Pet travel to Panama: birds, documents, and what the Ministry of Health requires in 2026
Last updated: June 2026 · 7 min read
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Key facts at a glance
Dogs and cats: what Panama requires
ISO 11784/11785 compliant 15-digit chip. Required and referenced on all documents.
At least 30 days before arrival, not more than 12 months before entry. The 30-day wait does not apply to booster vaccinations administered before the previous vaccination expires.
Dogs: Distemper, Hepatitis, Leptospirosis, Parvovirus. Cats: Feline Rhinotracheitis, Panleukopenia, Feline Leukemia.
Issued by a licensed vet in your country. From the US, USDA APHIS endorsement required. No titer test required from most countries.
Border veterinarians inspect arriving animals at Tocumen International Airport. Dogs and cats with complete documentation are not routinely quarantined.
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Birds: a completely different process
Most pet travel guides cover dogs and cats. For birds, the process involves the Ministry of Health, ANAM (national environmental authority), and MIDA (Ministry of Agricultural Development). Start at least 4 to 6 weeks before travel.
Submit a request to Panama's Ministry of Health (MINSA) at least 14 days before arrival. Include: arrival date, flight number and time, pet information (species, name, age), your name and passport number, and length of time the bird will remain in Panama. Contact: telephone ++ (507) 238-4234.
Write to the Director of ANAM with the bird's name, species (common and scientific), age, country of origin, and health certificate. ANAM provides an import authorization which is then sent to MIDA.
MIDA issues the formal import permit based on the ANAM authorization. This permit must be presented at the airport on arrival. MIDA also determines quarantine requirements. Contact: cmaure@mida.gob.pa or ++ (507) 238-4234.
If your bird species falls under CITES, an export authorization from your country of origin is required. Common pet birds (budgerigars, canaries) are generally not CITES-listed. Parrots often are. Check before starting the process.
Adult birds are normally quarantined for 15 days in Panama. Home quarantine is available. Request this option when applying for the import permit from MIDA.
Prohibited species
Boa constrictors and other large snakes. Rodents (hamsters, gerbils, guinea pigs). Reptiles. Primates. Wolf hybrids. Savannah and Bengal cats unless fifth generation from wild ancestors.
Fees at the airport
Certain fees must be paid in cash at Tocumen International Airport on arrival. Bring USD or local currency. ATM availability at the cargo and veterinary inspection area is not guaranteed.
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Frequently asked questions
No. Rodents are prohibited from import into Panama as pets.
No. Panama does not require a rabies antibody titer test from most countries.
At least 14 days before arrival for the Ministry of Health notification. The full ANAM and MIDA process should begin 4 to 6 weeks before travel given the multiple agency steps involved.
Home quarantine is available for birds. Request this option when applying for the import permit from MIDA.
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