Panama customs rules & duty-free allowances
Panama's biggest customs risk is undeclared agricultural products: even a single piece of fruit or a sandwich can trigger a fine and confiscation. Cash declarations are also strictly enforced, and the green channel is only for travellers with nothing to declare.
Duty-free allowances
Prohibited — banned from import
- Narcotics and psychotropic substances
- Counterfeit currency and goods
- Pornographic materials
- Firearms and ammunition without a permit
- Fresh fruits, vegetables, and plants
- Meat and dairy products from countries with animal diseases
Restricted — allowed with a permit or declaration
- Medications (prescription required for personal use)
- Pets and animals (require health certificate and import permit)
- Plants and seeds (require phytosanitary certificate)
- Drones (may require permit from civil aviation)
- Satellite phones (require permit from authority)
Arriving: red vs green channel
After immigration, you'll go through customs. There's a red channel for goods to declare and a green channel for nothing to declare. You must fill out a customs declaration form (Declaración de Aduanas) before clearing. If you have nothing to declare, use the green channel; otherwise, use the red channel and present your form and receipts.
Tax-free shopping & VAT refunds
Panama does not have a tourist VAT refund scheme. You cannot claim back the 7% ITBMS tax on purchases when leaving.
Bringing medication
You may bring personal medications for your own use with a valid prescription or doctor's note. Controlled substances require prior authorization from the Ministry of Health. Some common medications containing pseudoephedrine or codeine may be restricted; check with the Panamanian embassy before travel.
Food, plants & animal products
All food, plants, seeds, and animal products must be declared. Fresh fruits, vegetables, meat, and dairy are generally prohibited. Processed and packaged foods may be allowed but must be declared. Failure to declare can result in fines and confiscation.
Rules worth knowing
Cash declaration is strictly enforced
If you carry 10,000 PAB (about 10,000 USD) or more in cash or negotiable instruments, you must declare it. Failure to do so can lead to seizure of the funds and legal penalties.
Agricultural products are confiscated
Panama is very strict about bringing in food, plants, or animal products. Even a single apple or sandwich can result in a fine. Declare everything or risk penalties.
Duty-free allowance is per adult
The 800 USD allowance applies per adult traveller. Children have no allowance. If you're travelling with family, combine your allowances carefully.