馃殺 Panama

Official government travel advice

Advice changes quickly. Check it before you travel and again before you leave.

Recent disaster alerts (UN/EU GDACS)

Updated 4 Nov 2026. Alerts change quickly: check GDACS and your government's advice before you travel.

Costs

Prices here are about 45% of US prices (World Bank, 2025). This compares a country's overall prices, not the cost of a trip.

Practical information

Entry

Visa rules depend on your passport; check the official site below. If you need a visa, apply at a Panamanian embassy. Official rules are said to waive the visa for people who hold a valid visa or residence permit from certain countries such as the United States - confirm which, and the conditions, with Panama's immigration service or the embassy before you book. Typical requirements: a passport valid for 6 months, proof of funds, a return ticket and hotel details. A yellow fever certificate is needed if you arrive from a risk country.

Culture and safety - take note

Panama uses the US dollar alongside its own balboa coins, so it is easy to pay. It is hot and humid year-round, with a rainy season from about May to December. Panamanians are polite: greet with a handshake and a 'buenos dias'. In Panama City keep valuables out of sight and use official taxis or ride-hailing apps; avoid some neighbourhoods at night. The Darien Gap near the Colombian border is extremely dangerous and many governments advise against all travel there - do not go. Visit indigenous communities such as the Guna or Embera only on organised tours and ask before taking photos. Swim where there are lifeguards - rip currents are common. Tip about 10%. Halal food is limited.

Emergency

911 for police, ambulance and fire.

Good to know

Dollar bills and cash machines

The balboa is used interchangeably with the US dollar, says Canadian advice. It warns of counterfeit high-value dollar bills and advises carrying only small bills, which also suit taxis because fares are not metered. It reports express kidnappings in which victims are forced to withdraw cash, and advises using cash machines in public areas or inside a bank or business.

Local laws and customs

Drugs, smoking, ID and curfews

UK advice says even a small amount of any drug can lead to a prison sentence, and that smoking and e-cigarettes are banned in public places. Canadian advice says Panamanian law requires official ID at all times and that a person unable to show it can be jailed and fined, while UK advice says police usually accept a printed passport copy. Local authorities sometimes impose night-time curfews. Canadian advice says to ask permission before photographing people.

Taxis and scams

Taxis and rideshare apps

Registered yellow taxis wait at taxi stands, have no meter and charge by the zones crossed, so agree the fare before departure; drivers may pick up other passengers, Canadian travel advice says. Rideshare apps are commonly used, and it advises verifying who the driver is and checking the licence plate before getting in. UK advice recommends ride-hailing apps or transport arranged by the hotel.

Counterfeit US dollar bills

Counterfeit US dollar bills have caused problems in Panama, according to Canadian travel advice, which recommends carrying only small US dollar bills.

Who can help

local government

Autoridad de Turismo de Panam谩 (ATP)

Helps with: Panama's national tourism authority. Its website lists a central phone line and email, plus regional offices and airport information centres, for tourism information.

Who qualifies: Anyone visiting Panama or planning a trip there.

Phone: +507 526-7000

Email: inversiones@atp.gob.pa

Address: Edificio BICSA, Financial Center, Piso 29, Ave. Balboa y Aquilino De La Guardia

Official website

Source 路 checked 2026-11-04

un agency

International Organization for Migration (IOM) Panama

Helps with: The UN migration agency. Its Panama office, in Ciudad del Saber, works on migration matters in Panama; its contact page lists a phone, email and address.

Who qualifies: Migrants and migration-related cases in Panama. It is not a help service for ordinary tourists.

Phone: +507 305 3350

Email: iompanama@iom.int

Address: Calle Vicente Bonilla, Edificio 110, Ciudad del Saber, Clayton, 0819-00017 Panam谩

Official website

Source 路 checked 2026-11-04

local government

Emergency number 911 (police, ambulance and fire)

Helps with: Reaches police, ambulance and fire services. UK government travel advice lists this number.

Who qualifies: Anyone in the country, including visitors.

Phone: 911

Source 路 checked 2026-11-04

local government

Police emergency number 104

Helps with: Reaches the police. UK government travel advice lists this number.

Who qualifies: Anyone in the country, including visitors.

Phone: 104

Source 路 checked 2026-11-04

local government

Ambulance and fire emergency number 103

Helps with: Reaches the ambulance and fire services. UK government travel advice lists this number.

Who qualifies: Anyone in the country, including visitors.

Phone: 103

Source 路 checked 2026-11-04

ngo

Panamanian Red Cross

Helps with: The ICRC supports the society's humanitarian work, including family unity and restoring contact between family members. No contact details are given, so use the society's website.

Who qualifies: The page does not say who can use it. It describes the society as an auxiliary to the State, with volunteers.

Official website

Source 路 checked 2026-11-04

Cities and places

Panama City Panama CityA modern skyline beside the historic Casco Viejo quarter, the main gateway with shopping, food and nightlife.Photo: JAVR2020, CC BY-SA 4.0 Panama Canal Panama CanalWatch huge ships pass through the Miraflores Locks of the famous canal linking the Atlantic and Pacific.Photo: User:Stan Shebs, CC BY-SA 3.0 Bocas del Toro Bocas del ToroA Caribbean island group known for laid-back beaches, snorkelling, starfish, dolphins and a lively backpacker scene.Photo: Panapro, CC BY-SA 4.0 Boquete BoqueteA cool highland town of coffee farms, waterfall hikes and the climb up Volc谩n Bar煤.Photo: Desi burgos, Public domain San Blas Islands (Guna Yala) San Blas Islands (Guna Yala)Tiny palm-covered islands run by the Indigenous Guna people, ideal for simple beach stays and sailing trips.Photo: User:Stan Shebs, CC BY-SA 3.0 Coiba National Park Coiba National ParkA UNESCO marine park on the Pacific side, prized for diving with sharks, turtles and rich coral reefs.Photo: Seibert, CC BY-SA 4.0

City selection based on: Panama tourism authority materials, Lonely Planet and established travel guides, UNESCO listings.

Festivals and events

culture

Fiestas Patrias (November)

around Nov 2026 路 Panama City

Several national holidays in November with parades.

festival

Panama Carnival

5-9 Feb 2027 路 Panama City

Four days of carnival - big in Las Tablas.

culture

Fiestas Patrias (November)

around Nov 2027 路 Panama City

Several national holidays in November with parades.