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Panama has pretty relaxed rules regarding customs compared to the USA, Canada and EU countries. One can enter the country with up to 500 grams of tobacco or cigarettes, a quantity of five 3.8 liters of alcohol, and gifts with no more than a quantity of six for each type.

The country is more stringent however when it comes to agricultural items. You cannot bring any produce or meat. And naturally, weapons, explosives, narcotics, and hazardous materials are also prohibited.

You must declare upon arrival if you are carrying over $10,000 USD of cash.

Bringing Pets to Panama

If you want to bring your pet abroad, it can be done but takes planning and preparation. Taking your pet into another country usually includes:

• Microchipping - to verify pets identity. All microchips conforming to the ISO standards are easily readable.
• Vaccination - Vaccinations range from country to country, but in general every pet older than 3 months must be vaccinated against rabies. The vaccination must be administered at least 21 days before arrival. However, the vaccination cannot be older than 12 months from the date of arrival. Dogs may also get full shots for Distemper, Hepatitis, Leptospirosis, Parvo, and DHLPP. Cats may also be vaccinated against Viral Rhinotracheitis, Calcivirus, and Panleukopenia.
• Certificate of good health - Issued by a vet after an exam. You will usually need to get an official form from the consulate or embassy of the country you are moving to. It is often available on-line from the customs website.

Transporting Pets to Panama

Some airlines allow pets to travel in an airplane's cabin, provided their cage is small enough to fit under your seat. Small birds may also be able to travel in the cabin, but tropical birds such as parrots are usually not allowed.

If your pet's cage does not fit under your seat, you will have to ship it as checked baggage. Since the outside air temperature also affects the temperature in the cargo bay, airlines may restrict the transportation of pets during certain times of the year. Airlines have special requirements for containers in the cabin and cargo bay. Make sure you get detailed information from your preferred airlines before purchasing a cage or kennel.

Before leaving, acquaint your animal with the kennel or container. Add some familiar toys or some of your clothing items, so your pet has a sense of familiarity during the transport. Sedation of your pet during the trip is generally not recommended and should only be used as a last resort.

There are also pet relocation service that figure out all the details of the move. These services tend to be quite expensive but take away the stress of doing it yourself.

Quarantine in Panama

The quarantine period for cats and dogs lasts 40 days and it is the pet owner’s financial responsibility. Your pet will be returned if you provide the required documentation.

If you do not provide the required documentation, your pet will be returned to the country of origin. You can also apply for home quarantine.

Custom's Resources

• U.S. Citizens: The free pamphlet "Know Before You Go" at http://www.cbp.gov/ is very helpful. (Click on "Travel" and then click on "Know Before You Go! Online Brochure"). You can also contact: U.S. Customs & Border Protection (CBP) 1300 Pennsylvania Ave. Washington, DC 20229 Tel. 877/287-8667
• Canadian Citizens: "I Declare", issued by the Canada Border Services Agency (tel. 800/461-9999 in Canada, or 204/983-3500) is helpful.
• Australian Citizens: A helpful brochure is available from Australian consulates or Customs offices called "Know Before You Go". Call the Australian Customs Service at tel. 1300/363-263, or log on to http://www.customs.gov.au/.