Health Alert – U.S. Embassy Panama City, Panama (March 19, 2020)
Event: Effective at 11:59 p.m. on Sunday, March 22, Panama will suspend all commercial flights into and out of Panama. On Thursday, March 19, the U.S. Department of State issued a Global Level 4 Health Advisory.
On March 19, the Panamanian government announced that all commercial flights into and out of Panama will be suspended as of 11:59 p.m. on Sunday, March 22. Any U.S. Citizens wishing to return to the United States should do so immediately. Any U.S. Citizens remaining in Panama should be prepared to remain indefinitely.
The Department of State advises U.S. citizens to avoid all international travel due to the global impact of COVID-19. In countries where commercial departure options remain available, U.S. citizens who live in the United States should arrange for immediate return to the United States, unless they are prepared to remain abroad for an indefinite period. U.S. citizens who live abroad should avoid all international travel. Many countries are experiencing COVID-19 outbreaks and implementing travel restrictions and mandatory quarantines, closing borders, and prohibiting non-citizens from entry with little advance notice. Airlines have cancelled many international flights and several cruise operators have suspended operations or cancelled trips. If you choose to travel internationally, your travel plans may be severely disrupted, and you may be forced to remain outside of the United States for an indefinite timeframe.
If you decide to travel abroad or are already outside the United States:
Consider returning to your country of residence immediately using whatever commercial means are available.
Have a travel plan that does not rely on the U.S. Government for assistance.
Review and follow the CDC’s guidelines for the prevention of coronavirus.
Check with your airline, cruise lines, or travel operators regarding any updated information about your travel plans and/or restrictions.
On March 18, the Panamanian Ministry of Health announced 109 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Panama.
Effective March 18, the government of Panama has announced there will be an indefinite nationwide curfew between the hours of 9:00 p.m. and 5:00 a.m.
The government of Panama has implemented enhanced screening and quarantine measures to reduce the spread of COVID-19. Travelers should be prepared for travel restrictions to be put into effect with little or no advance notice. Panama has barred admission to individuals who are not citizens or residents. All incoming travelers are subject to a mandatory 14-day in-home quarantine. Transiting travelers who do not leave the airport are being permitted to continue their journeys. Visit the website of the Panamanian Ministry of Health (in Spanish) for additional information on these new measures.
The government of Panama has implemented measures to limit the spread of COVID-19. Schools and universities are closed nation-wide until March 20 and in San Miguelito, Panama Centro, and Panama Norte they will remain closed until April 7. Sporting events, festivals, and all gatherings larger than 50 people have been banned. Visit the local government COVID-19 website for updated information.
Effective March 17, U.S. Embassy Panama has suspended routine consular services. For emergency American Citizens Services, including emergency passports, please visit our website for additional information.
U.S. government personnel are restricted from non-essential domestic and international travel.
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