Show SafetyCrimeCrime levels are high in Panama. Petty crimePetty crime is common, mainly pickpocketing and bag-snatching. You're most at risk in Panama City and Colon. Take extra care of your valuables in:
To prevent petty crime:
Violent crimeArmed robbery and muggings occur in Panama. Violent crime is less common than petty crime. Hotspots for crime in Panama City include:
Armed criminals may target you at Madden Dam, a tourist site in the Chagre National Park. 'Express kidnappings' also happen, where criminals force you to withdraw money from ATMs. To protect yourself from violent crime:
Scams and fraudCredit card and ATM fraud occur. House break-ins and robbery scams also happen. Criminals may gain your trust and then rob your house. Be aware of your surroundings. Always keep your credit card secure. Darien GapColombian guerrilla groups and drug traffickers are active in the Darien Gap, near the Colombian border. Violent crime is common, including:
The danger zone starts at the end of the Pan American highway at Yaviza and extends to the Colombian border. This area includes the Darien National Park and privately owned nature reserves, and tourist resorts. Be aware of landmines in the area. The Australian Government's longstanding policy is that it doesn't make payments or concessions to kidnappers. More information:
Civil unrest and political tensionDemonstrations and protestsProtests and demonstrations can happen:
Public protests and events that draw large groups of people can turn violent. To protect yourself during periods of unrest:
If you encounter a protest, leave as soon as it is safe. More information:
TerrorismTerrorism is a threat worldwide. More information:
Swimming safetyPanama doesn't have many lifeguards. Rescue equipment at public beaches is limited. Strong currents and rips can make swimming dangerous. The Bay of Panama is polluted with untreated sewage and industrial waste. If you decide to go swimming:
Climate and natural disastersPanama experiences natural disasters and severe weather, including:
In the event of a natural disaster:
To get alerts and advice, register with:
Hurricanes and severe weatherSevere weather can happen, including:
Severe weather may affect:
The hurricane season is from June to November. Storms and hurricanes can happen in other months. The direction and strength of hurricanes can change suddenly. If there's a hurricane or severe storm:
If a hurricane is approaching:
Earthquakes and tsunamisPanama experiences earthquakes. Tsunamis can also happen. Get to know the earthquake safety measures for each place you stay and visit. To receive tsunami alerts, register with the Global Disaster Alert and Coordination System. If you're near the coast, move immediately to high ground if advised by authorities, or if you:
Don't wait for official warnings, such as alarms or sirens. Once on high ground, monitor local media. HealthTravel insuranceGet comprehensive travel insurance before you leave. Your policy needs to cover all overseas medical costs, including medical evacuation. The Australian Government won’t pay for these costs. If you can't afford travel insurance, you can't afford to travel. This applies to everyone, no matter how healthy and fit you are. If you're not insured, you may have to pay many 1000s of dollars up-front for medical care. Confirm:
Physical and mental healthConsider your physical and mental health before you travel, especially if you have an existing medical condition. See your doctor or travel clinic to:
Do this at least 8 weeks before you leave. If you have immediate concerns for your welfare, or the welfare of another Australian, call the 24-hour Consular Emergency Centre on +61 2 6261 3305 or contact your nearest Australian Embassy, High Commission or Consulate to discuss counselling hotlines and services available in your location. More information:
MedicationNot all medication available over the counter or by prescription in Australia is available in other countries. Some may even be considered illegal or a controlled substance, even if prescribed by an Australian doctor. Medication with pseudoephedrine is banned in Panama. If you plan to bring medication, check if it's legal in Panama. Take enough legal medication for your trip. Carry a copy of your prescription and a dated letter from your doctor stating:
More information:
Health risksCOVID-19COVID-19 remains a risk in Panama. Follow the advice of local authorities. Call 169 within Panama for the latest information. For information on Panama’s COVID-19 vaccination program, refer to Panama's Ministry of Health website (in Spanish). You should consult your local health professional for advice on vaccine options, including assistance that may be available locally. The Australian Government cannot provide advice on the safety, quality and efficacy of vaccines that have been approved for use outside of Australia's regulatory process. More information:
Insect-borne diseases Yellow fever is widespread in Panama. Yellow fever is a potentially fatal virus spread by mosquitoes. It's prevented by vaccination. Get vaccinated before you travel. Zika virus is also widespread. If you're pregnant, the Australian Department of Health recommends that you:
Malaria is a risk throughout the year in Bocas del Toro, Darien and San Blas. It's not a risk in Panama City. Outbreaks of dengue and chikungunya also happen. To protect yourself from disease:
Get medical advice if you have a fever, muscle pain, rash, bleeding nose or gums, or a severe headache. HIV/AIDSHIV/AIDS is common in Panama. Take steps to reduce your risk of exposure to the virus. HantavirusMany hantavirus pulmonary syndrome cases are reported in Los Santos province. To protect yourself:
For outdoor activities:
Other health risksWaterborne, foodborne and other infectious diseases are common, including:
Serious outbreaks sometimes occur. More information:
Medical careMedical facilitiesSome private hospitals and clinics are good. Facilities outside Panama City are limited. Many doctors and hospitals need cash payment before treating you, even in an emergency. If you're seriously ill or injured, you'll need to be moved to the US or another country with better facilities. Medical evacuation can be very expensive. Treatment in the US can be extremely expensive. Local lawsLocal lawYou're subject to all local laws and penalties, including those that may appear harsh by Australian standards. Research local laws before travelling. If you're arrested or jailed, the Australian Government will do what it can to help you under our Consular Services Charter. But we can't get you out of trouble or out of jail. DrugsPenalties for drug offences are severe. They include lengthy prison sentences in local jails. Authorities may arrest you for illegal drugs if you're either:
More information:
Proof of identityYou must always carry an ID, such as a certified copy of your passport. Other lawsIf you're aged under 18, curfews apply in Panama City. To be out after curfew, you'll need a special permit. Police can detain you for violating the curfew. A guardian will need to collect you from the police station. In Panama, it's illegal to:
Australian lawsDual citizenshipLocal customsGet permission before photographing anyone, especially women and children. LGBTI informationSame-sex relationships are legal, but not socially acceptable. Consider the risks of public displays of affection. More information:
TravelVisas and Border Measures
Visa-free travel for short staysIf you arrive by air or land, you won't need a visa. You'll be granted an initial stay of 180 days when you arrive. To enter, you'll need to show proof of:
If you're transiting on a cruise ship and Panama is a port of call, you won't need a visa. An immigration official will stamp your passport, and you'll be granted a stay of up to 90 days. If you arrive by another type of boat, you'll need a visa. Entry and exit conditions can change. Contact the nearest Panamanian embassy or consulate for details about visas, currency, customs and quarantine rules. Entry into PanamaTo enter Panama, you must complete an electronic health affidavit online (available in English) before arrival in Panama. The QR code generated by this form must be shown on arrival. You must present proof of full vaccination (at least 2 doses). If you're unvaccinated, you must present a negative COVID-19 test (PCR or Antigen) taken no more than 72 hours before arrival. Check with your airline before departure for any changes to the COVID-19 prevention measures.Travel via the United StatesIf you're travelling through the US, ensure you meet all current US entry and transit requirements, including for COVID-19. If you're arriving in or transiting through the US, you'll need to show onwards flight tickets from not only the US but also any country that borders the US (i.e. Mexico and Canada) if that's your next destination. Check your visa requirements with an embassy or consulate of the United States before you travel. More information:
Travel via CanadaIf you're travelling via Canada, you'll need an ETA (Electronic Travel Authorisation) for Canada. Transit requirements for Canada are strictly enforced. More information:
Yellow fever vaccinationYou may need a valid yellow fever vaccination certificate to enter Panama. Some airlines may want to see one when you leave. Find out about returning to Australia after exposure to yellow fever. Airport requirementsYou'll need to pay a departure tax at the Tocumen Airport in Panama City. Check if your airline ticket already includes this cost. If you're travelling to the US, you'll need evidence of an onward or return ticket. This applies even if you can enter the US under its visa waiver program. Travel with childrenChildren who are Panamanian dual nationals or residents require additional documents to leave Panama without both parents. Documents include:
If these documents are from outside Panama, you must have them verified with an apostille stamp. More information:
PassportValiditySome countries won’t let you enter unless your passport is valid for 6 months after you plan to leave that country. This can apply even if you’re just transiting or stopping over. Some foreign governments and airlines apply the rule inconsistently. Travellers can receive conflicting advice from different sources. You can end up stranded if your passport is not valid for more than 6 months. The Australian Government does not set these rules. Check your passport’s expiry date before you travel. If you’re not sure it’ll be valid for long enough, consider getting a new passport. Lost or stolen passportYour passport is a valuable document. It's attractive to people who may try to use your identity to commit crimes. Some people may try to trick you into giving them your passport. Always keep it in a safe place. If your passport is lost or stolen, tell the Australian Government as soon as possible:
MoneyThe local coin currency is the Panama Balboa (PAB). The banknote currency is the US Dollar (USD). Beware of counterfeit currency, especially $US50 and $US100 notes. Access to moneyOnly exchange money at official banks and exchange services. ATMs and credit card facilities are widely available. Check with your bank to make sure your cards will work. Local travelDriving permit You can drive with:
You must get your IDP before you leave Australia. Road travelDriving hazards in Panama include:
Driving at night is dangerous. There are often night roadworks on the Pan-American Highway. There may not be signage for these roadworks. Don't move your vehicle if you're in a motor vehicle accident. By law, you must remain at the scene until the traffic police arrive. If you plan to travel by road:
More information:
MotorcyclesMake sure your travel insurance covers you when using a motorbike, quad bike or similar vehicle. Always wear a helmet. TaxisOnly use registered taxis. It's best to arrange them at your hotel. To reduce your risks if using taxis:
Public transportAvoid public transport. Local buses don't follow set routes and are poorly maintained. Sea travelMany international cruise liners visit Panama. The Pacific and Caribbean coastlines are transport routes for illegal drugs. Consider this security risk before deciding to travel by sea. More information:
Air travelDFAT doesn't provide information on the safety of individual commercial airlines or flight paths. Check Panama's air safety profile with the Aviation Safety Network. More information:
Coiba IslandIf you plan to visit the National Park on Coiba Island, you'll need a special permit. Contact the National Authority for the Environment (ANAM in Spanish) or your tour operator. Local contactsEmergenciesDepending on what you need, contact your:
Fire and rescue servicesCall 911. Medical emergenciesCall 911 or go to the hospital. PoliceCall 104 or go to the nearest police station. Always get a police report when you report a crime. Your insurer should have a 24-hour emergency number. TourismContact your provider with any complaints about tourist services or products. Consular contactsRead the Consular Services Charter for what the Australian Government can and can’t do to help you overseas. There's an Australian Consulate in Panama City, headed by an Honorary Consul. It can provide limited assistance, including:
The Consulate doesn't issue Australian passports. You can get full consular help from the Australian Embassy in Mexico. Australian Consulate, PanamaOficina 7 Edificio El Colegio Telephone: (+507) 667 73833 Australian Embassy, Mexico CityRuben Dario 55 Phone: +52 55 1101 2200 See the Embassy website for details about opening hours and any temporary closures. 24-hour Consular Emergency Centre In a consular emergency, if you can't contact an embassy, call the 24-hour Consular Emergency Centre on:
Is it safe to swim in Panama City Beach right now?No swimming! Bacteria high at two Panama City beaches. Health officials issue advisories.
What is the current flag status at Panama City Beach?Flag Status Update October 16, 2022 – Panama City Beach Flags Are Now YELLOW.
Is it safe to travel to Panama City?Panama has high crime rates. Petty crime is more common than violent crime. Take care of your belongings, especially in transport hubs. Violent crime includes armed robbery and muggings.
Do I have to be vaccinated to travel to Panama?No need to present negative test results, vaccination scheme or declaration form. Last update on September 16, 2022.
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Is it safe to visit Panama City Beach right now?
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