoms and recent travel history.
- Submit customs declaration — Declare any items you're bringing into Panama, including currency amounts exceeding $10,000 USD.
- Review and submit — Carefully review all information for accuracy. Once submitted, you'll receive a QR code via email.
- Save your QR code — Download or screenshot your QR code and print a copy if possible. Have it ready for immigration upon arrival.
Submit Early
Complete your Declaración de Viajero at least 24-48 hours before your flight. While submissions within 72 hours are accepted, applying early ensures you have time to address any technical issues and have your QR code ready for check-in. Some airlines may request to see your confirmation.
At the Airport: What to Expect
Upon arrival at Tocumen International Airport or any other Panamanian port of entry, you'll proceed through immigration. Here's what to expect with your Declaración de Viajero:
- Have documents ready: Keep your passport and QR code (printed or on phone) easily accessible
- QR code scanning: At the immigration counter, present your QR code for scanning along with your passport
- Verification process: The officer will verify your declaration information matches your passport and may ask brief questions
- Visa check: If you require a visa for Panama, ensure you have it ready along with the declaration
- Entry stamp: Once cleared, you'll receive an entry stamp in your passport with the duration of stay permitted
- Customs clearance: Proceed to customs where your declaration may be reviewed for duty-free allowances
Immigration processing is typically efficient when you have your declaration completed in advance. Most travelers are processed within 5-10 minutes. However, expect longer queues when multiple international flights arrive simultaneously, particularly during peak tourist seasons.
If you didn't complete the declaration online, you may be directed to a separate queue to complete a paper form or use airport kiosks, significantly increasing your wait time. We strongly recommend online submission before departure.
Common Myths About Panama Travel Declaration
The travel declaration is the same as a visa
The Declaración de Viajero and a visa are completely separate requirements. The declaration is a mandatory travel form for ALL travelers, while a visa is required only for nationals of countries that don't have visa-free agreements with Panama. You may need both depending on your nationality - check your visa requirements separately.
Transit passengers don't need the declaration
If you're transiting through Panama to another destination, you still need to complete the declaration if you will exit the international transit zone. For airside transit where you remain in the airport's international area, the requirement may be waived, but confirm with your airline. Most connecting passengers at Tocumen do need to complete it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Panama Travel Declaration free?
How far in advance can I complete the declaration?
What happens if I don't complete the declaration?
Do children need their own declaration?
Can I use my phone to show the QR code?
What if I make a mistake on my declaration?
Is the declaration required for cruise passengers?
Do returning Panamanians need to complete it?
Complete Your Panama Travel Declaration
Panama
Capital: Panama City
Currency: Balboa (PAB) / US Dollar (USD)
Language: Spanish (English widely understood)
Timezone: UTC-5 (EST)
Processing: Instant (online)
Quick Facts
- Declaration: Free
- Required for all arrivals
- Complete 72h before travel
- QR code confirmation
Get the DoVisa App
Complete your Panama declaration and manage all your travel documents on the go.
Comments(10)
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Just returned from Panama City and the declaration process was super easy. Completed it on my phone while waiting at the gate, got the QR code instantly, and breezed through immigration in about 5 minutes!
Quick question - we're transiting through Tocumen to Costa Rica with a 3-hour layover. Do we need the declaration or can we stay in the transit area without it?
As a Panamanian living abroad, I appreciate that the form is available in English too. Makes it easier for my American wife to complete it. The whole process is very efficient.
Visited the Panama Canal and Casco Viejo - amazing trip! The declaration was straightforward but make sure you have your hotel address ready. I had to search through my emails at the airport!
Does anyone know if the same declaration works for multiple entries? We're island hopping and will re-enter Panama from Colombia.
Tip for everyone: Take a screenshot of your QR code AND save the email. Had a friend whose phone died at the airport and she had to fill out paper forms. Took an extra 45 minutes!
Arrived on a cruise and had to complete the declaration for our shore excursion. The cruise line reminded us but some passengers forgot - they managed to complete it on port wifi but it caused stress.
Panama is such an underrated destination! The declaration is just a minor formality. Don't let paperwork concerns stop you from visiting - the country is absolutely beautiful.
The form asks about items you're bringing in. Be honest about expensive electronics and jewelry - customs can check. Better to declare than face issues.
Completed declarations for my whole family (2 adults, 2 kids) in about 20 minutes total. Each person needs their own form but the process is identical so it goes quickly.