Travel Advisory
Please check your government's official travel advisory before departure. Situations can change rapidly.
Safety Level
Official risk level and travel advisories
Panama City, the canal area and main tourist spots are relatively safe. Watch for pickpockets and robbery, and avoid the Darién Gap on the Colombian border.
- Overall risk
- Moderate; safe in tourist areas with normal precautions
- Main concern
- Pickpocketing, bag snatching and street robbery
- Emergency number
- 911 (all services)
- Most visits to Panama City, the Panama Canal and Casco Viejo are trouble-free. Stay alert in crowds and at night, keep valuables out of sight, and avoid high-risk areas such as parts of Colón and the Darién Gap.
Danger Zones & Areas to Avoid
Regions with poor security or restricted access
The Darién Gap on the Colombian border is very dangerous and subject to travel advisories. Use extra caution in parts of Colón.
- Avoid
- Darién Gap / Darién Province near the Colombian border
- Extra care
- Parts of Colón city and remote border zones
- The Darién Gap is a remote jungle region on the Colombian border used by smuggling and irregular migration routes, with a high risk of crime and organised crime; many governments advise against travel there. Some areas of Colón city also warrant extra caution, especially at night.
Natural Disaster Risks
Earthquakes, typhoons, floods, and other hazards
Panama has a tropical climate. The main risks are rainy-season flooding and landslides (May-November) and occasional small to moderate earthquakes. Direct hurricanes are rare.
- Rainy season
- May-November; flooding and landslides possible
- Seismic risk
- Small to moderate earthquakes occur
- Hurricanes
- Direct hits rare due to low latitude
- Heavy rain during the wet season (May-November) can cause flooding and landslides, especially in mountainous and rural areas. Earthquakes are usually minor. Monitor local weather warnings and follow the advice of local authorities.
Health & Disease Risks
Endemic diseases and hygiene concerns
Panama City has good healthcare and tap water is generally safe there. Mosquito-borne diseases (dengue, malaria, Zika, yellow fever) are a risk in tropical and Darién areas.
- Mosquito-borne
- Dengue, Zika; malaria and yellow fever in Darién/tropical areas
- Tap water
- Generally safe in Panama City; bottled water advised in rural areas
- Emergency
- 911 for ambulance
- Care is good in Panama City but limited in remote areas. Use insect repellent and consider vaccinations (yellow fever) and malaria precautions before travelling to the Darién and other jungle regions. Carry personal medication with a prescription.
Crime & Scam Trends
Common crimes and scams targeting tourists
Pickpocketing, bag snatching and street robbery occur in Panama City and tourist areas. Use licensed taxis or ride apps and avoid displaying valuables.
- Main risk
- Pickpocketing, bag snatching and mugging
- Hotspots
- Crowded areas, markets, transport hubs, some parts of Colón
- Advice
- Use registered taxis/apps; keep valuables hidden
- Opportunistic theft is the most common risk for visitors. Be cautious withdrawing cash from ATMs, avoid walking alone at night, and use licensed taxis or reputable ride-hailing apps rather than unmarked cars.
Political Situation & Protests
Political instability and potential demonstrations
Panama is a stable presidential democracy. Occasional protests and road blockades can disrupt travel; avoid demonstrations.
- Government
- Stable presidential republic
- Demonstrations
- Protests and road blockades can affect transport
- Political unrest is uncommon, but demonstrations and road blockages occasionally occur and can close major routes. Avoid protests, monitor local news and allow extra time for travel if disruptions are reported.
Local Laws & Prohibitions
Important local laws and penalties for travelers
The US dollar is used as everyday currency (the balboa is pegged 1:1, mainly in coins). Traffic drives on the right. Drug offences carry severe penalties.
- Currency
- US dollar (USD); balboa (PAB) at 1:1, mostly coins
- Driving
- Drive on the right; carry your licence and ID
- Drugs
- Strict laws and heavy penalties
- Carry photo ID at all times. Penalties for drug possession and trafficking are severe. The US dollar circulates alongside the balboa (coins). Respect local customs and follow instructions from police and officials.
Emergency Contacts
Police, ambulance, and fire department numbers
Dial 911 for all emergencies: police, ambulance and fire. English may be limited, so basic Spanish helps.
- All emergencies
- 911
- Tourist police
- Present in main tourist areas
- Language
- Spanish is standard; English support varies
- 911 covers police, ambulance and fire nationwide. English-speaking operators may not always be available, so having a few Spanish phrases or a translation app is useful. Tourist police patrol popular areas such as Casco Viejo.
Embassy & Consulate Info
Location and contact details of your embassy
No embassy or consulate information is available for your selected nationality in this country.
Travel Insurance
Recommended coverage and tips for choosing a policy
There is no reciprocal health agreement. Carry comprehensive travel insurance with medical and repatriation cover.
- Coverage
- Comprehensive insurance with medical cover
- Include
- Medical evacuation and repatriation
- Activities
- Cover diving, jungle and adventure activities if relevant
- Private care in Panama City can be expensive and payment is often required upfront. Ensure your policy covers medical treatment, hospital stays, repatriation and any adventure activities such as diving or jungle trips.