Scientific Permits
The Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute (STRI) requires all individuals conducting research under STRI's auspices to adhere to the laws and regulations pertaining to the legal collection, import and export of scientific specimens. Respect and knowledge of the laws of the Republic of Panama, international conventions (e.g., CITES), and the laws of the country to which scientific specimens are being exported to or from is expected of all STRI investigators. STRI maintains a zero-tolerance policy regarding the failure to comply with the regulations and requirements associated with specimen collecting and the export and import of scientific specimens. Ignoring STRI's collection, import and export policy will lead to denial of access to STRI facilities, disciplinary action and possibly dismissal. Moreover, no scientific journal will publish the results of investigations based upon materials which have not been legally acquired.
Information regarding the applicable Panamanian laws for each type of project should be solicited from the STRI Visitor's Office at least four months in advance of the intended collection, import or export of specimens. It is the responsibility of each researcher to obtain information regarding collecting, import to, or export from other countries from the appropriate authorities of each country.
Please do not fill any permit if you have not completed our Application for the use of STRI Facilities.
Important Notice:
STRI requires that all scientific investigator and assistants sign a disclaimer when processing permits. You can download the disclaimer in English or in Spanish. Please scan and send toSTRI-ANAMpermits@si.edu.
Maps of Panama Protected Areas
Maps of Parks and Reserves administered by ANAM
CITES Information
Permits
There are different permits needed for non-commercial purpose depending on the area in which collections will be made:
- Terrestrial Research Permit (Observation / Collection / Marking)
This needs to be obtained from Panama’s National Authority for the Environment (Autoridad Nacional del Ambiente, ANAM), and it is processed through STRI.
Request Permit - Export / Import Permits for Terrestrial Species
This needs to be obtained from Panama’s National Authority for the Environment (Autoridad Nacional del Ambiente, ANAM) and Ministerio de Desarrollo Agropecuario (MIDA) through STRI.
Request Import Permit
Request Export Permit - Marine Collecting Permit
This needs to be obtained from Panama’s Panama’s Aquatic Resources Authority (Autoridad de Recursos Acuáticos de Panamá, ARAP) This is required for marine samples collected in Special Zones of Marine Protection, Non-CITES species and areas outside protected areas. - Export / Import Permit for Marine Species
This needs to be obtained from the Department of Marine Resources through STRI
Request Marine Import Permit
Request Marine Export Permit - CITES, National Parks and Protected Areas Permit
This also needs to be obtained from Panama’s National Authority for the Environment (Autoridad Nacional del Ambiente, ANAM), whether collection is of terrestrial or marine species. It is processed through STRI.
Request Collecting Permit
Request Export Permit - BCNM (Barro Colorado Nature Monument) Export Permit
This is required for collection/export made in Barro Colorado Nature Monument.
Request Barro Colorado Export Permit - MICI Paleoecology/Paleontology
Permit needs to be obtained from the Mineral Resources Dept./Ministry of Commerce and Industries, and/ or INAC –Instituto Nacional de Cultura, through STRI.
See Requirements
See Export Permit Requirements - Indigenous areas (Kuna Yala - not included)
This research requires coordination with the Indigenous Affairs Dept./Ministry of the Interior and notification to the Ministry of Foreign Relations, through STRI. *Additional ANAM or INAC permit may be required.
For Kuna Yala Area you should contact directly and in person the Kuna Congress Office, located in Balboa, Panama City. We can provide you the address and telephone upon request.
If your study involves paleontology, archeology or socio-cultural anthropology research you will require authorization from INAC or MICI.
See Requirements - INAC Archeology/ Socio - Cultural Anthropology
INAC-Instituto Nacional de Cultura (National Institute of Culture)
An institution to protect the national heritage.
See Requirements
See Export Permit Requirements - ACP - Panama Canal Authority
Research within this area for scientific observation or research is considered sensitive and is obtained through STRI. *Additional ANAM permit is required.
See requirements