Panama

In 2024, the Panama Maritime Authority (AMP) issued arrival and departure reporting rules for internationally navigating sailboats, yachts and megayachts. Visiting masters must submit vessel and people-on-board information as prescribed. An arrival report does not replace the Zarpe (departure clearance) required to leave. Follow current AMP and destination-port instructions for filing methods, available ports and documents.

Noonsite’s 2026 Panama yacht guide advises that on-site officials and services at clearance ports vary by port. Before departure, confirm whether the intended port can arrange Customs, Immigration and port formalities that day. Do not assume that commercial facilities mean yacht entry clearance is available.

Noonsite’s Panama yacht information, updated in July 2026, says yachts should submit vessel and crew details to the Panama Maritime Authority (AMP) at least 48 hours before arrival. Confirm the reporting channel, forms and applicability at the chosen port with AMP or local port authorities.

Panama offers a Passenger/Crew visa category for people arriving aboard recreational or tourist vessels. The residence period depends on the navigation permit issued by the Maritime Authority. Applicability to an individual depends on nationality and circumstances; it is not a visa required of every crew member, nor a general visa exemption. Confirm with the National Immigration Service before departure.

AMP has separate navigation/reporting procedures for recreational yachts in its jurisdiction; vessel temporary importation, Customs declarations and personal visas are distinct processes. Before sailing, confirm current authorized ports, vessel documents, permitted stay and fees with AMP, Immigration and the arrival port. A complete nationwide clearance process applying to every foreign yacht has not been verified.

Panama’s Ministry of Agricultural Development requires official animal-health documents and declarations for people importing pets such as dogs and cats. Plants and plant products must meet phytosanitary requirements based on species and origin and may require an import permit and phytosanitary certificate. Public guidance covers pets and general plant imports, not exemptions or a dedicated process for yacht stores. Declare onboard items to MIDA/port quarantine staff before arrival and confirm requirements.

AMP’s Smallcraft Arrival Report requires firearms aboard to be declared and asks for related permit information. This shows that weapons must be reported, but the form itself is not an import or possession permit. Before carrying firearms, ammunition, flares or other controlled goods, confirm permits, onboard custody and departure arrangements with Panama Customs, AMP and security authorities.

AMP’s 2024 rules require internationally navigating sailboats, yachts and megayachts to file a Smallcraft Arrival Report when entering its jurisdiction, an anchorage or a yacht marina. An exception may apply when a ship’s agent files through the Maritime Single Window under the regulation. On departure, submit a Smallcraft Departure Report; it does not replace the Zarpe (departure/navigation clearance). If offline, complete the report at the marina on arrival or contact the nearest AMP office. Confirm the intended berth and agent arrangements with AMP and the destination marina in advance.

AMP Resolution J.D. 005-2010 says foreign-registered yachts entering Panamanian ports for tourism may be exempt from the navigation-aid and anchoring fees listed in that resolution. This does not waive marina berthing, agent, water, waste or other third-party service charges. Resolution J.D. 010-2024 separately requires internationally transiting sailboats, yachts and megayachts to submit arrival and departure reports but sets no uniform total clearance fee. These exemption rules are older; confirm current scope and charges with AMP and the chosen marina before arrival.