A move from Denmark to Panama with a dog or cat is mostly about preparing the documents in the right order. Expect about 4-6 weeks. Nothing here is unusually complex, but the deadlines matter. There …
In short:
Preparing to move a pet from Denmark to Panama
typically takes around 4-6 weeks.
There is no routine quarantine on arrival for compliant pets.
A rabies titre test is not required.
Regulations checked
Prepared and reviewed by Pet Transport Global Editorial Team
Step by step
The Denmark to Panama import process
01
Before any vaccinations. Pet must be over 4 months at entry.
Confirm or implant ISO microchip
Responsible: Danish veterinarian
02
At least 30 days before travel.
Confirm rabies vaccination is at least 30 days old and current. Confirm all additional vaccinations are current.
Responsible: Danish veterinarian
03
4-6 weeks before travel.
Book cargo from Copenhagen Kastrup (CPH) to Tocumen (PTY) via Amsterdam or Madrid
Responsible: You or your pet transport agent
04
Within 10 days of departure.
Official vet examination and Foedevarestyrelsen-endorsed health certificate, within 10 days of travel. Allow 1-2 working days for Foedevarestyrelsen regional office endorsement after the vet signs.
Responsible: Foedevarestyrelsen-authorised official vet and Foedevarestyrelsen regional office
05
Immediately after Foedevarestyrelsen returns the endorsed certificate. Must be within the 10-day validity period.
Panamanian Embassy or Consulate authentication of the endorsed certificate. Contact the Panamanian Embassy in Copenhagen in advance for the authentication procedure and fee. Allow 2-3 working days.
Responsible: You or your pet transport agent
06
Travel day.
Travel day: present all authenticated documents at CPH cargo check-in. MIDA inspection and USD 20 registration fee at Tocumen Airport on arrival.
Responsible: You and MIDA at PTY
Requirements
Panama entry requirements
Every item below must be in place before your pet can enter. We verify and track each one.
Microchip
Required. ISO 11784/11785 compliant 15-digit microchip.
Rabies vaccination
Required. Administered at least 30 days before entry. Pets must be over 4 months of age. Source: MIDA, mida.gob.pa.
Rabies titre test
Not required. Panama does not require a rabies titre test for personal companion pets from Denmark.
Quarantine
No quarantine for compliant arrivals. MIDA veterinarians inspect documentation at Tocumen International Airport (PTY), Panama City on arrival.
Import permit
Not required for personal companion animals. MIDA registers your pet on arrival for approximately USD 20.
Health certificate
Required. Official certificate within 10 days of travel, Foedevarestyrelsen-endorsed, then authenticated by the Panamanian Embassy or Consulate in Denmark before departure. Dogs: distemper, hepatitis, leptospirosis, parvovirus. Cats: viral rhinotracheitis, panleukopenia, feline leukaemia. Source: MIDA, mida.gob.pa.
Leaving Denmark
Export requirements
Export permit
No export permit required for personal companion animals leaving Denmark.
Veterinary inspection
Clinical examination by a Foedevarestyrelsen-authorised official vet within 10 days of travel. Schedule to allow time for Foedevarestyrelsen endorsement and consulate authentication within the 10-day window.
Health certificate
EU-format official veterinary health certificate, signed by a Foedevarestyrelsen-authorised official vet and endorsed by the Foedevarestyrelsen regional office. The endorsed certificate must then be authenticated by the Panamanian Embassy or Consulate in Denmark before departure. Valid 10 days from clinical examination. Allow 1-2 working days for Foedevarestyrelsen endorsement. Source: fvst.dk.
Costs
What this route typically costs
Cargo fees CPH to PTY via Amsterdam or Madrid: EUR 700-1,900
IATA-compliant travel crate: EUR 60-220
Official vet examination and health certificate in Denmark: DKK 800-1,500
Foedevarestyrelsen endorsement fee
Panamanian Embassy authentication fee in Copenhagen: verify current fee
MIDA registration on arrival at PTY: approximately USD 20
Pet transport agent fee (recommended): EUR 250-600
Total typical range: EUR 900-2,500
Critical points
Denmark's Foedevarestyrelsen endorsement AND the Panamanian Embassy authentication both need to be completed within the 10-day certificate validity window. Plan the vet appointment so all three steps fit.
Book the vet appointment so you have at least 5-6 days after the Embassy authentication returns the certificate before your departure date.
Pets under 4 months of age are not permitted entry into Panama.
The EU pet passport is not valid for Panama. A Foedevarestyrelsen-endorsed official health certificate is required.
Airlines
Approved carriers on this route
Airline
Notes
Type
KLM Royal Dutch Airlines
Connect from Copenhagen Kastrup (CPH) to Amsterdam Schiphol (AMS) via SAS, then KLM cargo to Tocumen International Airport (PTY). KLM operates cargo to Panama City from Amsterdam. Book through a KLM cargo agent.
Cargo Only
Copa Airlines
Copa Airlines operates from Amsterdam Schiphol to Tocumen (PTY). Connect CPH to AMS via SAS, then Copa to Panama City. Copa is headquartered at Tocumen and has live animal cargo procedures. Contact Copa Cargo for current restrictions.
Cargo Only
Iberia
Alternative via Madrid (MAD). SAS or Iberia connect Copenhagen to Madrid, then Iberia cargo to Panama City. Iberia operates regular services to Tocumen from Madrid.
Cargo Only
What Panama requires
The path into Panama is straightforward to follow once you know the steps. Give the time-sensitive items priority and check the details below.
Avoiding the common mistakes
If this is your first international move, consider an IPATA-registered pet transport agent. They handle the documents, airline booking and crate sizing, and can troubleshoot problems.
Get your pet used to the travel crate weeks in advance. A calm, crate-familiar animal travels far better than one meeting the crate for the first time at the airport.
Confirm live animal acceptance on every flight segment before booking. Not all aircraft or connections take pets, and cargo terms can differ leg to leg.
Keep every original document together and take copies. Border officials want originals, and a missing signature or date can hold up clearance.
FAQ
Common questions about this route
Panama requires the official veterinary health certificate to be authenticated by the Panamanian Embassy or Consulate in the country of export. This verifies the vet’s official status for MIDA officers at Tocumen Airport. In Denmark, the Panamanian Embassy is in Copenhagen. Without this stamp, the certificate will not be accepted on arrival.
Book the vet appointment so you have at least 8-9 days remaining before travel. After the vet signs, submit immediately to Foedevarestyrelsen (1-2 working days). Then take the endorsed certificate to the Embassy (2-3 working days). That accounts for roughly 5 working days of authentication, with some buffer before travel.
No. Panama does not require a rabies titre test for personal companion pets from Denmark. A current rabies vaccination (at least 30 days old) and the consulate-authenticated health certificate are the key requirements.
No quarantine for compliant arrivals. MIDA veterinarians at Tocumen Airport inspect documents and register your pet for approximately USD 20.
Airline guides
KLM Royal Dutch Airlines
Copa Airlines
Iberia
Breed guides
Check breed-specific airline rules and country bans.