Risk level

Safety and security

Region between Metetí and the Colombian border

Avoid all travel between Metetí and the Colombian border.

Organized crime groups, including human and drug traffickers, are active in this area. The level of violent crime is extremely high, with numerous reports of:

• sexual asssault
• kidnappings
• armed robberies
• murders
• disappearances

If you choose to visit this region despite the advisory:  

• be extremely vigilant at all times
• review your security situation regularly
• leave a detailed itinerary with family or friends

Mosquito Gulf

Avoid all travel to the Mosquito Gulf, from Boca de Río Chiriquí to Coclé del Norte.

This is a very remote part of the country with limited road access. There are high levels of illegal activity such as drug smuggling and human trafficking along the coast.

Crime

Petty crime

Petty crime, such as pickpocketing and purse snatching, occurs.

• Ensure that your belongings, including your passport and other travel documents, are secure at all times
• Avoid displaying signs of affluence or carrying large sums of cash
• Use ATMs located in public areas or inside a bank or business
• Don’t walk alone after dark
• Remain vigilant in all public places, especially at airports and bus terminals

High-crime areas include bus stations and shopping areas on Avenida Central in Panama City, as well as the following areas:

• Calidonia
• Curundú
• El Chorrillo
• Panama Viejo
• Rio Abajo
• Santa Ana
• 24 de Diciembre
• District of San Miguelito, especially the following areas:
• Amelia Denis de Icaza
• Belisario Porras
• Belisario Frias
• Arnulfo Arias
• Veracruz City

Theft from hotel rooms occurs in both urban and resort areas.

Residential break-ins and robberies also occur. They are more likely to happen when no one is home. Criminals may also try to gain your trust before entering your home.

• Stay in busy, reputable and well-protected hotels
• Always verify the identity of a visitor before opening your door
• Ensure that windows and doors are secure and locked in both private and commercial accommodations

Violent crime

Violent crime is not frequent, but does occur. There have been violent crimes committed in the cities of Colón and David, as well as in some beach communities.

Express kidnappings have also occurred. Criminals abduct victims, usually for a few hours, and force them to withdraw money from ATMs in exchange for their release.

Curfews for minors

Curfews for minors (under 18 years old) may be in place in Panama.
Police may arrest minors who are outside alone late at night if they’re perceived to be involved in suspicious activities. They may be detained until the police can contact their parents, who may receive a fine.

If you are travelling with a minor to Panama while a curfew is in effect:

• stay informed of areas where curfews may be in place
• ensure that they carry proper identification
• monitor local media for the latest information
• follow the instructions of local authorities, including curfew orders

Demonstrations

Demonstrations occasionally occur. They can lead to disruptions to traffic and public transportation. Even peaceful demonstrations can turn violent at any time. Police may use tear gas and other methods to disperse crowds. 

• Avoid areas where demonstrations and large gatherings are taking place
• Follow the instructions of local authorities
• Monitor local and social media for information on ongoing demonstrations
• Check your route before travelling and be prepared to modify your plans in case of disturbances and roadblocks

Mass gatherings (large-scale events)

Women’s safety

Women travelling alone may be subject to some forms of harassment and verbal abuse.

Incidents of assault, rape and sexual aggression against foreigners have occurred, including at beach resorts. In some cases, hotel employees have been implicated.

• Avoid walking after dark, especially alone
• Avoid deserted or under-populated areas
• Exercise caution when dealing with strangers or recent acquaintances
• Don’t accept invitations or rides from strangers or recent acquaintances

If you are a victim of a sexual assault or other crime, you should report it immediately to the police and the Embassy of Canada.

Advice for women travellers

Water activities

Swimming

Lifeguards don’t usually supervise beaches. Tidal changes can cause powerful currents, and riptides are common. Several drownings occur each year.

Rescue services may not be consistent with international standards.

• Consult residents and tour operators for information on possible hazards and safe swimming areas
• Follow the instructions and warnings of local authorities

Diving

Tour operators may not adhere to international standards.

If you undertake adventure sports, such as diving:

• choose a well-established and reputable company that has insurance
• ensure that your travel insurance covers the recreational activities you choose

If in doubt concerning the safety of the facilities or equipment, don’t use them.

Water safety abroad

Adventure tourism

If you engage in adventure tourism:

• never do so alone
• always hire an experienced guide from a reputable company
• buy travel insurance that includes helicopter rescue and medical evacuation
• ensure that your physical condition is good enough to meet the challenges of your activity
• ensure that you’re properly equipped
• ensure that you’re well informed about weather and other conditions that may pose a hazard
• inform a family member or friend of your itinerary
• obtain detailed information on each activity before setting out

Road safety

Road conditions and road safety are poor throughout the country. 

Drivers often drive dangerously.

Night construction on the Pan-American Highway is frequent, and the highway is not well-lit.

• Keep car windows closed and doors locked at all times
• Be prepared for possible roadblocks

Public transportation

Public transportation has improved in the recent years but may be unreliable.

Buses

Local buses within Panama City don’t always follow a regular route. Due to the risk of theft, when travelling by bus:

• be aware of your surroundings
• protect your belongings

Taxis and ridesharing

Registered yellow taxis are generally safe if located at a taxi stand, which are usually found at malls, hotels and main transport hubs.

They are not metered. Fares are calculated according to the number of zones crossed to get to a destination. It's preferable to have small bills available to pay taxi fares.

When using a taxi:.

• agree to a fare before departure
• tell the driver you don’t want to share a taxi, since they may attempt to pick up additional passengers
• always sit in the back of the vehicle

Rideshare apps are commonly used throughout the country.

If you use a trusted ridesharing app, confirm the driver’s identity and the licence plate before getting in the car.

Boating

The following areas are known as transportation corridors for narcotics:

• the southeastern coast of Comarca Kuna Yala
• Coiba Island
• the Mosquito Gulf
• the entire length of the Pacific coast

These areas are especially dangerous at night. Boaters should be wary of vessels that may be involved in smuggling.

Air travel

We do not make assessments on the compliance of foreign domestic airlines with international safety standards.

Information about foreign domestic airlines

Entry and exit requirements

Every country or territory decides who can enter or exit through its borders. The Government of Canada cannot intervene on your behalf if you do not meet your destination’s entry or exit requirements.

We have obtained the information on this page from the Panamanian authorities. It can, however, change at any time.

Verify this information with the Foreign Representatives in Canada.

Passport

Entry requirements vary depending on the type of passport you use for travel.

Before you travel, check with your transportation company about passport requirements. Its rules on passport validity may be more stringent than the country’s entry rules.

Regular Canadian passport

Your passport must be valid for at least 3 months beyond the date you expect to leave Panama.

Passport for official travel

Different entry rules may apply.

Official travel

Passport with “X” gender identifier

While the Government of Canada issues passports with an “X” gender identifier, it cannot guarantee your entry or transit through other countries. You might face entry restrictions in countries that do not recognize the “X” gender identifier. Before you leave, check with the closest foreign representative for your destination.

Other travel documents

Different entry rules may apply when travelling with a temporary passport or an emergency travel document. Before you leave, check with the closest foreign representative for your destination.

Useful links

• Foreign Representatives in Canada
• Canadian passports

Visas

Tourist visa: not required for stays up to 180 days
Business visa: required
Student visa: required

Length of stay

If you wish to stay in the country for more than 180 days, you must change your residency status.

To renew your stay as a tourist, you must exit Panama for at least 30 days. Immigration authorities may deny you re-entry if you try to renew your stay in Panama by travelling out of the country for a short period of time and returning as a tourist.

Panama National Immigration Service (in Spanish)

Coiba Island

You need a permit from Panama’s National Authority for the Environment to access Coiba National Park. Contact your tour operator to obtain it.

Criminal record

You may be refused entry to Panama, even for transit purposes, if you have a criminal record.

Other requirements

Entry stamp

You must obtain an entry stamp from immigration officials upon entry into Panama. You may be fined US$1,000 if you fail to do so.

Exit or onward ticket

Immigration officials may ask you to show them a return or onward ticket and proof of sufficient funds to cover your stay.

Biometrics

You must register your biometrics (fingerprints and facial scan) at the port of entry.

Cash or credit card

You are required to have the equivalent of US$500 or a credit card when entering Panama.

Children and travel

Learn more about travelling with children.

Yellow fever

Learn about potential entry requirements related to yellow fever (vaccines section).

Health

Routine vaccines

Be sure that your routine vaccinations, as per your province or territory, are up-to-date before travelling, regardless of your destination.

Some of these vaccinations include measles-mumps-rubella (MMR), diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, polio, varicella (chickenpox), influenza and others.

Pre-travel vaccines and medications

You may be at risk for preventable diseases while travelling in this destination. Talk to a travel health professional about which medications or vaccines may be right for you, based on your destination and itinerary. 

Safe food and water precautions

Many illnesses can be caused by eating food or drinking beverages contaminated by bacteria, parasites, toxins, or viruses, or by swimming or bathing in contaminated water.

• Learn more about food and water precautions to take to avoid getting sick by visiting our eat and drink safely abroad page. Remember: Boil it, cook it, peel it, or leave it!
• Avoid getting water into your eyes, mouth or nose when swimming or participating in activities in freshwater (streams, canals, lakes), particularly after flooding or heavy rain. Water may look clean but could still be polluted or contaminated.
• Avoid inhaling or swallowing water while bathing, showering, or swimming in pools or hot tubs. 

Insect bite prevention

Many diseases are spread by the bites of infected insects such as mosquitoes, ticks, fleas or flies. When travelling to areas where infected insects may be present:

• Use insect repellent (bug spray) on exposed skin
• Cover up with light-coloured, loose clothes made of tightly woven materials such as nylon or polyester
• Minimize exposure to insects
• Use mosquito netting when sleeping outdoors or in buildings that are not fully enclosed

To learn more about how you can reduce your risk of infection and disease caused by bites, both at home and abroad, visit our insect bite prevention page.

Find out what types of insects are present where you’re travelling, when they’re most active, and the symptoms of the diseases they spread.

Animal precautions

Some infections, such as rabies and influenza, can be shared between humans and animals. Certain types of activities may increase your chance of contact with animals, such as travelling in rural or forested areas, camping, hiking, and visiting wet markets (places where live animals are slaughtered and sold) or caves.

Travellers are cautioned to avoid contact with animals, including dogs, livestock (pigs, cows), monkeys, snakes, rodents, birds, and bats, and to avoid eating undercooked wild game.

Closely supervise children, as they are more likely to come in contact with animals.

Person-to-person infections

Stay home if you’re sick and practise proper cough and sneeze etiquette, which includes coughing or sneezing into a tissue or the bend of your arm, not your hand. Reduce your risk of colds, the flu and other illnesses by:

•  washing your hands often
• avoiding or limiting the amount of time spent in closed spaces, crowded places, or at large-scale events (concerts, sporting events, rallies)
• avoiding close physical contact with people who may be showing symptoms of illness 

Sexually transmitted infections (STIs), HIV, and mpox are spread through blood and bodily fluids; use condoms, practise safe sex, and limit your number of sexual partners. Check with your local public health authority pre-travel to determine your eligibility for mpox vaccine.  

Medical services and facilities

Good health care is available in private hospitals and clinics in Panama City. Quality of care varies greatly in public hospitals throughout the country, which are limited outside Panama City.

You may have to pay in advance, in cash, to obtain medical services.

Medical evacuation can be very expensive and you may need it in case of serious illness or injury.

Make sure you get travel insurance that includes coverage for medical evacuation and hospital stays.

Health and safety outside Canada

Keep in Mind...

The decision to travel is the sole responsibility of the traveller. The traveller is also responsible for his or her own personal safety.

Be prepared. Do not expect medical services to be the same as in Canada. Pack a travel health kit, especially if you will be travelling away from major city centres.

Laws and culture

You must abide by local laws.

Learn about what you should do and how we can help if you are arrested or detained abroad.

Panama’s legal system is complex. Reporting a crime differs greatly from reporting a crime in Canada and may vary among Panama’s provinces. Local authorities generally do not speak English or French. Therefore, you may require a translator or legal representation.

Drugs

Penalties for possession, use or trafficking of illegal drugs are severe. Convicted offenders can expect heavy fines and long jail sentences.

Drugs, alcohol and travel

Identification

Panamanian law requires all individuals to carry official identification documents at all times. Authorities may jail and fine you if you fail to produce identification upon request.

Photography

Indigenous persons may ask you for a small fee if you take picture of them.

Ask permission before taking photographs of individuals, particularly of children and women.

2SLGBTQI+ persons

Panamanian law does not prohibit sexual acts between individuals of the same sex.

However, 2SLGBTQI+ persons could be discriminated against based on their sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression or sex characteristics.

Travel and your sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression and sex characteristics

Driving

You can drive in Panama with your Canadian driver’s licence for a period of up to 90 days.

Although vehicle insurance is mandatory, many Panamanians drive without it. In the event of an accident:

• call the police
• don’t move the vehicle until a police officer tells you to do so

You should carry an international driving permit.

International Driving Permit

Investments

If you plan on buying property or making other investments in Panama, seek legal advice in Canada and in Panama. Do so before making commitments. Related disputes could take time and be costly to resolve.

Dual citizenship

Dual citizenship is legally recognized in Panama.

If you are a Canadian citizen, but also a citizen of Panama, our ability to offer you consular services may be limited while you're there. You may also be subject to different entry/exit requirements.

Dual citizens

International Child Abduction

The Hague Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction is an international treaty. It can help parents with the return of children who have been removed to or retained in certain countries in violation of custody rights. The convention applies between Canada and Panama.

If your child was wrongfully taken to, or is being held in Panama, and if the applicable conditions are met, you may apply for the return of your child to the Panamanian court.

If you are in this situation:

• act as quickly as you can
• contact the Central Authority for your province or territory of residence for information on starting an application under The Hague Convention
• consult a lawyer in Canada and in Panama to explore all the legal options for the return of your child
• report the situation to the nearest Canadian government office abroad or to the Vulnerable Children's Consular Unit at Global Affairs Canada by calling the Emergency Watch and Response Centre

If your child was removed from a country other than Canada, consult a lawyer to determine if The Hague Convention applies.

Be aware that Canadian consular officials cannot interfere in private legal matters or in another country's judicial affairs.

Useful links

• List of Canadian Central Authorities for the Hague Convention
• International Child Abductions: A guide for affected parents
• Children and travel
• The Hague Convention – Hague Conference on Private International Law
• Canadian embassies and consulates by destination
• Request emergency assistance

Money

The currency in Panama is the balboa (PAB).

It is used interchangeably with the U.S. dollar (USD).

There have been issues with counterfeit US$50 and US$100 bills. Carry only small bills of U.S. dollars.

Natural disasters and climate

Hurricane season

Hurricanes usually occur from mid-May to the end of November. During this period, even small tropical storms can quickly develop into major hurricanes.

These severe storms can put you at risk and hamper the provision of essential services. You could face serious safety risks during a hurricane.

If you decide to travel to a coastal area during the hurricane season:

• be prepared to change your travel plans on short notice, including cutting short or cancelling your trip
• stay informed of the latest regional weather forecasts
• carry emergency contact information for your airline or tour operator
• follow the advice and instructions of local authorities

Useful links

• Severe storms outside Canada
• Large-scale emergencies outside Canada
• Active storm tracking and hurricane watches and warnings – U.S. National Hurricane Center

Rainy season

The rainy season extends from April to December. Seasonal flooding can hamper overland travel and reduce the provision of essential services. Roads may become impassable and bridges damaged.

Earthquakes and tsunamis

Western Panama is located in an active seismic zone. Earthquakes and tsunamis can occur.

A tsunami can occur within minutes of a nearby earthquake. However, the risk of tsunami can remain for several hours following the first tremor. If you’re staying on the coast, familiarize yourself with the region’s evacuation plans in the event of a tsunami warning.

In the event of a natural disaster, follow the advice of the local authorities.

• Earthquakes – What to Do?
• Tsunami alerts – U.S. Tsunami Warning System
• Latest earthquakes – U.S. Geological Survey