Pet travel route
Dog or cat from Panama to Hawaii (US): official requirements
Possible. With nothing done yet, start at least 9 weeks ahead for a dog. The main steps: rabies vaccination #1, rabies vaccination #2 (a booster, more than 30 days before arrival) and rabies antibody blood test (OIE-FAVN) and a 30-day wait and 4 more.
Rules checked up to 13 October 2026From 4 official pages
In short
- Dogs and cats differ on this route: choose Dog or Cat to see just yours.
- On this route: rabies blood test needed and parasite treatment before travel.
Limited official guidance. The authority for leaving Panama publishes little for this route. Everything it does say is here, with its wording. MIDA's pages describe only the basic steps for the export licence. They don't say how far ahead to apply, how long the licence is valid or whether any other office must sign. A 2026 Ministry of Health decree has a section on export certificates for dogs and cats, but the official gazette blocks automated readers and we couldn't check it there: ask MIDA (560-5890) and the Ministry of Health before you travel.
Limited official guidance. The authority for entering Hawaii (US) publishes little for this route. Everything it does say is here, with its wording. Hawaii's own checklists (PDF) could not be read: they hold details this page does not, such as the microchip rule and the result needed on the rabies antibody test. Pets arriving from the British Isles, Australia, Guam and New Zealand follow a different checklist that we have not read. The pages were read from stored copies of Hawaii's official pages because the site blocks automated readers; the pre-arrival waits below come from those pages. Contact the Animal Quarantine Station (rabiesfree@hawaii.gov) to confirm the current checklist for your pet.
At a glance
How early to start (dogs)
9 weeks
if your pet has no microchip or rabies vaccination yet
Set by: Rabies vaccination #2 (a booster, more than 30 days before arrival) (more than 30 days before arrival)
4 weeks
if it is already microchipped and vaccinated
Set by: Rabies antibody blood test (OIE-FAVN) and a 30-day wait (at least 30 days after the laboratory received the blood sample)
The least time the official waiting periods allow. Vet, lab and paperwork appointments come on top.
On this route (dogs)
- Rabies blood test needed
- Parasite treatment before travel
Part of this route is still under review, so we don’t say what it doesn’t need.
How early to start (cats)
9 weeks
if your pet has no microchip or rabies vaccination yet
Set by: Rabies vaccination #2 (a booster, more than 30 days before arrival) (more than 30 days before arrival)
4 weeks
if it is already microchipped and vaccinated
Set by: Rabies antibody blood test (OIE-FAVN) and a 30-day wait (at least 30 days after the laboratory received the blood sample)
The least time the official waiting periods allow. Vet, lab and paperwork appointments come on top.
On this route (cats)
- Rabies blood test needed
- Parasite treatment before travel
Part of this route is still under review, so we don’t say what it doesn’t need.
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Panama → Hawaii (US)
What your pet needs
In the order you do them. Each step says whether Panama (leaving) or Hawaii (US) (entering) asks for it.
Dogs
Taking a dog or cat out of Panama (MIDA): we summarised this from a short or older official page and it is still under review, so it may be incomplete.
Get ready
VaccinationEntering Hawaii (US)
Rabies vaccination #1
Your pet needs certification of at least two rabies vaccinations. This is the first one; documents for the earlier vaccination are required, because with only the most recent vaccination the pet does not qualify.
Details and the official words
“Certification of at least two rabies vaccinations is required.”
VaccinationEntering Hawaii (US)
Rabies vaccination #2 (a booster, more than 30 days before arrival)
The second rabies vaccination (a booster) must be given no less than 30 days after the previous one, and more than 30 days before your pet arrives in Hawaii.
Details and the official words
“To qualify, your pet will need to receive a booster no less than 30 days after the previous vaccination. In addition, this second vaccination must be given more than 30 days before arrival in Hawai‘i.”
Blood testEntering Hawaii (US)
Rabies antibody blood test (OIE-FAVN) and a 30-day wait
Your pet needs a passing OIE-FAVN rabies antibody test, and a 30-day wait from the day the laboratory received the blood sample before it arrives. A passing result is valid for 36 months from the day the blood reached the laboratory.
Details and the official words
Hawaii's checklists (not readable here) give the pass mark and other details of the test: confirm them with the Animal Quarantine Station.
“To avoid your animal being placed into quarantine, proof of two rabies vaccinations within the required timeframe and a passing FAVN test are required for all dogs and cats entering the State of Hawai‘i.”
“The OIE-FAVN test result is valid for 36 months from the day the blood was received at the laboratory.”
In the days before you travel
Vet examLeaving Panama
Certificate of good health from a qualified vet (no more than 72 hours old) and an up-to-date vaccination card
A qualified vet (médico veterinario idóneo) examines your pet and issues a certificate of good health, no more than 72 hours old when you collect MIDA's licence. Bring the up-to-date vaccination card (combined vaccine and rabies) and the record of parasite treatments, originals and one set of copies.
Details and the official words
“Es indispensable portar la Cartilla de Vacunación actualizada (múltiple y rabia), y un Certificado de Buena Salud emitido por un médico veterinario idóneo con una vigencia no mayor a 72 horas.”
“Cartillas actualizadas de vacunas (múltiple y rabia) y desparasitaciones.”
TreatmentEntering Hawaii (US)
Tick treatment within 14 days before arrival
Your vet treats your dog or cat with a long-acting oral or topical product labelled to kill ticks (equivalent or better than fipronil) within 14 days before arrival, and the treatment is written on the health certificate. K-9 Advantix is acceptable for dogs only, never for cats; Revolution is not acceptable.
Details and the official words
“Dogs and cats must be treated by your veterinarian with a long-acting oral or topical product labeled to kill ticks that is equivalent or better than Fipronil within 14 days prior to arrival and the treatment must be documented on the health certificate.”
PaperworkPanama and Hawaii (US)
Health certificate
A veterinary health certificate (with the tick treatment on it) goes with your pet. If it can't reach the Animal Quarantine Station with the other documents 10 days before arrival, the original must be handed to the inspector on arrival. Hawaii's pages give no validity period for it: ask the Animal Quarantine Station.
Details and the official words
MIDA export licence: request it on SITERPA, collect it in person: Request the export licence (Licencia Fitozoosanitaria de Exportación) online on MIDA's SITERPA portal with the red 'MASCOTAS' button, and note the request number. Then collect it in person at Plaza Edison (ground floor, single window) in Panama City or at MIDA's offices in Herrera or Chiriquí, with the vet's certificate and the vaccination card (originals and copies). One licence per species, 10 balboas each, paid by deposit at Banco Nacional (bring the slip).
Executive Decree 8 of 26 February 2026 (Ministry of Health) has a section on export certificates for dogs, cats and ferrets. The official gazette blocks automated readers, so we couldn't check it there. A copy on the UN's legal database (not an official source) says the certificates must be presented to the ministry's National Directorate of Food Control and Veterinary Surveillance 5 working days before the trip for evaluation and signature. Ask MIDA and the Ministry of Health whether this applies before you book.
“If the health certificate cannot be sent 10 days before arriving with the rest of the documents, the original must be given to the inspector upon arrival in Hawai‘i.”
“El Ministerio de Desarrollo Agropecuario (MIDA) a través de la Dirección Ejecutiva de Cuarentena Agropecuaria (DECA) emite las Licencias Fitozoosanitarias de Exportación de mascotas (caninos y felinos).”
“Para lo cual los usuarios deben Ingresar a SITERPA , dando click al botón ROJO llamado «MASCOTAS» para registrar los datos requeridos y enviar la solicitud del documento vía web.”
“Para finalizar el proceso de exportación y retirar la Licencia (que tiene un costo de B/. 10.00), el solicitante debe presentarse personalmente en las oficinas designadas (Plaza Edison en Panamá o en las provincias de Herrera y Chiriquí) con la documentación original y copias.”
“Se emite una Licencia por Especie y cada Licencia tiene un costo de 10.00 balboas (debe entregar el slip del depósito realizado al Banco Nacional”
PaperworkEntering Hawaii (US)
Dog and Cat Import Form (AQS-279) and documents, at least 10 days before arrival
Send one completed Dog and Cat Import Form (AQS-279) per pet, with two rabies vaccination certificates, the health certificate and pre-payment, so the Animal Quarantine Station has them at least 10 days before arrival. This qualifies your pet for the 5 Day Or Less program and for direct release at Honolulu airport ($185; $244 if the documents are late). You can apply online through the Hawaii Pet Owner Portal. Arrivals at Kona, Kahului or Līhu'e need a Neighbor Island Inspection Permit.
Details and the official words
“NO LESS THAN 10 DAYS BEFORE PET ARRIVES IN HAWAI‘I TO QUALIFY FOR 5 DAY OR LESS or AIRPORT RELEASE”
“If you seek direct release of the pet at the airport, you must submit the required original documents so that the office receives the paperwork at least 10 days prior to your pet’s arrival.”
“the higher fee of $244 is assessed instead of $185.”
Good to know
- Hawaii is rabies-free, so every dog and cat, whatever its age or purpose, must meet its import rules. A pet that doesn't meet every requirement of the '5 Day Or Less' program is quarantined for up to 120 days on arrival.
- Non-domestic dogs and cats and hybrids such as wolf crosses, Dingo, Bengal and Savannah are prohibited under Hawaii's Plant Quarantine law.
- A newborn puppy or kitten will be about 6 months old by the time the preparations are finished; pets that can't meet every requirement are quarantined for 120 days.
- A pet that arrives before its 30-day waiting period is complete does not qualify for direct airport release and is quarantined (with a daily charge) until the waiting period ends.
- These are only the basic steps for leaving Panama. You are responsible for checking and meeting every requirement of the destination, which may include extra paperwork for your pet.
- If your dog will come back to Panama, tell MIDA when you apply: it gives more information for that case.
Cats
Taking a dog or cat out of Panama (MIDA): we summarised this from a short or older official page and it is still under review, so it may be incomplete.
Get ready
VaccinationEntering Hawaii (US)
Rabies vaccination #1
Your pet needs certification of at least two rabies vaccinations. This is the first one; documents for the earlier vaccination are required, because with only the most recent vaccination the pet does not qualify.
Details and the official words
“Certification of at least two rabies vaccinations is required.”
VaccinationEntering Hawaii (US)
Rabies vaccination #2 (a booster, more than 30 days before arrival)
The second rabies vaccination (a booster) must be given no less than 30 days after the previous one, and more than 30 days before your pet arrives in Hawaii.
Details and the official words
“To qualify, your pet will need to receive a booster no less than 30 days after the previous vaccination. In addition, this second vaccination must be given more than 30 days before arrival in Hawai‘i.”
Blood testEntering Hawaii (US)
Rabies antibody blood test (OIE-FAVN) and a 30-day wait
Your pet needs a passing OIE-FAVN rabies antibody test, and a 30-day wait from the day the laboratory received the blood sample before it arrives. A passing result is valid for 36 months from the day the blood reached the laboratory.
Details and the official words
Hawaii's checklists (not readable here) give the pass mark and other details of the test: confirm them with the Animal Quarantine Station.
“To avoid your animal being placed into quarantine, proof of two rabies vaccinations within the required timeframe and a passing FAVN test are required for all dogs and cats entering the State of Hawai‘i.”
“The OIE-FAVN test result is valid for 36 months from the day the blood was received at the laboratory.”
In the days before you travel
Vet examLeaving Panama
Certificate of good health from a qualified vet (no more than 72 hours old) and an up-to-date vaccination card
A qualified vet (médico veterinario idóneo) examines your pet and issues a certificate of good health, no more than 72 hours old when you collect MIDA's licence. Bring the up-to-date vaccination card (combined vaccine and rabies) and the record of parasite treatments, originals and one set of copies.
Details and the official words
“Es indispensable portar la Cartilla de Vacunación actualizada (múltiple y rabia), y un Certificado de Buena Salud emitido por un médico veterinario idóneo con una vigencia no mayor a 72 horas.”
“Cartillas actualizadas de vacunas (múltiple y rabia) y desparasitaciones.”
TreatmentEntering Hawaii (US)
Tick treatment within 14 days before arrival
Your vet treats your dog or cat with a long-acting oral or topical product labelled to kill ticks (equivalent or better than fipronil) within 14 days before arrival, and the treatment is written on the health certificate. K-9 Advantix is acceptable for dogs only, never for cats; Revolution is not acceptable.
Details and the official words
“Dogs and cats must be treated by your veterinarian with a long-acting oral or topical product labeled to kill ticks that is equivalent or better than Fipronil within 14 days prior to arrival and the treatment must be documented on the health certificate.”
PaperworkPanama and Hawaii (US)
Health certificate
A veterinary health certificate (with the tick treatment on it) goes with your pet. If it can't reach the Animal Quarantine Station with the other documents 10 days before arrival, the original must be handed to the inspector on arrival. Hawaii's pages give no validity period for it: ask the Animal Quarantine Station.
Details and the official words
MIDA export licence: request it on SITERPA, collect it in person: Request the export licence (Licencia Fitozoosanitaria de Exportación) online on MIDA's SITERPA portal with the red 'MASCOTAS' button, and note the request number. Then collect it in person at Plaza Edison (ground floor, single window) in Panama City or at MIDA's offices in Herrera or Chiriquí, with the vet's certificate and the vaccination card (originals and copies). One licence per species, 10 balboas each, paid by deposit at Banco Nacional (bring the slip).
Executive Decree 8 of 26 February 2026 (Ministry of Health) has a section on export certificates for dogs, cats and ferrets. The official gazette blocks automated readers, so we couldn't check it there. A copy on the UN's legal database (not an official source) says the certificates must be presented to the ministry's National Directorate of Food Control and Veterinary Surveillance 5 working days before the trip for evaluation and signature. Ask MIDA and the Ministry of Health whether this applies before you book.
“If the health certificate cannot be sent 10 days before arriving with the rest of the documents, the original must be given to the inspector upon arrival in Hawai‘i.”
“El Ministerio de Desarrollo Agropecuario (MIDA) a través de la Dirección Ejecutiva de Cuarentena Agropecuaria (DECA) emite las Licencias Fitozoosanitarias de Exportación de mascotas (caninos y felinos).”
“Para lo cual los usuarios deben Ingresar a SITERPA , dando click al botón ROJO llamado «MASCOTAS» para registrar los datos requeridos y enviar la solicitud del documento vía web.”
“Para finalizar el proceso de exportación y retirar la Licencia (que tiene un costo de B/. 10.00), el solicitante debe presentarse personalmente en las oficinas designadas (Plaza Edison en Panamá o en las provincias de Herrera y Chiriquí) con la documentación original y copias.”
“Se emite una Licencia por Especie y cada Licencia tiene un costo de 10.00 balboas (debe entregar el slip del depósito realizado al Banco Nacional”
PaperworkEntering Hawaii (US)
Dog and Cat Import Form (AQS-279) and documents, at least 10 days before arrival
Send one completed Dog and Cat Import Form (AQS-279) per pet, with two rabies vaccination certificates, the health certificate and pre-payment, so the Animal Quarantine Station has them at least 10 days before arrival. This qualifies your pet for the 5 Day Or Less program and for direct release at Honolulu airport ($185; $244 if the documents are late). You can apply online through the Hawaii Pet Owner Portal. Arrivals at Kona, Kahului or Līhu'e need a Neighbor Island Inspection Permit.
Details and the official words
“NO LESS THAN 10 DAYS BEFORE PET ARRIVES IN HAWAI‘I TO QUALIFY FOR 5 DAY OR LESS or AIRPORT RELEASE”
“If you seek direct release of the pet at the airport, you must submit the required original documents so that the office receives the paperwork at least 10 days prior to your pet’s arrival.”
“the higher fee of $244 is assessed instead of $185.”
Good to know
- Hawaii is rabies-free, so every dog and cat, whatever its age or purpose, must meet its import rules. A pet that doesn't meet every requirement of the '5 Day Or Less' program is quarantined for up to 120 days on arrival.
- Non-domestic dogs and cats and hybrids such as wolf crosses, Dingo, Bengal and Savannah are prohibited under Hawaii's Plant Quarantine law.
- A newborn puppy or kitten will be about 6 months old by the time the preparations are finished; pets that can't meet every requirement are quarantined for 120 days.
- A pet that arrives before its 30-day waiting period is complete does not qualify for direct airport release and is quarantined (with a daily charge) until the waiting period ends.
- These are only the basic steps for leaving Panama. You are responsible for checking and meeting every requirement of the destination, which may include extra paperwork for your pet.
Money
What it costs
Government fees exactly as the official pages state them, and what vets and labs in Panama publish for the steps above. The two are never added together.
Government fees on this route
MIDA export licence (one per species, paid at Banco Nacional)Leaving Panama10 USD
“Se emite una Licencia por Especie y cada Licencia tiene un costo de 10.00 balboas”
Exportación de animales menores: caninos y felinos (MIDA, DECA, modified 1 August 2023) · as of 2026-10-13
Government fees in total: 10 USD (each currency separately)
4 more fees may apply, depending on your case
Direct Airport Release in HonoluluEntering Hawaii (US)185 USD
Per pet, when your documents reach the Animal Quarantine Station at least 10 days before arrival. Otherwise USD 244 is charged instead.
“Current Fees Direct Airport Release in Honolulu $185*”
Animal Quarantine Information Page (Hawaii Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity) · as of 2026-10-13
5-Day-or-Less programme, or airport release with late documentsEntering Hawaii (US)244 USD
Per pet.
“5 Day or Less $244”
Animal Quarantine Information Page (Hawaii Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity) · as of 2026-10-13
Neighbor Island Inspection Permit (direct release in Kona, Kauaʻi or Maui)Entering Hawaii (US)165 USD
Per pet, paid with your documents at least 30 days before arrival.
“Neighbor Island Inspection Permit – Direct release in Kona, Kaua‘i or Maui $165”
Animal Quarantine Information Page (Hawaii Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity) · as of 2026-10-13
Re-entry fee for a Hawaii pet coming home (if it qualifies)Entering Hawaii (US)98 USD
Per pet. USD 130 instead if your documents arrive less than 10 days before arrival.
“Re-Entry Fee (if qualified) $98**”
Animal Quarantine Information Page (Hawaii Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity) · as of 2026-10-13
What vets and labs charge Not official figures
Rabies blood test: the lab’s own pricean approved laboratory; your vet adds the blood draw and the courier · for: rabies antibody blood test (OIE-FAVN) and a 30-day waitPrices from 8 countries
Austria: 1 published price
- AGES (Austrian Agency for Health and Food Safety), Institute for Veterinary Investigations Mödling: Lab price for the rabies antibody titre test for pets (EU-recognised lab), samples sent from EU countries, 20% VAT included; transport to the lab paid by the sender97.26 EUR · per sample · read 2026-10-13
France: 2 published prices
- Laboratoire départemental de la Haute-Garonne (LD31 EVA): Lab price for the FAVN (WOAH/OMSA method) rabies antibody test, VAT included, price guaranteed until 31/12/2026 (from the lab's order form)99 EUR · per test · read 2026-10-13
- Inovalys (laboratory): Lab price only: rabies antibody titration (COFRAC accredited), ordered online by the owner; the page says the blood sample is taken by your vet and sending it to the lab is the owner's responsibility (no amounts given for those)99.18 EUR · per test · read 2026-10-13
the United Kingdom: 2 published prices
- Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA), Weybridge: Lab price for the FAVN rabies antibody test for dogs and cats for pet travel (test code TC0712), single sample, excluding VAT72.30 GBP · per test · read 2026-10-13
- Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA), Weybridge: Lab price for the FAVN rabies antibody test for dogs and cats, extended method (test code TC0570), single sample, excluding VAT106 GBP · per test · read 2026-10-13
Japan: 1 published price
- Research Institute for Animal Science in Biochemistry and Toxicology (RIAS, 一般財団法人生物科学安全研究所): Lab fee only: rabies antibody test at RIAS (a MAFF-designated lab), tax included, paid in advance by bank transfer; vet's blood draw and shipping not included15,000 JPY · per sample · read 2026-10-13
Poland: 1 published price
- National Veterinary Research Institute (PIWet-PIB), Puławy: Lab price for the FAVN rabies antibody test, standard service (max 21 calendar days), electronic report only, gross (VAT included)280 PLN · per test · read 2026-10-13
Sweden: 1 published price
- Swedish Veterinary Agency (SVA): Lab price for the FAVN rabies vaccination-check antibody test (article D142410), excluding VAT (exkl. moms)1,365 SEK · per test · read 2026-10-13
the United States: 1 published price
- University of Missouri Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory: Lab price for the FAVN rabies antibody test for pet travel/export (University of Missouri VMDL One Health-Rabies Laboratory); shipping not stated79 USD · per test · read 2026-10-13
South Africa: 1 published price
- Agricultural Research Council – Onderstepoort Veterinary Research (ARC-OVR): Lab price for the rabies neutralization (antibody) test per clear serum sample, VAT included; the price list does not name FAVN or RFFIT (ARC-Onderstepoort diagnostic price list, PDF created May 2026)2,030 ZAR · per clear serum sample · read 2026-10-13
No published prices yet for Panama: rabies vaccination, parasite treatment, health certificate (vet’s fee), vet examination.
Prices that businesses publish on their own pages, quoted as we read them; yours can differ. Ranges are the lowest to highest of these examples, never our estimate. How we collect prices
Airline fees aren’t included: check your airline’s pet page.
Round trip
Coming back to Panama
Nothing for the trip back has to happen before your pet leaves Panama (dogs).
The trip back asks for 7 steps: Tell MINSA 3 to 5 business days before your pet arrives, official export health certificate, apostilled, at most 30 days old, rabies vaccination from 3 months old, at least 30 days before the trip and dogs: distemper, hepatitis, leptospirosis and parvovirus vaccinations and more.
Nothing for the trip back has to happen before your pet leaves Panama (cats).
The trip back asks for 7 steps: Tell MINSA 3 to 5 business days before your pet arrives, official export health certificate, apostilled, at most 30 days old, rabies vaccination from 3 months old, at least 30 days before the trip and cats: rhinotracheitis, calicivirus and panleukopenia vaccinations and more.
Nearby routes
Other routes
Where this comes from
Official sources
- Animal Quarantine Information Page (Hawaii Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity)
- FAQ for Five-Day-or-Less Program (Hawaii Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity)
- Exportación de animales menores: caninos y felinos (MIDA, DECA, modified 1 August 2023)
- MIDA recuerda requisitos para entrada y salida de mascotas en el territorio nacional (MIDA, 14 November 2025)
Last checked against the official pages: 2026-10-13.
Questions owners ask
Does my dog or cat need a rabies blood test to go from Panama to Hawaii (US)?
Yes: Your pet needs a passing OIE-FAVN rabies antibody test, and a 30-day wait from the day the laboratory received the blood sample before it arrives.
Do I need an import permit to bring my dog or cat into Hawaii (US)?
We couldn't find this in our summary of the rules, but that summary is short and still under review. Ask the official authority before you rely on it.
Will my dog or cat be quarantined in Hawaii (US)?
We couldn't find this in our summary of the rules, but that summary is short and still under review. Ask the official authority before you rely on it.
How early should I start preparing my pet for Panama to Hawaii (US)?
With nothing done yet, start at least 9 weeks ahead for a dog. The main steps: rabies vaccination #1, rabies vaccination #2 (a booster, more than 30 days before arrival) and rabies antibody blood test (OIE-FAVN) and a 30-day wait and 4 more.
Every rule here is quoted from the official page and checked word for word; not legal advice. How we verify · Report a mistake
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Turn this into dates for your pet
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