On September 29, 2008, the Panamanian Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced a one-month moratorium on the effective date for the requirement that all persons entering Panama provide proof of vaccination against yellow fever. This requirement will now take effect as of November 1, 2008.

This requirement applies to all persons who wish to enter Panama from a country considered at-risk for transmitting yellow fever by the World Health Organization (WHO), as well as to Panamanian citizens or residents who travel to at-risk countries. 

The Panamanian government has stated that it will require that persons be vaccinated against yellow fever at least 10 days prior to entering Panama, and 10 days before departing to at-risk countries.

Even if passengers only leave the airport or port for a few hours, they will be considered to have entered Panama. 

Below is a list of the countries the IATA considers at-risk for transmission of yellow fever.