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Panama will officially reopen all of its beaches for recreational use as of Sunday October 25th after they were shut down back in March due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Minister of Health, Luis Francisco Sucre announced that starting Sunday beaches will be open to the public from 6:00 am to 4:00 pm daily.
The reopening of Panama beaches will be accompanied by strict new regulations to help prevent the spread of COVID-19.
Initially groups headed to the beach will be limited to a family bubble of maximum 7 people. Visitors have been told to stay and socialize within their groups only.
The consumption of alcohol will remain banned and food must only be consumed within their own family bubble.
Social distancing between each family or group must be at least 4 meters.
Restaurants and accommodations on the beach will be allowed to open but must follow all health and safety guidelines.
The mandatory curfew for all residents and travelers will remain in effect from 11:00 pm until 5:00 am daily.
During the same announcement, the Health Minister also announced that all spas will be allowed to reopen. Masks will be required at all times.
“Visitors must respect all the biosafety regulations, they can only be without masks while they stay inside their family bubble or when using the spa. Once they break that bubble and go to a social area or have to share with other people, they should wear their masks, ” Sucre said.
Restaurants were permitted to reopen 4 weeks ago and according to Panama Newsroom more than 80% of restaurants have reopened for business.
The restaurant association of Panama has said that social distancing must be enforced at all times. All tables must be spaced at least 2 meters apart.
As October 12th, Panama has reopened for international tourism and is accepting tourists from all countries.
The Panama-Tocumen International Airport is now open and flights have resumed. Panama had originally closed its borders back in March to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
All international travelers headed to Panama will need to present proof of a negative COVID-19 PCR or Rapid (Antigen) test taken no more than 48 hours prior to their arrival time.
If a PCR test cannot be obtained before traveling to Panama, you can have a test carried out at the airport for USD $50.00. Travelers are responsible for covering the cost of the test.
See the complete COVID-19 Entry Requirements for Panama.
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Disclaimer: Current travel rules and restrictions can change without notice. The decision to travel is ultimately your responsibility. Contact your consulate and/or local authorities to confirm your nationality’s entry and/or any changes to travel requirements before traveling. Travel Off Path does not endorse traveling against government advisories