Safety
Crime
Crime levels are high in Panama.
Petty crime
Petty 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:
- airports
- bus terminals
- public transport
To prevent petty crime:
- be alert after dark
- avoid being on the streets alone
- pay attention in crowded areas
Violent crime
Armed robbery and muggings occur in Panama. Violent crime is less common than petty crime.
Hotspots for crime in Panama City include:
- Calidonia
- San Miguelito
- Rio Bajo
- El Chorillo
- Ancon
- Curundu
- Veracruz Beach
- Parque Soberania
- Tocumen
- Panama Viejo
- Casco Viejo
- shopping areas on Avenida Central
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:
- avoid high-crime areas in Panama City
- travel with others
- only use ATMs in controlled areas, such as banks or shopping centres
- pay close attention to your personal security
Scams and fraud
Credit 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 Gap
Colombian guerrilla groups and drug traffickers are active in the Darien Gap, near the Colombian border.
Violent crime is common, including:
- kidnapping
- murder, including of foreigners
- armed robbery
- disappearances
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:
- Kidnapping
Civil unrest and political tension
Demonstrations and protests
Protests and demonstrations can happen:
- on campus at the University of Panama
- at the National Assembly
- at the Presidential Palace in Panama City
- on main streets and highways
Public protests and events that draw large groups of people can turn violent.
To protect yourself during periods of unrest:
- avoid demonstrations, protests and public gatherings
- monitor the media for reports of potential unrest
- avoid affected areas
- follow instructions from local authorities
If you encounter a protest, leave as soon as it is safe.
More information:
- Demonstrations and civil unrest
Terrorism
Terrorism is a threat worldwide.
More information:
- Terrorism
Swimming safety
Panama 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:
- check conditions with your hotel or local authorities before entering the water
- never swim alone
Climate and natural disasters
Panama experiences natural disasters and severe weather, including:
- hurricanes
- earthquakes
- volcanic activity
- tsunamis
In the event of a natural disaster:
- secure your passport in a safe, waterproof location
- monitor local media and other sources
- follow the advice of local authorities
- keep in touch with your friends and family
To get alerts and advice, register with:
- Global Disaster Alert and Coordination System
- Caribbean Disaster Emergency Response Agency
Hurricanes and severe weather
Severe weather can happen, including:
- landslides
- mudslides
- flooding
Severe weather may affect:
- access to ports
- road travel
- essential services, such as communication, water and electricity
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:
- you may get stuck in the area
- flights could be delayed or suspended
- available flights may fill quickly
- adequate shelter may not be available
If a hurricane is approaching:
- know the evacuation plan for your hotel or cruise ship
- identify your local shelter
- monitor alerts and advice from the National Hurricane and Tropical Prediction Center
Earthquakes and tsunamis
Panama 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:
- feel a strong earthquake that makes it hard to stand up
- feel a weak, rolling earthquake that lasts a minute or more
- see a sudden rise or fall in sea level
- hear loud and unusual noises from the sea
Don't wait for official warnings, such as alarms or sirens. Once on high ground, monitor local media.
Health
Travel insurance
Get 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:
- what activities and care your policy covers
- that your insurance covers you for the whole time you’ll be away
Physical and mental health
Consider your physical and mental health before you travel, especially if you have an existing medical condition.
See your doctor or travel clinic to:
- have a basic health check-up
- ask if your travel plans may affect your health
- plan any vaccinations you need
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:
- General health advice
- Healthy holiday tips (Healthdirect Australia)
- COVID-19 vaccines (Department of Health and Aged Care)
Medication
Not 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:
- what the medication is
- how much you'll take
- that it's for personal use
More information:
- Medication
Health risks
COVID-19
COVID-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:
- Coronavirus (COVID-19) (Department of Health and Aged Care)
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:
- discuss travel plans with your doctor
- consider deferring non-essential travel to affected areas
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:
- make sure your accommodation is insect-proof
- use insect repellent
- wear long, loose, light-coloured clothing
- consider taking medicine to prevent malaria
Get medical advice if you have a fever, muscle pain, rash, bleeding nose or gums, or a severe headache.
HIV/AIDS
HIV/AIDS is common in Panama.
Take steps to reduce your risk of exposure to the virus.
Hantavirus
Many hantavirus pulmonary syndrome cases are reported in Los Santos province.
To protect yourself:
- don't touch live or dead rodents, burrows or nests
- avoid activities that stir up dust, such as sweeping or vacuuming
For outdoor activities:
- choose a campsite that's open and dry
- don't rest in tall grass or haystacks
- remove any food that may attract rodents
Other health risks
Waterborne, foodborne and other infectious diseases are common, including:
- hepatitis
- tuberculosis
- rabies
- brucellosis
Serious outbreaks sometimes occur.
More information:
- Infectious diseases
Medical care
Medical facilities
Some 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 laws
Local law
You'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.
Drugs
Penalties for drug offences are severe. They include lengthy prison sentences in local jails.
Authorities may arrest you for illegal drugs if you're either:
- carrying even a very small amount of drugs, or
- with someone who's using them
More information:
- Carrying or using drugs
Proof of identity
You must always carry an ID, such as a certified copy of your passport.
Other laws
If 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:
- take photos of an official building
- fail to wait with your vehicle after an accident until traffic police arrive
Australian laws
Dual citizenship
Local customs
Get permission before photographing anyone, especially women and children.
LGBTI information
Same-sex relationships are legal, but not socially acceptable.
Consider the risks of public displays of affection.
More information:
- Advice for LGBTI people
Travel
Visas and Border Measures
Every country or territory decides who can enter or leave through its borders. For specific information about the evidence you'll need to enter a foreign destination, including COVID-19 vaccinations and tests, check with the nearest embassy, consulate or immigration department of the destination you're entering.
Visa-free travel for short stays
If 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:
- the equivalent of $US500 or a credit card
- a return or onward travel ticket
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 Panama
To 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 States
If 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 advice for the US
Travel via Canada
If you're travelling via Canada, you'll need an ETA (Electronic Travel Authorisation) for Canada. Transit requirements for Canada are strictly enforced.
More information:
- Canada travel advice
Yellow fever vaccination
You 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 requirements
You'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 children
Children who are Panamanian dual nationals or residents require additional documents to leave Panama without both parents.
Documents include:
- their original birth certificate
- notarised consent from non-travelling parents
If these documents are from outside Panama, you must have them verified with an apostille stamp.
More information:
- Advice for people travelling with children
Passport
Validity
Some 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 passport
Your 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:
- In Australia, contact the Australian Passport Information Service.
- If you're overseas, contact the nearest Australian embassy or consulate.
Money
The 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 money
Only 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 travel
Driving permit
You can drive with:
- an International Driving Permit (IDP)
- an Australian driver's licence
You must get your IDP before you leave Australia.
Road travel
Driving hazards in Panama include:
- poor road conditions
- inadequate street lighting
- poor vehicle maintenance
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:
- check your travel insurance covers it
- learn local traffic laws and practices
- lock doors and keep car windows up, even when moving
- avoid travel at night
More information:
- Driving or riding
Motorcycles
Make sure your travel insurance covers you when using a motorbike, quad bike or similar vehicle.
Always wear a helmet.
Taxis
Only use registered taxis. It's best to arrange them at your hotel.
To reduce your risks if using taxis:
- don't hail taxis on the street
- never share taxis with strangers
- always sit in the back seat
Public transport
Avoid public transport. Local buses don't follow set routes and are poorly maintained.
Sea travel
Many 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:
- Going on a cruise
Air travel
DFAT 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:
- Air travel
Coiba Island
If 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 contacts
Emergencies
Depending on what you need, contact your:
- family and friends
- travel agent
- insurance provider
- employer
- airline
Fire and rescue services
Call 911.
Medical emergencies
Call 911 or go to the hospital.
Police
Call 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.
Tourism
Contact your provider with any complaints about tourist services or products.
Consular contacts
Read 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:
- passport interviews
- providing provisional documents for emergency travel
The Consulate doesn't issue Australian passports.
You can get full consular help from the Australian Embassy in Mexico.
Australian Consulate, Panama
Oficina 7 Edificio El Colegio
Calle Jose de Obaldia y Calle 8va
San Felipe
Panama, Panama
Telephone: (+507) 667 73833
Email:
Australian Embassy, Mexico City
Ruben Dario 55
Corner of Campos Eliseos, Polanco
Colonia Bosque de Chapultepec
11580 CDMX Mexico
Phone: +52 55 1101 2200
Website: mexico.embassy.gov.au
Email:
Facebook: @AusEmbMex
Twitter: @AusEmbMex
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:
- +61 2 6261 3305 from overseas
- 1300 555 135 in Australia