Panama Declaration – Welcome to Panama

Guide to the Panama “All-in-One” Digital Form in 2025: Panama, the vibrant gateway between the Americas, continues to attract travelers with its tropical beaches, lush rainforests, and rich cultural diversity. If you’re planning your first—or another—trip to Panama in 2025, there’s an essential step you need to know about: the Panama “All-in-One” digital form. Introduced at the end of 2024, this mandatory online document replaces the old paper-based entry process, making it faster and easier for millions of visitors to enter the country each year. Whether you’re flying into Tocumen International Airport, arriving by cruise ship in Colón, or crossing the border by land, this form is now a required part of the entry process. This guide will explain everything you need to know about the Panama “All-in-One” digital form in 2025, including what it is, how it works, how to complete it correctly, its impact on travel, and a list of visa-exempt countries—so your journey to Panama starts smooth and stress-free.

What is the Panama “All-in-One” Digital Form?

The Panama “All-in-One” digital form is an online immigration system introduced by the Panamanian government to modernize the entry process for all travelers. This digital form, which replaces traditional paper-based procedures, is mandatory for all foreign visitors entering Panama as of late 2024. It applies to tourists, business travelers, and short-term visitors arriving by air, land, or sea—in other words, anyone who is not a Panamanian citizen or does not hold a specific exemption, such as a transit-only status.

Why does the digital form exist?

Panama continues to grow as a major travel hub and tourist destination, welcoming millions of international visitors each year. To manage this volume securely and efficiently, the government implemented a streamlined system that simplifies border entry. The digital form gathers key information—such as personal details, travel itinerary, accommodation, and a brief health declaration—entirely online, eliminating paperwork and speeding up immigration processing.

Key Features of the Panama Digital Form

  • 100% digital: no more filling out paper forms on planes or at immigration counters

  • Required before arrival: must be completed online within 72 hours prior to entering Panama

  • Applies to all travelers: mandatory for all foreign visitors, regardless of whether a visa is required

Think of the Panama “All-in-One” digital form as your official digital handshake with the country—a modern, secure, and efficient way to say: “I’m ready to discover Panama.”

What’s New in 2025?

Panama’s immigration system is undergoing important changes in 2025, with the “All-in-One” digital form at the center of this modernization. Here’s a detailed overview of what’s new and how it affects travelers:

The digital form replaces all previous paper documents
Before 2025: Travelers had to complete multiple paper forms by hand, often during their flight or upon arrival. Mistakes or incomplete information frequently led to delays at immigration checkpoints.
After 2024: The “All-in-One” digital form fully replaces paper-based procedures. It must be submitted online prior to arrival. Upon entry, immigration officers simply scan your QR code—reducing wait times and eliminating the need for physical paperwork.

Postponement of ETA and tourist entry fee
Panama had been considering the introduction of an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) for visa-exempt travelers, along with a tourist entry fee in 2025. However, both initiatives have been postponed to ensure the smooth implementation of the digital form. For now, travelers can continue entering Panama free of charge, aside from any standard visa requirements, keeping the country open and accessible.

Review of visa-free stay durations
As of 2024, travelers from many countries can enter Panama without a visa and stay for up to 90 days, depending on their nationality. In 2025, immigration authorities are reviewing the possibility of reducing those durations in response to concerns over extended stays. While no changes have been finalized, those planning long-term visits are encouraged to stay updated through official sources or reliable platforms like declaracionjuradaviajerospanama.com.

Stricter health controls
The updated digital form includes a required health declaration, asking travelers to disclose countries visited in the past 14 days. This supports Panama’s ongoing public health efforts while allowing the country to remain open to global tourism.

These updates reflect Panama’s commitment to modernizing its immigration process—making it faster, safer, and more efficient for everyone entering the country.

 

What is the Impact on Tourism?

Panama’s tourism industry is a key pillar of its economy, contributing significantly to GDP and supporting thousands of jobs across the country. With the introduction of the “All-in-One” digital form, here’s how your travel experience in 2025—and the tourism landscape as a whole—may be impacted:

Positive Impacts
Faster Immigration: Submitting your information online before arrival helps reduce lines at major points of entry like Tocumen International Airport. That means less time waiting at immigration and more time to explore the historic streets of Casco Antiguo or relax on the beaches of Bocas del Toro.
Improved Safety: The included health declaration enables authorities to better manage public health concerns, giving added confidence to health-conscious travelers.
Eco-Friendly Step: Replacing paper forms with a digital process aligns with Panama’s sustainability goals, appealing to environmentally aware visitors who come to enjoy its natural wonders.
Smarter Tourism Planning: Digital submissions give authorities valuable insights into visitor flows and behaviors, helping improve infrastructure and overall traveler experience over time.

Potential Challenges
Technology Access: Travelers without internet access or smartphones may face difficulties submitting the form, although airport kiosks and support desks are expected to assist.
Lack of Awareness: Last-minute travelers or those unfamiliar with the new requirement may miss the 72-hour pre-arrival deadline. This makes public outreach and education vital for smooth adoption.
Visa Policy Adjustments: Ongoing discussions about shortening visa-free stay durations may affect long-term travelers like digital nomads. Still, Panama’s tropical lifestyle, safety, and affordability are likely to keep attracting them.

Big Picture
The Panama “All-in-One” digital form aims to modernize entry procedures while prioritizing safety and efficiency. If rolled out effectively, it will enhance Panama’s image as a forward-thinking, traveler-friendly destination. For visitors, this means quicker arrivals, greater peace of mind, and fewer formalities—as long as they plan ahead.

How to Present the Panama Digital Form at the Airport

Presenting your completed Panama All‑In‑One digital form upon arrival is simple if you’re prepared. Here’s what you need to do:

Prepare your documents: At the immigration counter (for example, at Tocumen International Airport), have your passport and the QR code from your completed digital form ready—either on your phone or printed out.

Show it to the officers: Hand over your passport and display the QR code. Immigration officers will scan it to verify your information in their system.

Answer any questions: You may be asked about the length of your stay, your accommodation address, or the reason for your visit. Stay calm and answer honestly—Panamanian officials are generally professional and courteous.

Keep it handy: Don’t delete the QR code or the confirmation email, as you may be asked to show them again when leaving Panama.

Airport Tips
Check your battery: Make sure your phone is fully charged so you can easily access your QR code.
Avoid long lines: Some airlines or private services at Tocumen International Airport may offer fast-track immigration assistance, especially useful during peak hours. These services typically cost between $25 and $35.

 
 

Ready to travel?

Don’t wait any longer: get your traveler declaration today and ensure a smooth arrival.