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Panama's customs authority

The National Authority of Customs () regulates the import and export of goods into and out of Panama. This government institution ensures that products entering the country comply with legal, health, safety and environmental standards.

When you arrive in Panama, you are required to complete a customs declaration. Depending on the items you carry, you will either pass through the border without further questions or be required to submit additional information and/or pay taxes.

Read also Visas for Panama

Duty-free goods in Panama

You can bring certain goods into the country without paying taxes. The main duty-free items are alcohol, tobacco and personal goods like electronics, gifts and personal belongings.

Alcohol

Who doesn't love grabbing a bottle or two of locally produced alcohol in a duty-free shop before the flight? Travelers can bring up to five liters of alcohol into Panama duty-free, including wine, beer and spirits. If you bring in more than five liters, you may have to pay duties on the extra amount. Note that the regulated amount is per adult passenger.

Tobacco

Panama's tobacco regulations include 500 grams of tobacco in any form duty-free per adult passenger. Whether you are bringing it for yourself or as a gift, be sure to stay within these limits to avoid paying duties.

Duty-free shop staff typically have the most up-to-date information about the customs regulations at your destination. Don't hesitate to ask them about the duty-free allowances.

Other duty-free goods

Packing for Panama is no different from packing for any other country. The key things to consider are alcohol, tobacco and the value of new goods. Your belongings are duty-free as long as they stay within certain limits. Usually, these include personal use items, such as:

• Clothing, toiletries and accessories: Shoes, clothing, bags, personal hygiene products, books and other personal items do not require declaration if they are within reasonable amounts.
• Electronics: Small electronics such as smartphones, laptops, tablets and cameras are allowed. You can bring all four for personal use without raising any questions at the border. However, if you carry several items of a similar nature, you may be asked to justify whether they are for personal use or resale.
• Gifts: Gifts of up to $500 per person can be imported duty-free. These include clothing, perfume, books or electronics, provided they are not for commercial purposes. If there is no cause for suspicion, you will pass your bags through the scanners—customs officers rarely ask to open them. However, $500 is the limit for tax-free gifts. If the value of the gifts you carry exceed this amount and you are asked to open your baggage, you may incur duties.
• Sweets: Passengers can import 2 kg of sweets, including but not limited to candies, caramels, chocolates, etc.
• Medications or medical devices: Over-the-counter personal-use medications do not require declaration. You must declare prescription drugs and their quantities. However, there are usually no questions if medications don't take the lion's share of your luggage.
• Recreational or sports items: These include bicycles (both stationary and portable), surfboards, bats, bags, sports clothing, gloves and sports protective gear. Again, the same rule of reasonable quantities applies.
• Tools and equipment: You can bring tools, equipment and hand instruments necessary for your trade or profession, as long as they are for personal use. Be sure it does not appear that you are setting up a complete laboratory or office.

The total value of all new goods you bring into Panama must not exceed $500 to avoid duties. For example, if you carry multiple electronics or gifts exceeding this amount, customs may require you to pay taxes. The $500 duty-free allowance is not cumulative and can only be used once every six months. Additionally, travelers must have spent at least 72 hours outside the country.

Read also Moving to Panama

Banned and restricted products in Panama

Panama enforces strict regulations on certain products, with a list of banned and restricted items similar to those in many other countries. These rules aim to protect public health, safety and the environment while preventing the spread of harmful or illegal goods. Pack your luggage yourself to avoid any risks. Getting caught with banned or restricted items could disrupt your trip and have serious consequences.

Banned products

As for banned products, use common sense. Under no circumstances the following products are allowed into Panama:

• Narcotics and controlled substances: Panama enforces stringent anti-drug laws. Any form of illegal drugs, including marijuana, cocaine or other narcotics, is strictly prohibited. Every port of entry into the country is equipped to verify the possession of illicit drugs. The rule applies to possession, trafficking and use of illegal substances.
• Counterfeit goods: These include fake designer clothing, electronics and watches. You may face significant fines or legal repercussions if customs officers discover such goods.
• Endangered species and products made from them: These include ivory, animal pelts and coral.
• Firearms and ammunition: You cannot bring firearms and ammunition into Panama without special authorization. You may face serious legal ramifications if you travel with these items without appropriate permits. For hunting and sporting firearms, see Restricted Products.

Restricted products

These items are restricted and may require special permits:

• Prescription medications: Most over-the-counter medications are allowed, but prescription drugs are regulated. Ensure your controlled medications are in their original packaging and accompanied by a prescription. Such drugs must be declared.
• Agricultural products: Agricultural products, such as fruits, vegetables and plants, must have a phytosanitary certificate issued by the Sanitary Authorities and/or the Ministry of Agriculture of the country of origin. You must declare these items; otherwise, they may be confiscated or destroyed.
• Live animals and plants: You need a special permit for live animals or plants, which are subject to quarantine and health inspections upon arrival. You must carry a sanitary/phytosanitary certificate issued by the health authorities or the Ministry of Agriculture in the country of origin. This rule applies to travelers bringing their pets to Panama— a quarantine form and the pet's health certificates are necessary.
• Hunting and sporting firearms and ammunition: According to Panama's, you can bring hunting and sporting guns, five hundred rounds of ammunition, a tent and other camping equipment. However, you must prove your status as a tourist and present all the required documentation. The import of firearms and ammunition is subject to regulations from the . Consider doing thorough research before you decide to travel with such items.

Read also Moving to Panama with pets

Products to declare when arriving in Panama

While many items are duty-free, certain goods must be declared. If your items exceed duty-free limits, are of high value or are intended for commercial use, declaration is necessary. If you fail to declare such products, and customs officials find them during inspection, you may face fines or goods confiscation. Here's a list of products you must declare when entering Panama:

High-value items

Cash or negotiable instruments: As for money, Panamanian regulations are similar to those in many other countries. You must declare the amounts over $10,000 in cash (or its equivalent in another currency). The same limit applies to the total of multiple currencies and other negotiable instruments, such as money orders and traveler's checks. Undeclared large sums of cash or other negotiable instruments may be subject to confiscation and penalties.

Electronics: Nowadays, it is impossible to imagine life without devices, and most people carry several while travelling. Typical items include a laptop, mobile phone, tablet and camera. Again, use common sense and assess whether your number of devices appears reasonable for personal use. Otherwise, be ready to justify.

Jewelry and luxury items: According to Panamanian laws, jewelry, watches and other luxury goods worth more than the duty-free threshold need declaration. Make sure to have receipts for these items in case any questions arise.

Goods for commercial use

Travelers must declare goods intended for commercial purposes. Bulk electronics, clothing or other commercial merchandise are subject to import duties and taxes. Besides, bringing items in for resale may require additional documentation.

Customs declaration forms to fill on your arrival in Panama

You must complete a customs declaration form to enter Panama. The forms are available online, on the airplane or at the airport upon arrival. You will need to provide basic personal details, such as your name, passport number, travel itinerary and the purpose of your visit, as well as a temporary or permanent address in the country. Any restricted items or goods that exceed the duty-free limits must be declared.

• Travelers' customs declaration form: This physical form is available on the plane or at the airport.
• Electronic customs declaration (e-Customs): If you dread filling out paper forms while traveling, you can save time by completing an electronic customs declaration before arriving in the country. The form is available and on banners in the Tocumen airport terminal (scan the QR code). Travelers can complete the form up to 72 hours before arriving in Panama.

Arriving in Panama by land

If you arrive in Panama by land, the same customs rules apply, and you must fill out a declaration form.

If you are traveling in a private vehicle, additional documents are required, such as:

• Vehicle registration, circulation card or title: Any vehicle entering Panama must have proof of ownership or registration.
• Power of attorney: If the car is not yours, you must provide a notarized power of attorney from the car owner.
• Vehicle insurance policy: You must provide insurance with coverage in Panama.
• Bank authorization letter: If the vehicle is mortgaged, a bank authorization letter is necessary to cross the border.
• For vehicles from Costa Rica: If your car is registered in Costa Rica, an exit permit issued by the Costa Rican Public Registry is required.
• Clearance certificate: You must have a clearance certificate issued by the Land Transit and Transport Authority.

The list above is not exhaustive; make sure to verify all necessary documentation with the relevant authorities before traveling.

Takeaway

Panama welcomes both tourists and business travelers. Entering the country is a straightforward process. To avoid complications at the border, follow the customs rules. Knowing what you can bring duty-free, what goods to declare and how to complete the customs forms is essential for a smooth entry. Be sure to stay up-to-date on any changes to the regulations. Safe travels!

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