Moving a dog or cat from Sweden to Panama is very doable with the right preparation. Around 4-6 weeks is typical, with a straightforward sequence to work through. There is no routine quarantine, …
In short:
Preparing to move a pet from Sweden 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 Sweden to Panama import process
01
Before any vaccinations.
Confirm or implant ISO microchip
Responsible: Swedish veterinarian
02
At least 30 days before travel. Pet must be over 4 months of age.
Confirm rabies vaccination is at least 30 days old and current. Confirm all additional vaccinations are current.
Responsible: Swedish veterinarian
03
4-6 weeks before travel.
Book cargo space from Stockholm Arlanda (ARN) to Tocumen (PTY) via Amsterdam or Madrid
Responsible: You or your pet transport agent
04
No earlier than 10 days before departure. Time this so the consulate authentication can follow.
Official vet examination and health certificate, issued by a Jordbruksverket-authorised official vet within 10 days of travel
Responsible: Jordbruksverket-authorised official veterinarian
05
Immediately after the vet issues the certificate. Allow 2-3 working days for the Embassy. The authentication must be completed while the certificate is still within its 10-day validity window.
Panamanian Embassy or Consulate authentication of the health certificate. Contact the Panamanian Embassy in Stockholm in advance to confirm the authentication process and appointment requirements.
Responsible: You or your pet transport agent
06
Travel day.
Travel day: present all authenticated documents at cargo check-in at ARN. 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 at time of entry. Source: MIDA (Ministerio de Desarrollo Agropecuario), mida.gob.pa.
Rabies titre test
Not required. Panama does not require a rabies titre test for personal companion pets from Sweden.
Quarantine
No quarantine for compliant arrivals. MIDA veterinarians at Tocumen International Airport (PTY), Panama City, inspect documentation on arrival.
Import permit
Not required for personal companion animals. MIDA registers your pet on arrival for a fee of approximately USD 20.
Health certificate
Required. Official certificate issued within 10 days of travel, authenticated by the Panamanian Embassy or Consulate in Sweden before departure. Dogs require: distemper, hepatitis, leptospirosis, and parvovirus vaccinations. Cats require: viral rhinotracheitis, panleukopenia, and feline leukaemia vaccinations. Source: MIDA, mida.gob.pa.
Leaving Sweden
Export requirements
Export permit
No export permit required for personal companion animals leaving Sweden.
Veterinary inspection
Clinical examination by a Jordbruksverket-authorised official vet within 10 days of travel. Schedule the vet appointment so the consulate authentication can be completed within the 10-day window.
Health certificate
Official veterinary health certificate issued by a Jordbruksverket (Swedish Board of Agriculture)-authorised official veterinarian within 10 days of travel. The certificate must then be authenticated by the Panamanian Embassy or Consulate in Sweden before departure. Source: jordbruksverket.se.
Costs
What this route typically costs
Cargo fees ARN to PTY via Amsterdam or Madrid: EUR 700-1,900
IATA-compliant travel crate: EUR 60-220
Official vet examination and health certificate in Sweden: SEK 1,500-3,000
Panamanian Embassy authentication fee in Stockholm: verify current fee
MIDA registration on arrival at PTY: approximately USD 20
Pet transport agent fee (recommended to coordinate consulate step): EUR 250-600
Total typical range: EUR 900-2,500
Critical points
The Panamanian Embassy or Consulate authentication must be completed before travel. The health certificate is not accepted without it. Build 2-3 working days into your plan for the Embassy.
The health certificate is valid for 10 days from clinical examination. The consulate authentication must be completed within those same 10 days. Book the vet appointment so you have at least 5-6 days after authentication before travel.
Pets under 4 months of age are not permitted entry into Panama.
The EU pet passport is not valid for Panama. A Jordbruksverket-issued official health certificate is required.
Airlines
Approved carriers on this route
Airline
Notes
Type
KLM Royal Dutch Airlines
From Stockholm Arlanda (ARN), connect via Amsterdam Schiphol (AMS) on SAS, then KLM cargo to Tocumen International Airport (PTY). KLM operates to Panama City and is the most established European cargo option for this route. Book through a KLM cargo agent.
Cargo Only
Copa Airlines
Copa Airlines is headquartered at Tocumen and operates from Amsterdam to PTY. Connect from Stockholm to AMS, then Copa to Panama City. Copa Cargo handles live animal shipments. Confirm current acceptance and any size restrictions through a Copa cargo agent.
Cargo Only
Iberia
Connect from Stockholm to Madrid Barajas (MAD) via SAS, then Iberia cargo to Tocumen. Iberia operates services to Panama from Madrid. An alternative if AMS-PTY capacity is limited.
Cargo Only
Meeting Panama's entry requirements
The path into Panama is straightforward to follow once you know the steps. Give the time-sensitive items priority and check the details below.
Advice worth following
Use an official, government-authorised vet for the health certificate, not just your usual clinic. Many destinations only accept certificates signed by an approved vet.
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.
FAQ
Common questions about this route
Panama requires that the official veterinary health certificate be stamped and signed by the Panamanian Embassy in Sweden before travel. This verifies the vet’s credentials for MIDA officers at Tocumen Airport. Without it, the health certificate may not be accepted. Contact the Panamanian Embassy in Stockholm to arrange the authentication.
No. Panama does not require a rabies titre test for personal companion pets from Sweden. A rabies vaccination administered at least 30 days before entry is sufficient, plus the full health certificate with all required vaccinations.
No quarantine for compliant arrivals. MIDA veterinarians at Tocumen International Airport inspect documentation on arrival and register your pet for a fee of approximately USD 20.
Pets must be at least 4 months of age at time of entry into Panama. This applies to both dogs and cats.
Airline guides
KLM Royal Dutch Airlines
Copa Airlines
Iberia
Breed guides
Check breed-specific airline rules and country bans.