Panama reopened to international travel on October 12, after closing its borders in March due to the pandemic. President Cortizo Cohen called October 12 a day of hope for all Panamanians. Want to plan a Panama vacation? Here’s what you need to know, with tips for doing it the luxe VIP way.

Panama’s Covid guidelines

Panama took its time to reopen, wanting to make sure Covid procedures were first well in place in order to protect both Panamanians and visitors. Panama’s tourism safety measures include the requirement for a negative PCR or antigen test taken no more than 48 hours before arrival. Rapid tests are also available on arrival at Panama’s main airport at a cost of $50 US.

A positive test means isolation at a designated hospital hotel, with an antigen test on day seven. All travelers must complete an electronic affidavit that they’ll comply with the Ministry of Health’s safety measures. Masks are required in public places, including on public transportation. Hotels, restaurants, and other facilities are updated to minimize touch points, increase physical distancing, and maximize sanitizing.

Fly through Tocumen like a VIP

Also reopened as of October 12 is Tocumen’s VIP airport service, called Tocumen Royal Saloon Airport VIP Club. While of course there’s a VIP lounge, there’s also an arrival and departure service which can help you avoid airport crowds, as well as save you time.

I used the arrival service (pre-pandemic) and have never experienced a faster exit from any international airport. A Royal Saloon staff member was waiting for me at the end of the jetway. We sped to baggage claim, easily dodging slow spots and crowds by taking a few in-the-know shortcuts. At passport verification, the Royal Saloon agent took me to the front of the line normally reserved for flight crew. After putting my bags through the x-ray machine at the exit to the secure area, he walked me curbside to where my driver was waiting. The whole process was so fast I didn’t even have time to log on to Tocumen’s wifi. The current fee for this service is $65.

For a fee of $50, departing passengers can use a similar service and get Royal Saloon assistance with passport checks, customs, and security as they depart Panama. Lounge access is available with both services, though only departing passengers (and those on long layovers) would likely want it.

Exploring Panama’s cultural, green, and blue heritage

While borders were closed during the pandemic, not only did the country establish new health and safety protocols, but Panama created a five-year master plan for sustainable tourism and a new Alliance for Tourism, Conservation, and Research. Via this plan, tourism in Panama will focus on three areas: cultural heritage, green heritage, and blue heritage.

Cultural heritage spotlights Panama’s seven living Indigenous groups, multiculturalism, gastronomy, and the country’s UNESCO sites. Green heritage highlights Panama’s natural parks—one third of the country is protected rainforest—and biodiversity. Blue heritage refers to the ecosystems of the Caribbean Sea and the Pacific Ocean, such as the rich waters surrounding the Pearl Islands. Nineteen different circuits help travelers explore one, two, or all three of the themes.

Three luxe resorts

Only ten minutes from Tocumen airport is The Santa Maria, a Luxury Collection Hotel & Golf Resort. This five-star property has views of Panama City’s impressive skyline behind the resort’s Jack Nicklaus-designed 18-hole golf course. In addition to golf, the hotel is known for its excellent dining, destination spa, and the Indigenous art highlighting its urban design.

In downtown Panama City and within walking distance of the Panama Bay waterfront is The Bristol Panama. The elegant five-star Bristol Hotel is a member of The Leading Hotels of the World and was Panama’s first luxury boutique hotel. Latin American art fills the hotel’s public areas and the views from the spa can’t be missed. At Salsipuedes restaurant, you can sample Panamanian cuisine and cocktails made with seco, Panama’s national alcohol.

Stay Safe!!