Entry regulations		Residence regulations		Additional information
No restrictions for short-term tourist stays.		An HIV test certificate is required of foreign nationals wishing to stay for more than 1 year; women wishing to work in "entertainment centres"; anyone wishing to extend an existing visa.		The test result must be certified by the Panama Consulate or the diplomatic representation of Panama. The validity of the certificate is limited to 2 months. HIV-positive people are refused entry.

HIV-specific entry and residence regulations for Panama

Foreigners applying for residence or wishing to stay for longer than 1 year are required to provide a test certificate issued by a public hospital or an officially certified private clinic. The test result must be certified by the Panama Consulate or the diplomatic representation of Panama. The validity of the certificate is limited to 2 months. HIV-positive people are refused entry. This regulation is based on the Law No. 26 on AIDS of December 17, 1992. 

(Source: 1)

Some HIV/AIDS entry restrictions exist for visitors to and foreign residents of Panama. Panamanian immigration does not require an HIV/AIDS test, but Panamanian law does allow for deportation upon discovery by immigration. Embassy Panama is not aware of any American citizens who have been deported due to HIV/AIDS.

(Source: 2)

 

HIV treatment information for Panama

No information available

 

HIV information / HIV NGOs in Panama

Updated information is available through the aidsmap search engine at  www.aidsmap.com/en/orgs/ux/default.asp.

 

Global Criminalisation of HIV Transmission Scan

The Global Criminalisation Scan is an initiative of GNP+. It aims to collect and keep up to date information on national and state level laws criminalising the transmission of or exposure to HIV. It also aims to provide an easily accessible ‘clearing-house’ of resources, research, and initiatives on the subject and to provide a platform for advocacy initiatives.

Find out more about the scan and the criminalisation of HIV transmission legislation at http://criminalisation.gnpplus.net/.

 

Key HIV resources for Panama

1. Federal Department of Foreign Affairs, Berne/CH, DP VI/Section for consular protection, March 15, 2000
   Confirmed by the Embassy of Germany, Panama, April 15, 2008
2. U.S. Department of State, http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/cis/cis_994.html, consulted April 11, 2010

 

updated: 4/11/2010
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