Your international move to Panama, located on the isthmus which connects North and South America, will undoubtedly bring a lot of exciting lifestyle changes. However, the stress of an overseas relocation can be less than exciting - which is why you'll need to be properly prepared with the correct information and documentation before you begin your trek across the globe.
Read on for more information on what to expect when clearing customs in Panama!
DOCUMENTS REQUIRED FOR ENTRY
Panama, requires all foreign immigrants to fill out and submit the proper paperwork moving to the country. These
important documents should be received well in advance of the arrival of your shipment to avoid any additional charges of demurrage. It is best to hire a professional customs brokering service for assistance in preparing these documents by their particular deadline.
When moving to Panama, you will need:
- Valid passport
- Residence Visa (if customer does not have a Residence Visa: a letter from a licensed lawyer and copy of petition for a Residence Visa)
- Work Permit (or certificate from attorney)
- Certificate of Change of Residence
- Detailed inventory (in English or Spanish)
- Purchase invoice (for new furniture and household goods)
SHIPPING REGULATIONS
To successfully clear customs in Panama, you will need to adhere to specific rules and regulations when it comes to any personal effects and household goods shipments.
The rules in Panama are:
- You must be present in Panama at the time of customs clearance
- Household goods and personal effects are duty free for:
- Foreigners with a Residence Visa
- Panamanians returning after two years abroad
- Household goods and personal effects are duty free if:
- Furniture and other goods are used (they have been in your possession for at least 12 months)
- Shipments must arrive within six months of your arrival, and should not exceed two shipments
- All shipments must be inspected at port of entry (usually at your new residence at time of delivery)
- You must pay all fees at the time of clearance, including customs inspection, customs charges and customs broker's charges
- You are responsible for all charges incurred for storage or customs delays
PROHIBITED ITEMS
Most countries have a list of items that are not allowed for import at all. In Panama, you cannot import the following items under any circumstance:
- Drugs and narcotics
- Plants
- Foodstuffs
- Straw or hay packing in lift vans
- Firearms, weapons, ammunition
- Dangerous objects
RESTRICTED ITEMS
There are some you will only be allowed to import into Panama if they are of limited quantities, have proper additional documentation, and you have paid all required duties and taxes. Some of these items include, but may not be limited to:
- New items (less than six months old, subject to taxes)
- Food and beverages (subject to duty and taxes), usually require one or more of the following:
- Sanitary Certificate
- Quarantine allowance per item
- Bill of Lading/Air Waybill
- Transit Letter
- Commercial Invoice
- Alcohol (limited quantities)
- Jewelry (dutiable)
- Coins (dutiable)
- Leather goods (must be fumigated and have documentation the fumigation has occurred)
- Plants (some are restricted, others are prohibited - it is not advised to include plants in a shipment)
MOTOR VEHICLE REGULATIONS
If you're considering importing your automobile into Panama, you have to ensure you have the proper documents, and pay any duties or taxes that may be required. General rules for importation into Panama for most private vehicles are:
- You and your broker must process documentation and pay duties
- Customs clearance process is lengthy, demurrage is likely
- Duty for vehicle importation is approximately 27-30 percent of CIF value
- Vehicle must be moved to customs office to be appraised
If you plan on shipping your vehicle, you will need the following documents:
- Passport
- Commercial Invoice
- Pollution Certificate (unless it is a watercraft)
- Consular document (authorized)
- Certificate of Tax Payment
- Original Bill of Lading
PETS AND ANIMAL REGULATIONS
If you own a pet, you probably wouldn't want to leave it behind when relocating to Central America. If you plan on bringing your furry, feathered or scaled companion with you to Panama, here are the general regulations:
- Health certificate and proof of rabies vaccination required (by USDA accredited veterinarian)
- Quarantine (30 days) may be required.Dogs, cats and healthy pets will not be quarantined provided:
- Two weeks prior to travel, shipper must file an application for home quarantine
- Cats or dogs must be vaccinated for rabies between 30 days and 12 months prior to entering Panama
- Health certificate must be endorsed by the Panamanian Consulate in origin country
- Rabies certificate should also be included for endorsement
INTERNATIONAL MOVES
International moves can be exhausting physically, mentally and financially. The most important part of your move will be finding a trustworthy international moving service or freight forwarders that have proper licensure and insurance, so you can relocate to Panama stress-free.
Need help finding international moving companies in your area for your move to Panama? You can get started here at Movers.com by submitting our free quote form,which will connect you with up to seven qualified movers in your area.
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