This advice has been reviewed and reissued. It contains new information in the Summary and under Where to Get Help (Canadian Embassy, Panama City). The overall level of the advice has not changed.

Summary

Safety and Security

Terrorism

Terrorism is a threat throughout the world. You can find more information about this threat in our General Advice to Australian Travellers.

Panama/Colombia border area: The border area between Panama and Colombia is volatile due to the presence of violent Colombian separatist groups and drug traffickers. Foreigners have been kidnapped and murdered in this area.

Civil Unrest/Political Tension

Protests and demonstrations, primarily concerning local social and political issues, occur frequently and are often centred on the campus of the University of Panama in Panama City and on main highways. You should avoid such events as they may turn violent.

Crime

We advise you to exercise a high degree of caution in Panama because of the high levels of criminal activity. Pay close attention to your personal security and monitor the media for information about possible new safety or security risks.

Darien Gap beyond Yaviza: We strongly advise you not to travel to the Darien Gap, beyond Yaviza, in southern Panama near the border with Colombia, because of the risk of violent criminal activity. The dangerous zone begins at the end of the Pan American highway (at Yaviza, about 230km southeast of Panama City) and ends at the Colombian border. This area includes the Darien National Park and privately owned nature reserves and tourist resorts. We have received numerous reports of kidnappings, armed robberies, deaths and disappearances.

High levels of crime, including armed robbery and muggings, are prevalent. There have been occasional armed hold-ups in restaurants in Panama City, Colon and elsewhere. Colon is now considered a high crime area. Travellers have been targeted by armed criminals, especially at Madden Dam, a tourist site north east of Panama City in the Chagre National Park. Other areas that have a high risk of crime are San Miguelito, Rio Abajo, Chorillo, Ancon, Curundu, Veracruz Beach, Panama Viejo, and Parque Soberania.

Incidents of 'express kidnappings', where victims are forced to withdraw funds from an automatic teller machine (ATM) to secure their release, have occurred. Be cautious when using ATMs in public places.

Petty crime such as pick pocketing and bag snatching is prevalent at airports, bus terminals, on public transport and in the main shopping areas. Travellers should avoid walking alone.

You are advised to be cautious of approaches by visitors seeking access to your property. Criminals may use a number of scams to gain the trust of the victims and identify the potential victim's routine, then organising robberies with other gang members.

Local Travel

Use only registered taxis and wherever possible, call a taxi rather than hail one off the street. Do not share taxis with unknown passengers, and always sit in the back of the vehicle.

Road conditions, street lighting and vehicle maintenance are generally poor.

The number of lifeguards and the availability of rescue equipment at public beaches in Panama are limited. Swimming conditions can become dangerous with little warning. The Bay of Panama is polluted with untreated sewage and industrial waste.

Airline Safety

Tocumen International Airport in Panama City is the only airport in Panama that maintains international airport security measures. Local domestic air carriers may not meet Australian and international safety and security standards.

Passengers on international flights to and from Australia are only allowed to carry a small amount of liquids (including aerosols and gels) in their carry-on baggage. You can find out more information at the Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government website. Similar restrictions apply to flights in an increasing number of countries. Contact your airline for further information.

If you have concerns about the safety standards of a particular airline or aircraft, we recommend you research the airline or aircraft through organisations such as Australia's Civil Aviation Safety Authority and the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO). The Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government has published fact sheets on security for air travellers. When staff at Australia's overseas missions are advised not to use particular airlines due to safety concerns, this will be included in the travel advisory.

The European Union (EU) has published a list of airlines that are subject to operating bans or restrictions within the EU. The United States Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) through its foreign assessment program focuses on a country's ability, not the individual airline, to adhere to international standards and recommended practices for aircraft operations and maintenance established by ICAO.

Natural Disasters, Severe Weather and Climate

The hurricane season is June to November when landslides, mudslides and flooding may occur. In the case of a hurricane or other natural disasters, you should monitor local media reports and follow the instructions of local emergency officials.

The direction and strength of hurricanes can change with little warning. You can check the latest hurricane information at the National Hurricane Centre website.

In the event of an approaching hurricane, you should identify your local shelter. Flights in and out of affected areas could be delayed or suspended. Available flights may fill quickly. You should contact your airline for the latest flight information. The hurricane could also affect access to sea ports in the region. In some areas, adequate shelter from a severe hurricane may not be available to all who may choose to stay. You should familiarise yourself with your hotel or cruise ship evacuation plans. You should carry your travel documents at all times (i.e. Passport, picture ID's, etc.) or secure them in a safe, waterproof location. We also suggest that you contact friends and family in Australia with updates about your welfare and whereabouts. For further information, see our Travel Bulletin: Severe Weather – Cyclones, Hurricanes and Typhoons.

Panama is subject to earthquakes.

All oceanic regions of the world can experience tsunamis, but in the Indian and Pacific Oceans, there is a more frequent occurrence of large, destructive tsunamis because of the many large earthquakes along major tectonic plate boundaries and ocean trenches. See the Tsunami Awareness brochure.

Wildlife Watching

Australians are advised to maintain a safe and legal distance when observing wildlife, including marine animals and birds. You should only use reputable and professional guides or tour operators and closely follow park regulations and wardens' advice.

Money and Valuables

Before you go, organise a variety of ways to access your money overseas, such as credit cards, travellers' cheques, cash, debit cards or cash cards. Check with your bank whether your ATM card will work overseas.

The US dollar is the paper currency of Panama, however Panama mints its own coins.

Make two photocopies of valuables such as your passport, tickets, visas and travellers' cheques. Keep one copy with you in a separate place to the original and leave another copy with someone at home.

While travelling, don't carry too much cash and remember that expensive watches, jewellery and cameras may be tempting targets for thieves.

As a sensible precaution against luggage tampering and theft, lock your luggage. Information on luggage safety is available from Australia's Civil Aviation Safety Authority.

Your passport is a valuable document that is attractive to criminals who may try to use your identity to commit crimes. It should always be kept in a safe place. You are required by Australian law to report a lost or stolen passport. If your passport is lost or stolen overseas, report it online or contact the nearest Australian Embassy, High Commission or Consulate as soon as possible.

You are required to pay an additional fee to have a lost or stolen passport replaced. In some cases, the Government may also restrict the length of validity or type of replacement passports.

For Parents

If you are planning on placing your children in schools or childcare facilities overseas we encourage you to research the standards of security, care and staff training within those establishments. You should exercise the same precautions you would take before placing children into schools or childcare facilities in Australia.

Ideas on how to select childcare providers are available from the smartraveller Children's Issues page, Child Wise and the National Childcare Accreditation Council.

Local Laws

When you are in Panama, be aware that local laws and penalties, including ones that appear harsh by Australian standards, do apply to you. If you are arrested or jailed, the Australian Government will do what it can to help you but we can't get you out of trouble or out of jail.

Information on what Australian consular officers can and cannot do to help Australians in trouble overseas is available from the Consular Services Charter.

Panama law requires that you carry identification documentation at all times.

Penalties for drug offences are severe and include lengthy prison sentences served in local jails. Possessing even a very small quantity of illegal drugs or being in the company of someone using illegal drugs are grounds for arrest.

Vehicle insurance (including third party) is not compulsory in Panama and many locals drive without it. If you are involved in a car accident Panama law requires you to wait with the vehicle until the traffic police arrive.

Although homosexual acts are not illegal, discretion is highly recommended since homosexuality is not socially acceptable in all areas.

It is illegal to photograph official buildings in Panama. You should check with local authorities before taking photos.

There are curfews for minors (under 18 years of age) in Panama City. Minors violating curfews may be detained at a police station until their legal guardian can arrange for their release.

Some Australian criminal laws, such as those relating to money laundering, bribery of foreign public officials, terrorism and child sex tourism, apply to Australians overseas. Australians who commit these offences while overseas may be prosecuted in Australia.

Australian authorities are committed to combating sexual exploitation of children by Australians overseas. Australians may be prosecuted at home under Australian child sex tourism laws. These laws provide severe penalties of up to 17 years imprisonment for Australians who engage in sexual activity with children under 16 while outside of Australia.

Local customs

Taking photographs, particularly of children and women, may be met with suspicion and violence. Permission from an adult should be obtained before taking photographs of, or talking to, children.

Entry and Exit Requirements

Visa and other entry and exit conditions (such as currency, customs and quarantine regulations) change regularly. Contact the nearest Embassy or Consulate of Panama for the most up to date information.

Panama is listed by the World Health Organisation (WHO) as endemic for yellow fever. Local immigration authorities may request evidence of a valid yellow fever vaccination certificate for travellers arriving from yellow fever endemic countries. Some airlines may require passengers to present a valid yellow fever vaccination certificate before being allowed to board flights out of the country. If in doubt, check with your airline. The World Health Organisation (WHO) provides a list of countries where yellow fever is endemic.

If you have visited Panama in the last six days prior to your date of return to Australia, Australian Customs officials will ask you to present a valid yellow fever vaccination certificate on entry into Australia.

If you are travelling to Panama through the United States of America (USA), including transiting in Honolulu or other USA points of entry, you must meet USA entry/transit requirements. You should check your visa needs well in advance of travel with the nearest US Embassy or Consulate. See also our travel advice for the USA.

Airlines will not accept passengers bound for destinations within the US without evidence of an onward or return ticket, even if the traveller may be eligible to enter the US under the visa waiver program.

Health Issues

We strongly recommend that you take out comprehensive travel insurance that will cover any overseas medical costs, before you depart. Confirm that your insurance covers you for the whole time you'll be away and check what circumstances and activities are not included in your policy. Remember, regardless of how healthy and fit you are, if you can't afford travel insurance, you can't afford to travel.

Your doctor or travel clinic is the best source of information about preventive measures, immunisations (including booster doses of childhood vaccinations) and disease outbreaks overseas. The World Health Organization (WHO) provides information for travellers and our 'Travelling Well' brochure also provides useful tips for travelling with medicines and staying healthy while overseas.

Panama has some good private hospitals and clinics, however, medical facilities outside the capital are limited. Many doctors and hospitals require cash payment prior to providing services, including emergency care. Medical emergencies may require evacuation to a third country, most likely the USA, where the cost of medical treatment can be extremely high. Medical evacuation costs could exceed $A70,000.

Malaria is a risk throughout the year in Boca del Toro, Darien and San Blas but is not a risk in Panama City. Outbreaks of the mosquito-borne illness dengue fever also occur from time to time. We encourage you to take prophylaxis against malaria where necessary and to take precautions against being bitten by mosquitoes, including using insect repellent at all times.

Water-borne, food-borne and other infectious diseases (including HIV/AIDS, hepatitis, yellow fever, tuberculosis, rabies and brucellosis) are a risk with more serious outbreaks occurring from time to time. We encourage you to consider having vaccinations before travelling. We advise you to boil all drinking water or drink bottled water, and avoid ice cubes and raw and undercooked food. Seek medical advice if you have a fever or are suffering from diarrhoea.

The World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) has confirmed cases of avian influenza in birds in a number of countries throughout the world. For a list of these countries, visit the OIE website. For information on our advice to Australians on how to reduce the risk of infection and on Australian Government precautions see our travel bulletin on avian influenza.

Where to Get Help

Australia does not have an Embassy or Consulate in Panama. By agreement between the Canadian and Australian governments, the local Canadian Embassy provides consular assistance to Australians in Panama. You should register your presence online with the Canadian Embassy in Panama as well as with the Australian Embassy in Mexico. The Canadian Embassy is unable to issue Australian passports. The address is:

Embassy of Canada
World Trade Center
Calle53E, Marbella
Galeria Comercial, Piso 1,
PANAMA CITY
Telephone (507) 294-2500
Fax (507) 294-2514
Email panam@international.gc.ca

You can also obtain consular assistance from the nearest Australian Embassy which is in Mexico. Contact details are:

Australian Embassy
Ruben Dario 55
Col. Polanco, C.P. 11560
Mexico D.F. MEXICO
Telephone 52 55 1101 2200
Facsimile 52 55 1101 2201
Email embaustmex@yahoo.com.mx.

If you are travelling to Panama, whatever the reason and however long you'll be there, we encourage you to register with the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade. You can register online or in person at any Australian Embassy, High Commission or Consulate. The information you provide will help us to contact you in an emergency – whether it is a natural disaster, civil disturbance or a family issue.

In a consular emergency, if you are unable to contact the above mission you can contact the 24-hour Consular Emergency Centre on +61 2 6261 3305 or 1300 555 135 within Australia.

In Australia, the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade in Canberra may be contacted on (02) 6261 3305.