foreign office travel advice panama

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Requirements to Travel to Panamá

To enjoy your trip to Panamá, you must comply with the following documents and regulations:

• Valid passport within at least six months of expiration
• Return ticket to the country of origin or the next destination to visit
• Proof of economic solvency of at least five hundred dollars (USD $500.00) in cash, credit card, bank reference, work letter, or traveler's checks. Some nationalities must present a higher amount. We recommend validating this information with the consulate of Panamá in your country or with your airline.
• Address of the place of lodging and purpose of travel.
• Some nationalities must present a tourist visa before their trip to Panamá. If this is your case, we recommend going directly to the Panamanian consulate in your country. For any other query, visit the National Migration Service of Panam á page or check with your airline.
• The yellow fever vaccine is mandatory for all people traveling from Brazil, who must present the international vaccination certificate issued by ANVISA at least 10 days before arrival. Exceptions:
• Currently, there are no restrictions or requirements specific to COVID-19. However, in this link , you can always review updated information.
• For more information, visit Tocumen Panamá .

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More travel information for Panama

From travel safety to visa requirements, discover the best tips for traveling to Panama

• How to get to Panama
• Culture and Etiquette in Panama
• Eating and drinking in Panama
• Getting around Panama: Transportation Tips
• Sports and Outdoor activities in Panama
• Best time to visit Panama

Reckon a basic daily budget of US$35, or US$50 with the occasional treat.

Crime and personal safety

Emergencies, entry requirements, information and maps, money and banks, opening hours, travel ideas for panama, created by local experts.

10 days  / from 1655 USD

Highlights of Panama

Explore Panama's vibrant capital, including the famous Panama Canal before heading out to the tropical rainforest. Nature trails are waiting to be explored before your flight to Bocas del Toro, where you will enjoy a few days kicking back or being active, the islands offer something for everyone.

10 days  / from 2099 USD

Cuisine & Culture of Panama

Explore Panama's culture and cuisine in depth in this itinerary. Learn about the Emberá traditions close to the capital, before heading to Panama's cultural heart. Take a local cooking class and explore the surroundings of Chitre, one of Panama's oldest settlements.

8 days  / from 1882 USD

Thrilling Adventures in Panama

Mountain-biking, river rafting, mangrove tours - Panama has endless opportunities for all adventure-seekers. Enjoy this fast-paced itinerary from Panama City to the highlands of Boquete and ending on the beaches of Boca Chica.

9 days  / from 3966 USD

Luxury Honeymoon

Enjoy the finest Panama has to offer - luxurious hotels, a private gastronomic tour in Panama City, time to discover the highlands of Boquete before heading out to Panama's Pacific coast to spend a few days relaxing on the beach.

Panama has something of an unjust reputation as a dangerous place to travel. Although violent crime does occasionally occur, it is usually in particular city areas, as in most countries, and Panama is far safer than most other countries in Central America. Nonetheless, you should take special care in Colón and some districts in Panama City , and more generally late at night in cities, or when carrying luggage; take a taxi. Outside these two cities, the only other area where there is any particular danger is near the Colombian border in Darién and Guna Yala. This frontier has long been frequented by guerrillas, bandits and cocaine traffickers, and several travellers attempting to cross overland to Colombia have been kidnapped or killed – or have simply disappeared. It is possible to visit some areas of Darién safely, including parts of the national park, but always seek advice from the Darién National Park office in Yaviza (Mon–Fri 8am–4pm; t 299 4495) before travel. Note, too, that some of the boats that ply the coast may be involved in smuggling.

If you become the victim of a crime, report it immediately to the local police station, particularly if you will later be making an insurance claim. In Panama City and Colón the tourist police ( policía de turismo ) are better prepared to deal with foreign travellers and more likely to speak some English – in Panama City they wear white armbands.

Although by law you are required to carry your passport at all times, you will rarely be asked to present it except when in transit; the tourist police recommend that when walking around the towns and cities it’s better to carry a copy of your passport (including the page with the entry stamp).

Ambulance 225 1436 or 228 2187 (Cruz Roja) or 269 9778

Tourist Police (Casco Viejo, Panama City) 270 3365

Travellers from Australia, Canada, Ireland, New Zealand, the UK or the US do not require a visa to enter Panama. Passports are generally stamped for three or six months and extensions cannot be granted unless applying for a different kind of visa, such as a residency permit.

Medical care in Panama is best sought in the two largest cities: Panama City and David. Panama City has a handful of top-notch hospitals with many US- and European-trained doctors and English-speaking staff. As most doctors and hospitals expect payment up front, frequently in cash, check your health insurance plan or buy supplementary travel insurance before you leave home. Note, too, that tourists entering the country via Tocumen International Airport are entitled to a new free health insurance policy , which is valid for thirty days. Ask for the brochure at the ATP information booth on arrival.

Pharmacies are numerous and often stay open late; in addition, 24hour supermarkets Rey, Romero and Super 99 usually have 24hour pharmacies. Hospitals and occasionally health clinics have pharmacies on site, and many types of medicines are available over the counter, without a prescription.

Good, impartial information about Panama is hard to come by once you’re in the country. The biggest network of information is the Panamanian Tourist Institute ( visitpanama.com ) or the Autoridad de Turismo Panamá (ATP atp.gob.pa ), which has its main office in Panama City and many provincial branches; their ATP offices offer flyers and pamphlets but the quality of information varies enormously and staff rarely speak English. The Visitor/El Visitante (thevisitorpanama.com), a free, weekly tourist promotion magazine in English and Spanish, is available online and at ATP offices and tourist venues throughout Panama, and lists attractions and upcoming events. Several tour operators based in Panama City can give you advice on the rest of the country, in the hope of selling you a tour.

Panama’s national parks and other protected areas are administered by the National Environment Agency, ANAM ( anam.gob.pa ). Their regional offices are often very helpful – though again you’ll need some Spanish – and are an essential stop before visiting areas where permission is needed, or if you want to spend the night in a refugio and/or hire a guide.

The best maps of Panama are the International Travel Map of Panama and the National Geographic one (both available online). In the country, large-scale maps are available at the Instituto Geográfico Nacional Tommy Guardia (Mon–Fri 8.30am–4pm) on Avenida Simón Bolívar, opposite the entrance to the university in Panama City. The Rutas de Aventuras series of maps, covering most cities and tourist areas in Panama, are widely available in bookshops and souvenir stores throughout the country for around US$4.

You should be able to find an internet café almost anywhere you go; rates are normally US$1/hour. Wi-fi is commonly available and free in hostels and most hotels, especially in Panama City.

For unlimited Wi-Fi on the go whilst travelling Panama, buy a Skyroam Solis , which works in 130+ countries at one flat daily rate, paid for on a pay-as-you-go basis. You can connect up to five devices at once. Prices start from as little as €5 a day.

Letters posted with the Correo Nacional (COTEL) cost US$0.45 (US$0.35 for postcards) to both the US and Europe, and should reach their destination within a couple of weeks. Even though post offices can be found in most small towns, it’s best to post mail in Panama City.

Panama adopted US dollars (referred to interchangeably as dólares or balboas ) as its currency in 1904, and has not printed any paper currency since. The country does, however, mint its own coinage: 1, 5, 10, 25 and 50 centavo pieces which are used alongside US coins, plus a new US$1 coin. Both US$100 and US$50 bills are often difficult to spend, so try to carry nothing larger than a US$20 bill. It is difficult to change foreign currency in Panama – change any cash into US dollars as soon as you can. Foreign banks will generally change their own currencies.

Travellers’ cheques are impossible to change, so you’re better off with a credit card, and a debit card for ATM withdrawals. The three major banks are Banco Nacional, Banco General and HSBC. Almost all branches have ATMs , as do many large supermarkets; all ATMs demand a US$3 levy on every transaction. Major credit cards are accepted in most hotels and restaurants in Panama City and the larger provincial towns, though hardly anywhere in Bocas del Toro. Visa is the most widely accepted, followed by MasterCard. Some shops will charge an extra five percent if you pay by credit card.

Opening hours vary, but generally businesses and government offices are open Monday to Friday from 8am to 4pm. Post offices are open Monday to Friday 8am to 5pm, and Sat 8am to noon, while the major banks are generally open from 8am to 3pm Monday to Friday, and from 9am to noon on Saturday. Shops are usually open Monday to Saturday from 9am to 6pm.

Panama has several national public holidays , when most government offices, businesses and shops close. Panama City and Colón also each have their own public holiday, and there is one public holiday for government employees only. When the public holidays fall near a weekend many Panamanians take a long weekend (known as a puente ) and head to the beach or the countryside – it can be difficult to find hotel rooms during these times. Public holidays that fall midweek are sometimes moved to a Monday or Friday to avoid disrupting the working week. Several of these public holidays also coincide with national fiestas that continue for several days.

Public holidays

Jan 1 New Year’s Day

Jan 9 Martyrs’ Day

Feb/March (date varies) Carnaval

March/April Good Friday

May 1 Labour Day

Aug 15 Foundation of Panama City (Panama City only)

Nov 2 All Souls’ Day

Nov 3 Independence Day

Nov 4 Flag Day (government holiday only)

Nov 5 National Day (Colón only)

Nov 10 First Cry of Independence

Nov 28 Emancipation Day

Dec 8 Mother’s Day

Dec 25 Christmas

Panama’s privatized telephone company is owned by Cable & Wireless. Local calls are cheap, and there’s a wide network of payphones that take phonecards sold in shops and street stalls; a Telechip card allows you to make both local and international calls. Local numbers should have seven digits; local mobile numbers have eight digits and begin with a “6” or a “5”. Many internet cafés also provide international phone calls for between US$0.05–10/minute to North America or Europe. You can make international reverse charge calls from payphones via the international operator ( t 106).

Mobile phone coverage is growing, and even covers remote stretches of the Darién and Guna Yala, with the Móvil and Digicel networks having the best coverage outside of the capital. It’s easy to buy a local SIM card in Panama City (around US$3) and replace the card in your own phone with it, although you may need a “hacker” to unlock your phone for use of the Panamanian networks.

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Panama (Central America)

Advice for all destinations, vaccinations and malaria risk.

Review both the Vaccination and Malaria sections on this page to find out if you may need vaccines and/or a malaria risk assessment before you travel to this country.

If you think you require vaccines and/or malaria risk assessment, you should make an appointment with a travel health professional:

• How to make an appointment with a travel health professional

A travel health risk assessment is also advisable for some people, even when vaccines or malaria tablets are not required.

• Do I need a travel health risk assessment?

Risk prevention advice 

Many of the health risks experienced by travellers cannot be prevented by vaccines and other measures need to be taken.

Always make sure you understand the wider risks at your destination and take precautions, including:

• food and water safety
• accident prevention
• avoiding insect bites
• preventing and treating animal bites
• respiratory hygiene
• hand hygiene

Our advice section gives detailed information on minimising specific health risks abroad:

• Travel Health Advice A-Z

Other health considerations

Make sure you have travel insurance before travel to cover healthcare abroad.

Find out if there are any restrictions you need to consider if you are travelling with medicines .

Know how to access healthcare at your destination: see the GOV.UK English speaking doctors and medical facilities: worldwide list

If you feel unwell on your return home from travelling abroad, always seek advice from a healthcare professional and let them know your travel history.

Vaccinations

• Confirm primary courses and boosters are up to date as recommended for life in Britain - including for example, seasonal flu vaccine (if indicated), MMR , vaccines required for occupational risk of exposure, lifestyle risks and underlying medical conditions.
• Courses or boosters usually advised: Hepatitis A.
• Other vaccines to consider: Diphtheria; Rabies; Tetanus; Typhoid; Yellow Fever.
• Selectively advised vaccines - only for those individuals at highest risk: Hepatitis B.

Yellow fever vaccination certificate required for travellers aged 1 year or over arriving from countries with risk of yellow fever transmission . 

Notes on the diseases mentioned above

• Diphtheria :  spread person to person through respiratory droplets. Risk is higher if mixing with locals in poor, overcrowded living conditions.

Risk is higher where personal hygiene and sanitation is poor.

Risk is higher for long stays, frequent travel and for children (exposed through cuts and scratches), those who may require medical treatment during travel.

• Tetanus :  spread through contamination of cuts, burns and wounds with tetanus spores. Spores are found in soil worldwide. A total of 5 doses of tetanus vaccine are recommended for life in the UK. Boosters are usually recommended in a country or situation where the correct treatment of an injury may not be readily available.
• Typhoid :  spread mainly through consumption of contaminated food and drink. Risk is higher where access to adequate sanitation and safe water is limited.
• Yellow Fever :  spread by the bite of an infected, day-biting mosquito. The disease is mainly found in rural areas of affected countries but outbreaks in urban areas do occur. Vaccination is usually recommended for all those who travel into risk areas. (View yellow fever risk areas here), and areas where there is an outbreak ongoing (check the 'news' section for outbreaks). In addition, certain countries may want to see proof of vaccination on an official yellow fever vaccination certificate - check above under Immunisations .

Malaria is a serious and sometimes fatal disease transmitted by mosquitoes.You cannot be vaccinated against malaria.

Malaria precautions

• Malaria risk is low throughout the year in all areas including the Canal Zone and Panama City. Risk is highest in Darien, Guna Yala, Panam and San Blas Provinces.
• Malaria precautions are essential. Avoid mosquito bites by covering up with clothing such as long sleeves and long trousers especially after sunset, using insect repellents on exposed skin and, when necessary, sleeping under a mosquito net.
• See malaria map – additional information can be found by clicking on the Regional Information icon below the map.
• Low to no risk: antimalarial tablets are not normally advised.
• If you have been travelling in a malarious area and develop a fever seek medical attention promptly. Remember malaria can develop even up to one year after exposure.

Other Health Risks

Altitude and travel, dengue fever.

There is a risk of exposure to coronavirus (COVID-19) in this country.

Please be aware that the risk of COVID-19 in this country may change at short notice and also consider your risk of exposure in any transit countries and from travelling itself. 

• The 'News' section on this page will advise if significant case increases or outbreaks have occurred in this country.

Prior to travel, you should:

• Check the latest government guidance on the FCDO Foreign travel advice and country specific pages for travel to this country and the rules for entering the UK on return.
• Ensure you are up to date with UK recommendations on COVID-19 vaccination.
• You can check this in the FAQ's.
• If you are at increased risk of severe COVID-19 you should carefully  consider your travel plans  and consider seeking medical advice prior to making any decisions.

For further information, see  Coronavirus disease (COVID-19)  and  COVID-19: Health Considerations for Travel  pages.

Zika Virus Infection

This country has been categorised as having a risk of Zika (ZIKV) virus transmission.

ZIKV is mainly spread through mosquito bites. The mosquito responsible most commonly bites during daylight hours and is common in towns and cities. 

The illness is usually mild but infection during pregnancy may lead to babies being born with birth defects. There is no vaccine currently available against ZIKV.

Advice for All Travellers

You should practice strict mosquito bite avoidance at all times. Do not travel without adequate travel insurance . Seek pre-travel health advice from a travel health professional 6 to 8 weeks in advance of travel.

Additional recommendations for pregnant travellers or those planning pregnancy

If you are planning pregnancy in the very near future you should consider whether you should avoid travel to this country.

• contact your GP, obstetrician or midwife for further advice, even if you have not been unwell or had any symptoms of ZIKV infection
• use barrier methods of contraception during and after travel and for the duration of your pregnancy, even in you have not been unwell or had any symptoms of ZIKV infection
• If you develop symptoms of ZIKV infection, it is recommended that you avoid becoming pregnant for a further 2 months following your recovery
• 2 months afterwards if you are female
• 3 months afterwards if you are male or if both partners travelled

These measures reduce the chance of sexual transmission of ZIKV and/or the risk of ZIKV infection in pregnancy.

For further information, see Zika virus infection page.

• 23 May 2024 - Advice on Dengue Fever if Travelling Abroad
• 66 additional items in the news archive for this country

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Panama Traveler View

Travel health notices, vaccines and medicines, non-vaccine-preventable diseases, stay healthy and safe.

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After Your Trip

Be aware of current health issues in Panama. Learn how to protect yourself.

Level 1 Practice Usual Precautions

• Dengue in the Americas May 16, 2024 Dengue is a risk in many parts of Central and South America, Mexico, and the Caribbean. Some countries are reporting increased numbers of cases of the disease. Travelers to the Americas can protect themselves by preventing mosquito bites. Destination List: Argentina, Brazil, Colombia, Costa Rica, Curaçao, Ecuador, including the Galápagos Islands, French Guiana (France), Guadeloupe, Guatemala, Guyana, Honduras, Martinique (France), Mexico, Nicaragua, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Uruguay

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Check the vaccines and medicines list and visit your doctor at least a month before your trip to get vaccines or medicines you may need. If you or your doctor need help finding a location that provides certain vaccines or medicines, visit the Find a Clinic page.

Routine vaccines

Recommendations.

Make sure you are up-to-date on all routine vaccines before every trip. Some of these vaccines include

• Chickenpox (Varicella)
• Diphtheria-Tetanus-Pertussis
• Flu (influenza)
• Measles-Mumps-Rubella (MMR)

Immunization schedules

All eligible travelers should be up to date with their COVID-19 vaccines. Please see  Your COVID-19 Vaccination  for more information. 

COVID-19 vaccine

Chikungunya

There has been evidence of chikungunya virus transmission in Panama within the last 5 years. Chikungunya vaccination may be considered for the following travelers:

• People aged 65 years or older, especially those with underlying medical conditions, who may spend at least 2 weeks (cumulative time) in indoor or outdoor areas where mosquitoes are present in Panama, OR
• People planning to stay in Panama for a cumulative period of 6 months or more

Chikungunya - CDC Yellow Book

Hepatitis A

Recommended for unvaccinated travelers one year old or older going to Panama.

Infants 6 to 11 months old should also be vaccinated against Hepatitis A. The dose does not count toward the routine 2-dose series.

Travelers allergic to a vaccine component or who are younger than 6 months should receive a single dose of immune globulin, which provides effective protection for up to 2 months depending on dosage given.

Unvaccinated travelers who are over 40 years old, immunocompromised, or have chronic medical conditions planning to depart to a risk area in less than 2 weeks should get the initial dose of vaccine and at the same appointment receive immune globulin.

Hepatitis A - CDC Yellow Book

Dosing info - Hep A

Hepatitis B

Recommended for unvaccinated travelers younger than 60 years old traveling to Panama. Unvaccinated travelers 60 years and older may get vaccinated before traveling to Panama.

Hepatitis B - CDC Yellow Book

Dosing info - Hep B

CDC recommends that travelers going to certain areas of Panama take prescription medicine to prevent malaria. Depending on the medicine you take, you will need to start taking this medicine multiple days before your trip, as well as during and after your trip. Talk to your doctor about which malaria medication you should take.

Find  country-specific information  about malaria.

Malaria - CDC Yellow Book

Considerations when choosing a drug for malaria prophylaxis (CDC Yellow Book)

Malaria information for Panama.

Cases of measles are on the rise worldwide. Travelers are at risk of measles if they have not been fully vaccinated at least two weeks prior to departure, or have not had measles in the past, and travel internationally to areas where measles is spreading.

All international travelers should be fully vaccinated against measles with the measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine, including an early dose for infants 6–11 months, according to  CDC’s measles vaccination recommendations for international travel .

Measles (Rubeola) - CDC Yellow Book

Dogs infected with rabies are not commonly found in Panama.

Rabies is present in bats.

If rabies exposures occur while in Panama, rabies vaccines may only be available in larger suburban/urban medical facilities.

Rabies pre-exposure vaccination considerations include whether travelers 1) will be performing occupational or recreational activities that increase risk for exposure to potentially rabid animals and 2) might have difficulty getting prompt access to safe post-exposure prophylaxis.

Please consult with a healthcare provider to determine whether you should receive pre-exposure vaccination before travel.

For more information, see country rabies status assessments .

Rabies - CDC Yellow Book

Recommended for most travelers, especially those staying with friends or relatives or visiting smaller cities or rural areas.

Typhoid - CDC Yellow Book

Dosing info - Typhoid

Yellow Fever

Required for travelers ≥1 year old arriving from countries with risk for YF virus transmission. 1

Recommended for travelers ≥9 months old going to all mainland areas east of the Canal Zone including Darién Province, the indigenous provinces (comarcas indígena) of Emberá and Kuna Yala (also spelled Guna Yala), and areas of the provinces of Colón and Panamá, east of the Canal Zone. Not recommended for travel limited to the Canal Zone; areas west of the Canal Zone; Panama City (the capital); Balboa district (Pearl Islands) of Panamá Province; or the San Blas Islands of Kuna Yala Province.

Yellow Fever - CDC Yellow Book

Avoid contaminated water

Leptospirosis

How most people get sick (most common modes of transmission)

• Touching urine or other body fluids from an animal infected with leptospirosis
• Swimming or wading in urine-contaminated fresh water, or contact with urine-contaminated mud
• Drinking water or eating food contaminated with animal urine
• Avoid contaminated water and soil
• Avoid floodwater

Clinical Guidance

Avoid bug bites, chagas disease (american trypanosomiasis).

• Accidentally rub feces (poop) of the triatomine bug into the bug bite, other breaks in the skin, your eyes, or mouth
• From pregnant woman to her baby, contaminated blood products (transfusions), or contaminated food or drink.
• Avoid Bug Bites

Chagas disease

• Mosquito bite

Leishmaniasis

• Sand fly bite
• An infected pregnant woman can spread it to her unborn baby

Airborne & droplet

• Breathing in air or accidentally eating food contaminated with the urine, droppings, or saliva of infected rodents
• Bite from an infected rodent
• Less commonly, being around someone sick with hantavirus (only occurs with Andes virus)
• Avoid rodents and areas where they live
• Avoid sick people

Tuberculosis (TB)

• Breathe in TB bacteria that is in the air from an infected and contagious person coughing, speaking, or singing.

Learn actions you can take to stay healthy and safe on your trip. Vaccines cannot protect you from many diseases in Panama, so your behaviors are important.

Eat and drink safely

Food and water standards around the world vary based on the destination. Standards may also differ within a country and risk may change depending on activity type (e.g., hiking versus business trip). You can learn more about safe food and drink choices when traveling by accessing the resources below.

• Choose Safe Food and Drinks When Traveling
• Water Treatment Options When Hiking, Camping or Traveling
• Global Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH)
• Avoid Contaminated Water During Travel

You can also visit the Department of State Country Information Pages for additional information about food and water safety.

Prevent bug bites

Bugs (like mosquitoes, ticks, and fleas) can spread a number of diseases in Panama. Many of these diseases cannot be prevented with a vaccine or medicine. You can reduce your risk by taking steps to prevent bug bites.

What can I do to prevent bug bites?

• Cover exposed skin by wearing long-sleeved shirts, long pants, and hats.
• Use an appropriate insect repellent (see below).
• Use permethrin-treated clothing and gear (such as boots, pants, socks, and tents). Do not use permethrin directly on skin.
• Stay and sleep in air-conditioned or screened rooms.
• Use a bed net if the area where you are sleeping is exposed to the outdoors.

What type of insect repellent should I use?

• FOR PROTECTION AGAINST TICKS AND MOSQUITOES: Use a repellent that contains 20% or more DEET for protection that lasts up to several hours.
• Picaridin (also known as KBR 3023, Bayrepel, and icaridin)
• Oil of lemon eucalyptus (OLE) or para-menthane-diol (PMD)
• 2-undecanone
• Always use insect repellent as directed.

What should I do if I am bitten by bugs?

• Avoid scratching bug bites, and apply hydrocortisone cream or calamine lotion to reduce the itching.
• Check your entire body for ticks after outdoor activity. Be sure to remove ticks properly.

What can I do to avoid bed bugs?

Although bed bugs do not carry disease, they are an annoyance. See our information page about avoiding bug bites for some easy tips to avoid them. For more information on bed bugs, see Bed Bugs .

For more detailed information on avoiding bug bites, see Avoid Bug Bites .

Stay safe outdoors

If your travel plans in Panama include outdoor activities, take these steps to stay safe and healthy during your trip.

• Stay alert to changing weather conditions and adjust your plans if conditions become unsafe.
• Prepare for activities by wearing the right clothes and packing protective items, such as bug spray, sunscreen, and a basic first aid kit.
• Consider learning basic first aid and CPR before travel. Bring a travel health kit with items appropriate for your activities.
• If you are outside for many hours in heat, eat salty snacks and drink water to stay hydrated and replace salt lost through sweating.
• Protect yourself from UV radiation : use sunscreen with an SPF of at least 15, wear protective clothing, and seek shade during the hottest time of day (10 a.m.–4 p.m.).
• Be especially careful during summer months and at high elevation. Because sunlight reflects off snow, sand, and water, sun exposure may be increased during activities like skiing, swimming, and sailing.
• Very cold temperatures can be dangerous. Dress in layers and cover heads, hands, and feet properly if you are visiting a cold location.

Stay safe around water

• Swim only in designated swimming areas. Obey lifeguards and warning flags on beaches.
• Practice safe boating—follow all boating safety laws, do not drink alcohol if driving a boat, and always wear a life jacket.
• Do not dive into shallow water.
• Do not swim in freshwater in developing areas or where sanitation is poor.
• Avoid swallowing water when swimming. Untreated water can carry germs that make you sick.
• To prevent infections, wear shoes on beaches where there may be animal waste.

Keep away from animals

Most animals avoid people, but they may attack if they feel threatened, are protecting their young or territory, or if they are injured or ill. Animal bites and scratches can lead to serious diseases such as rabies.

Follow these tips to protect yourself:

• Do not touch or feed any animals you do not know.
• Do not allow animals to lick open wounds, and do not get animal saliva in your eyes or mouth.
• Avoid rodents and their urine and feces.
• Traveling pets should be supervised closely and not allowed to come in contact with local animals.
• If you wake in a room with a bat, seek medical care immediately. Bat bites may be hard to see.

All animals can pose a threat, but be extra careful around dogs, bats, monkeys, sea animals such as jellyfish, and snakes. If you are bitten or scratched by an animal, immediately:

• Wash the wound with soap and clean water.
• Go to a doctor right away.
• Tell your doctor about your injury when you get back to the United States.

Consider buying medical evacuation insurance. Rabies is a deadly disease that must be treated quickly, and treatment may not be available in some countries.

Reduce your exposure to germs

Follow these tips to avoid getting sick or spreading illness to others while traveling:

• Wash your hands often, especially before eating.
• If soap and water aren’t available, clean hands with hand sanitizer (containing at least 60% alcohol).
• Don’t touch your eyes, nose, or mouth. If you need to touch your face, make sure your hands are clean.
• Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve (not your hands) when coughing or sneezing.
• Try to avoid contact with people who are sick.
• If you are sick, stay home or in your hotel room, unless you need medical care.

Avoid sharing body fluids

Diseases can be spread through body fluids, such as saliva, blood, vomit, and semen.

Protect yourself:

• Use latex condoms correctly.
• Do not inject drugs.
• Limit alcohol consumption. People take more risks when intoxicated.
• Do not share needles or any devices that can break the skin. That includes needles for tattoos, piercings, and acupuncture.
• If you receive medical or dental care, make sure the equipment is disinfected or sanitized.

Know how to get medical care while traveling

Plan for how you will get health care during your trip, should the need arise:

• Carry a list of local doctors and hospitals at your destination.
• Review your health insurance plan to determine what medical services it would cover during your trip. Consider purchasing travel health and medical evacuation insurance.
• Carry a card that identifies, in the local language, your blood type, chronic conditions or serious allergies, and the generic names of any medications you take.
• Some prescription drugs may be illegal in other countries. Call Panama’s embassy to verify that all of your prescription(s) are legal to bring with you.
• Bring all the medicines (including over-the-counter medicines) you think you might need during your trip, including extra in case of travel delays. Ask your doctor to help you get prescriptions filled early if you need to.

Many foreign hospitals and clinics are accredited by the Joint Commission International. A list of accredited facilities is available at their website ( www.jointcommissioninternational.org ).

In some countries, medicine (prescription and over-the-counter) may be substandard or counterfeit. Bring the medicines you will need from the United States to avoid having to buy them at your destination.

Malaria is a risk in some parts of Panama. If you are going to a risk area, fill your malaria prescription before you leave, and take enough with you for the entire length of your trip. Follow your doctor’s instructions for taking the pills; some need to be started before you leave.

Select safe transportation

Motor vehicle crashes are the #1 killer of healthy US citizens in foreign countries.

In many places cars, buses, large trucks, rickshaws, bikes, people on foot, and even animals share the same lanes of traffic, increasing the risk for crashes.

Be smart when you are traveling on foot.

• Use sidewalks and marked crosswalks.
• Pay attention to the traffic around you, especially in crowded areas.
• Remember, people on foot do not always have the right of way in other countries.

Riding/Driving

Choose a safe vehicle.

• Choose official taxis or public transportation, such as trains and buses.
• Ride only in cars that have seatbelts.
• Avoid overcrowded, overloaded, top-heavy buses and minivans.
• Avoid riding on motorcycles or motorbikes, especially motorbike taxis. (Many crashes are caused by inexperienced motorbike drivers.)
• Choose newer vehicles—they may have more safety features, such as airbags, and be more reliable.
• Choose larger vehicles, which may provide more protection in crashes.

Think about the driver.

• Do not drive after drinking alcohol or ride with someone who has been drinking.
• Consider hiring a licensed, trained driver familiar with the area.
• Arrange payment before departing.

Follow basic safety tips.

• Wear a seatbelt at all times.
• Sit in the back seat of cars and taxis.
• When on motorbikes or bicycles, always wear a helmet. (Bring a helmet from home, if needed.)
• Avoid driving at night; street lighting in certain parts of Panama may be poor.
• Do not use a cell phone or text while driving (illegal in many countries).
• Travel during daylight hours only, especially in rural areas.
• If you choose to drive a vehicle in Panama, learn the local traffic laws and have the proper paperwork.
• Get any driving permits and insurance you may need. Get an International Driving Permit (IDP). Carry the IDP and a US-issued driver's license at all times.
• Check with your auto insurance policy's international coverage, and get more coverage if needed. Make sure you have liability insurance.
• Avoid using local, unscheduled aircraft.
• If possible, fly on larger planes (more than 30 seats); larger airplanes are more likely to have regular safety inspections.
• Try to schedule flights during daylight hours and in good weather.

Medical Evacuation Insurance

If you are seriously injured, emergency care may not be available or may not meet US standards. Trauma care centers are uncommon outside urban areas. Having medical evacuation insurance can be helpful for these reasons.

Helpful Resources

Road Safety Overseas (Information from the US Department of State): Includes tips on driving in other countries, International Driving Permits, auto insurance, and other resources.

The Association for International Road Travel has country-specific Road Travel Reports available for most countries for a minimal fee.

For information traffic safety and road conditions in Panama, see Travel and Transportation on US Department of State's country-specific information for Panama .

Maintain personal security

Use the same common sense traveling overseas that you would at home, and always stay alert and aware of your surroundings.

Before you leave

• Research your destination(s), including local laws, customs, and culture.
• Monitor travel advisories and alerts and read travel tips from the US Department of State.
• Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) .
• Leave a copy of your itinerary, contact information, credit cards, and passport with someone at home.
• Pack as light as possible, and leave at home any item you could not replace.

While at your destination(s)

• Carry contact information for the nearest US embassy or consulate .
• Carry a photocopy of your passport and entry stamp; leave the actual passport securely in your hotel.
• Follow all local laws and social customs.
• Do not wear expensive clothing or jewelry.
• Always keep hotel doors locked, and store valuables in secure areas.
• If possible, choose hotel rooms between the 2nd and 6th floors.

Healthy Travel Packing List

Use the Healthy Travel Packing List for Panama for a list of health-related items to consider packing for your trip. Talk to your doctor about which items are most important for you.

Why does CDC recommend packing these health-related items?

It’s best to be prepared to prevent and treat common illnesses and injuries. Some supplies and medicines may be difficult to find at your destination, may have different names, or may have different ingredients than what you normally use.

If you are not feeling well after your trip, you may need to see a doctor. If you need help finding a travel medicine specialist, see Find a Clinic . Be sure to tell your doctor about your travel, including where you went and what you did on your trip. Also tell your doctor if you were bitten or scratched by an animal while traveling.

If your doctor prescribed antimalarial medicine for your trip, keep taking the rest of your pills after you return home. If you stop taking your medicine too soon, you could still get sick.

Malaria is always a serious disease and may be a deadly illness. If you become ill with a fever either while traveling in a malaria-risk area or after you return home (for up to 1 year), you should seek immediate medical attention and should tell the doctor about your travel history.

For more information on what to do if you are sick after your trip, see Getting Sick after Travel .

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Panama Travel Restrictions

Traveller's COVID-19 vaccination status

Travelling from the United Kingdom to Panama

Open for vaccinated visitors

COVID-19 testing

Not required

Not required for vaccinated visitors

Restaurants

Not required on public transportation.

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Can I travel to Panama from the United Kingdom?

Most visitors from the United Kingdom, regardless of vaccination status, can enter Panama.

Can I travel to Panama if I am vaccinated?

Fully vaccinated visitors from the United Kingdom can enter Panama without restrictions.

Can I travel to Panama without being vaccinated?

Unvaccinated visitors from the United Kingdom can enter Panama without restrictions.

Do I need a COVID test to enter Panama?

Visitors from the United Kingdom are not required to present a negative COVID-19 PCR test or antigen result upon entering Panama.

Can I travel to Panama without quarantine?

Travellers from the United Kingdom are not required to quarantine.

Do I need to wear a mask in Panama?

Mask usage in Panama is not required on public transportation.

Are the restaurants and bars open in Panama?

Restaurants in Panama are open. Bars in Panama are .

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Panama travel advice

Practical information.

Panama can easily be combined with travels to Costa Rica or regarded as a destination in its own right — there certainly is enough to see and do to fill a couple of weeks.

The country also makes for an ideal and alternative stop on the way to or from South American destinations such as Peru, Ecuador or Venezuela.

Panama's infrastructure

Panama is still very much in the process of developing its visitor infrastructure and we keep a very close eye on new developments and opportunities as regions open up for travel.

Specialist knowledge

Whether your curiosity principally lies around the engineering feat of the Panama Canal or you wish to venture further afield on paths less travelled, our Panama specialists have the in-depth, on-the-ground knowledge to advise you.

The official language is Spanish, although English is widely spoken.

Food and drink

The standard of food across Panama is good however menus are simple and basic with few choices. White rice is a staple part of restaurant menus and it is usually accompanied by meat, chicken and fish. Vegetarian dishes are hard to come by.

The national currency in Panama is the balboa. Panama is one of the few countries in the world that doesn't issue paper money therefore US dollar banknotes are used exclusively and US dollar notes and coins are legal tender.

When dining out restaurants may include a service charge in the bill however if they do not then tipping 10-15% is acceptable. Taxi drivers do not expect tips, any intended gratuity should be figured in with the pre-trip negotiated fare. Tipping individual hotel staff is at your own discretion, chambermaids are usually the most deserving of a tip and approximately $1 per day is appropriate.

Travel Advice

Our country specialists can advise on any safety concerns you may have. For current information, please refer to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office website .

When to go to Panama

You'll find temperature and rainfall information, together with a month-by-month guide on visiting, on our guide for when to go to Panama.

More Information

Flight Time Approx. 13 hours (Via the USA or Europe)

Recommended Airlines American Airlines , British Airways , Iberia , United Airlines

Time Zone UTC -5

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Travel advice and advisories by destination

COVID-19: travel health notice for all travellers

The Government of Canada’s official source of travel information and advice, the Travel Advice and Advisories help you to make informed decisions and travel safely while you are outside Canada. Check the page for your destination often, because safety and security conditions may change. See Travel Advice and Advisories – FAQ for more information.

Where are you going?

Take normal security precautions

Exercise a high degree of caution

Avoid non-essential travel

Avoid all travel

Travel advice from other countries

Travel advice is also provided by the governments of Australia , New Zealand , the United Kingdom and the United States .

Risk Levels

  take normal security precautions.

Take similar precautions to those you would take in Canada.

  Exercise a high degree of caution

There are certain safety and security concerns or the situation could change quickly. Be very cautious at all times, monitor local media and follow the instructions of local authorities.

IMPORTANT: The two levels below are official Government of Canada Travel Advisories and are issued when the safety and security of Canadians travelling or living in the country or region may be at risk.

  Avoid non-essential travel

Your safety and security could be at risk. You should think about your need to travel to this country, territory or region based on family or business requirements, knowledge of or familiarity with the region, and other factors. If you are already there, think about whether you really need to be there. If you do not need to be there, you should think about leaving.

  Avoid all travel

You should not travel to this country, territory or region. Your personal safety and security are at great risk. If you are already there, you should think about leaving if it is safe to do so.

Introducing Panama

About panama.

• Images of Panama
• History, language & culture
• Weather & geography
• Doing business & staying in touch

Plan your trip

• Travel to Panama
• Where to stay

While you’re there

• Things to see & do
• Shopping & nightlife
• Food & drink
• Getting around

Before you go

• Passport & visa
• Public Holidays
• Money & duty free

Book your flights

• Panama City
• Tocumen Panama International Airport

Cruise Locations

Panama travel guide.

Think Panama and what springs to mind? The canal? Cigars? Straw hats? Probably all three. However, for those in the know, this slender Central American nation is much more than that; it is a land of wildlife-rich rainforests and remote indigenous communities; Miami-esque promenades and paradisiacal beaches; verdant volcanoes and the impenetrable wilderness of the Darien Gap.

Firstly, the canal. Though considered to be the star attraction (thousands flock here to watch container ships passing through the locks) the wild landscapes it scythes through are an altogether more exciting prospect. Here you can hike volcanoes, zip-wire over forest canopies, raft down rapids and meet one of the country’s largest indigenous groups, the Kunas, who eke out simple, traditional lives on the sumptuous San Blas Islands.

The Caribbean coastline features another facet of Panamanian culture. Jamaicans and Barbadians, drafted in to build the canal, ended up settling here and an Afro-Caribbean vibe endures to this day. The nearby Bocas del Toro islands, meanwhile, are the definition of Caribbean island ideal with their palm-fringed beaches, limpid lagoons and sleepy eco-lodges.

The wildlife is also spectacular. Whale watching in the Golfo de Chiriquí is a must and you never forget scuba diving or snorkeling alongside turtles in the Coiba National Marine Park. Its birdlife surpasses neighbouring Costa Rica and the most treasured sightings are the iconic harpy eagle, Panama’s national bird, and the endangered great green macaw.

With so much natural beauty to imbibe, it is easy to overlook the bustling capital, Panama City. But don’t. A metropolis divided starkly between the past and present, it is a city where crumbling colonial buildings stand in the shadows of high-rise steel and glass towers. It feels a little bit like Miami and the locals certainly give their US counterparts a run for their money in the hedonism stakes. Come join the party.

75,517 sq km (29,157 sq miles).

3,990,406 (UN estimate 2016).

48.4 per sq km.

Panama City.

President Laurentino Cortizo since 2019.

Travel Advice

The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office ( FCDO ) provides advice about risks of travel to help British nationals make informed decisions. Find out more about FCDO travel advice .

Before you travel

No travel can be guaranteed safe. Read all the advice in this guide and see support for British nationals abroad for information about specific travel topics.

Follow and contact FCDO travel on Twitter , Facebook and Instagram . You can also sign up to get email notifications when this advice is updated.

Travel insurance

If you choose to travel, research your destinations and get appropriate travel insurance . Insurance should cover your itinerary, planned activities and expenses in an emergency.

This advice reflects the UK government’s understanding of current rules for people travelling on a full ‘British citizen’ passport from the UK, for the most common types of travel.

The authorities in Panama set and enforce entry rules. If you’re not sure how these requirements apply to you, contact the Embassy and Consulate of Panama in the UK .

COVID-19 rules

There are no COVID-19 testing or vaccination requirements for travellers entering Panama.

Passport validity requirements

If you’re visiting Panama, your passport must have an ‘expiry date’ at least 6 months after the day you plan to leave Panama.

If you live in Panama, your passport must have an ‘expiry date’ at least 6 months after the day you arrive.

Your passport must have at least one blank page.

Check with your travel provider that your passport and other travel documents meet requirements. Renew your passport if you need to.

You will be denied entry if you do not have a valid travel document or try to use a passport that has been reported lost or stolen.

 Checks at border control

Make sure you get your passport stamped.

Make sure immigration officials properly stamp your passport with the date you arrived the country.

At Panamanian border control, you may need to:

• give the address of your accommodation and a contact telephone number
• show a return or onward ticket – particularly if you arrive by land from Costa Rica and are not a legal resident of Costa Rica
• prove you have at least 1000 US dollars (or the same amount in other currencies) or a credit card

Visa requirements

You can visit Panama for up to 3 months without a visa if you arrive by land or air. There are different visa requirements for sea arrivals.

You cannot normally extend your stay, unless you apply to change your immigration status (for example, for business purposes or marriage) within the 3 months.

If you try to extend your stay by visiting a neighbouring country and returning to Panama, immigration officials may detain you. The British Embassy cannot intervene in decisions made by Panama’s immigration officials.

If you arrive by sea

If you arrive on a vessel that is not a cruise ship, you must have a visa to enter Panama. You must pay a fee of 100 US dollars, plus 5 US dollars registration, for each passenger or crew member. There may be other fees, for example for cruising permits.

If you arrive on a cruise ship or are travelling through the Panama Canal, you do not need a visa unless you are staying in Panama for more than 3 months. Immigration authorities will stamp your passport if you leave the ship. They do not board cruise ships travelling through the Canal to check passports.

Applying for a visa

If you need a visa, apply through the Embassy and Consulate of Panama in the UK . They can give you more information on entry requirements.

For information on extending your stay, check with the Panama National Migration Service (in Spanish).

Airport tax

There is a charge of 40 US dollars on departure. This is usually included in your airline ticket fare. Check with your airline.

Vaccination requirements

At least 8 weeks before your trip, check the vaccinations and certificates you need in TravelHealthPro’s Panama guide .

Depending on your circumstances, this may include a yellow fever vaccination certificate.

Customs rules

There are strict rules about goods you can take into or out of Panama. You must declare anything that may be prohibited or subject to tax or duty.

There is a high threat of terrorist attack globally affecting UK interests and British nationals, including from groups and individuals who view the UK and British nationals as targets. Stay aware of your surroundings at all times.

UK Counter Terrorism Policing has information and advice on staying safe abroad and what to do in the event of a terrorist attack. Find out how to reduce your risk from terrorism while abroad .

Terrorism in Panama

Although there is no recent history of terrorism in Panama, attacks cannot be ruled out.

Political situation

Protests can be unpredictable, occur at short notice and escalate quickly. You should avoid protests and demonstrations, monitor local media and follow advice from local authorities. You should avoid travelling around protest-affected areas at night. Protests may be particularly large in Colón City. Protests often involve informal road blocks and can affect access to the border crossing into Costa Rica at Paso Canoas and international airports. Check your route and alternatives before travelling. If you are unable to reach an airport for a planned flight, please contact your airline to make alternative arrangements.

If you’re the victim of a crime in Panama and want to report the incident, do so before you leave the country, otherwise the police may not investigate.

Street crime can happen anywhere, but these areas of Panama City have higher levels of crime:

• San Miguelito
• El Chorrillo
• 24 de Diciembre

Protecting yourself and your belongings 

There is a risk of pickpocketing in busy areas, on buses and at bus stations. You can take steps to protect yourself and your belongings, including:

• not carrying large amounts of money or valuables around with you
• leaving valuables in a safe place such as a hotel safe

People have been attacked after withdrawing cash from ATMs.

Take sensible precautions to avoid mugging, particularly in main shopping areas and tourist sites, including:

• Albrook Mall in Panama City
• Via España and Avenida Central in Panama City
• the area of Calidonia in Panama City
• the old town (Casco Viejo) in Panama City
• the old Panama ruins (Panama Viejo) in Panama City
• the Madden Dam area – off the main Panama to Colon road
• the city of Colon

Be wary if visitors approach you to get access to your accomodation. Criminal gangs have used this method to commit burglaries. If you’re in any doubt, call the police.

Sexual assault

There have been violent attacks, including sexual assault, in tourist destinations in Panama City and across the country. Use the same level of caution you would in the UK when travelling at night. Avoid poorly lit areas and do not walk on your own.

See advice for women travelling abroad .

Gang-related crime

There have been incidents of targeted gang assassinations, some in tourist areas. Most of these crimes are between members of rival drug gangs.

Laws and cultural differences

Smoking and e-cigarette bans.

It’s illegal to smoke in public places. You could be fined 25 to 100 US dollars if you’re caught smoking where it’s not allowed. The use of e-cigarettes is also banned in public places.

Illegal drugs and prison sentences

Do not become involved with drugs of any kind. You can get a prison sentence for possessing even a small quantity of drugs.

The judicial process is slow and sentencing may take up to 2 years. Conditions in prisons and other detention facilities in Panama are harsh. Most facilities are overcrowded with limited access to healthcare. There have been recent cases of riots ending in prisoner deaths.

LGBT+ travellers

Same-sex civil unions are illegal, but same-sex relationships are legal in Panama. Most Panamanians are generally tolerant of LGBT+ travellers. However, Panamanian law does not ban discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity. There have been incidents of police officers detaining LGBT+ couples on the grounds of public indecency. Showing affection in public can lead to unwanted attention. Casco Viejo is considered a safe place for LGBT+ travellers.

Read more advice for LGBT+ travellers .

Outdoor activities and adventure tourism

Swimming safety.

Take care when wading, swimming or taking part in water sports on Pacific and Caribbean beaches. Some beaches have strong currents and undertows and there are rarely warning signs. People drown every year.

Do not swim in the Bay of Panama as it is highly polluted with untreated sewage and industrial waste.

See advice on safe swimming from ABTA  and  holiday water safety from the Royal Life Saving Society .

Hiking and mountaineering

If hiking in the hills around Boquete and the Province of Chiriqui you should consider going with an experienced guide. Trails may not be well marked, and mobile phone coverage is unreliable. Tourists have gone missing and died hiking without a guide. Seek local advice before setting out.

Transport risks

Road travel.

If you are planning on driving, see information on driving abroad .

You can use a UK photocard driving licence to drive in Panama for up to 3 months. The Panamanian authorities will not accept a paper licence – you can update it to a photocard licence . Carry a copy of your passport with the dated entry stamp as proof you’re still within the 3 months permitted.

Drivers and front-seat passengers must wear seatbelts. Children aged 4 and under must travel in the back in fitted child seats.

Drink-driving is a serious offence in Panama. If you are tested and found to have any alcohol in your system, you may get a fine, have your licence revoked and your car impounded.

Driving standards

Driving standards can be poor. Traffic accidents are common. Roads are often poorly lit and can have potholes and unfinished repairs. Darien Province and other remote rural areas may have very few surfaced roads.

Traffic can be heavy in Panama City and other populated areas such as:

Repair work and construction sites are common in these areas.

If you’re involved in a traffic accident with another driver, wait inside your vehicle for your insurance representative and the transit police to arrive. Avoid any type of confrontation with other drivers or passers-by.

Unregistered taxis can be in poor condition. Many accidents are due to poor maintenance and driving standards. Picking up many passengers is common in Panama. Make sure your drivers do not do this.

Extreme weather and natural disasters

See extreme weather and natural hazards for information about how to prepare, and how to react if there is a warning.

The Atlantic hurricane season runs from June to November. Hurricanes do not directly affect Panama but often cause heavy rain. There may be flash floods and landslides. October and November have the heaviest rainfall. Monitor local news, check World Meteorological Association weather reports for Panama and follow local advice.

Earthquakes

Earthquakes are a risk in Panama. The US Federal Emergency Management Agency website has advice about what to do before, during and after an earthquake or tsunami .

This section has safety advice for regions of Panama. It only covers regions where FCDO has specific advice.

You should also read FCDO’s overall travel advice and safety and security advice .  

Colombia border

There is a risk of violence near the Colombia border in an area east of a line drawn between:

• Punta Carreto in the Comarca de Guna Yala on the Atlantic coast
• Yaviza in the eastern Darien Province
• Punta Piña on the Pacific coast

Political and criminal violence in Colombia can spill over into Panama. There is a threat from Colombian guerrillas and other armed groups. Foreign nationals and Panamanian citizens have been the victims of violent crimes, kidnapping and murder in this area.

Darien Province

Only travel to Darien Province in an organised group, and make sure local police and security authorities are aware of your visit. Follow local security advice and do not stray from your group.

Before you travel check that:

• your destination can provide the healthcare you may need;
• you have appropriate travel insurance for local treatment or unexpected medical evacuation.

This is particularly important if you have a health condition or are pregnant.

Emergency medical number

Call 103 and ask for an ambulance.

Call 911 for emergencies.

Contact your insurance company promptly if you’re referred to a medical facility for treatment.

Vaccinations and health risks

At least 8 weeks before your trip check:

• the latest information on vaccinations and health risks in TravelHealthPro’s Panama guide
• where to get vaccines and whether you have to pay on the NHS travel vaccinations page

Health risks include:

• chikungunya
• contaminated water – tap water is safe to drink in most of the country. Follow local recommendations in rural and island areas.

The legal status and regulation of some medicines prescribed or bought in the UK can be different in other countries.

Read best practice when travelling with medicines on TravelHealthPro .

The NHS has information on whether you can take your medicine abroad .

Healthcare facilities in Panama

Panama City has some good private hospitals and clinics, but medical facilities outside the capital are limited.

FCDO has a list of English-speaking doctors in Panama .

Travel and mental health

Read FCDO guidance on travel and mental health . There is also mental health guidance on TravelHealthPro .

The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office ( FCDO ) cannot provide tailored advice for individual trips. Read this travel advice and carry out your own research before deciding whether to travel.

Emergency services in Panama

Telephone: 911 (ambulance, fire, police)

You can also call specific emergency numbers.

Ambulance: 103

Police: 104

Panamanian Tourism Authority

Telephone: +507 6330 2520

Email: [email protected]

Contact your travel provider and insurer

Contact your travel provider and your insurer if you are involved in a serious incident or emergency abroad. They will tell you if they can help and what you need to do.

Refunds and changes to travel

For refunds or changes to travel, contact your travel provider. You may also be able to make a claim through insurance. However, insurers usually require you to talk to your travel provider first.

Find out more about changing or cancelling travel plans , including:

• where to get advice if you are in a dispute with a provider
• how to access previous versions of travel advice to support a claim

Support from FCDO

FCDO has guidance on staying safe and what to do if you need help or support abroad, including:

• finding English-speaking lawyers , funeral directors  and translators and interpreters in Panama
• dealing with a  death in Panama
• being  arrested or imprisoned in Panama
• getting help if you’re a  victim of crime
• what to do if you’re  in hospital
• if you’re affected by a crisis , such as a terrorist attack

Contacting FCDO

Follow and contact FCDO travel on Twitter , Facebook and Instagram . You can also sign up to get email notifications when this travel advice is updated.

You can also contact FCDO online .

Help abroad in an emergency

If you’re in Panama and you need emergency help from the UK government, contact the British Embassy in Panama .

FCDO in London

You can call FCDO in London if you need urgent help because something has happened to a friend or relative abroad.

Telephone: 020 7008 5000 (24 hours)

Find out about call charges

Risk information for British companies

The  Overseas Business Risk service  offers information and advice for British companies operating overseas on how to manage political, economic, and business security-related risks.

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• St Kitts and Nevis
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