Advice levels
What does this mean?Exercise a high degree of caution in Panama overall due to the threat of violent crime.
Do not travel If you're already in this location, you should consider leaving if it’s safe to do so. If you do travel, get professional security advice. Your travel insurance policy might be void. The Australian Government may not be able to help you.Do not travel
Do not travel to the Darien Gap, beyond Yaviza, due to the threat of violent crime.
See Safety
Overview
Safety
- Panama has high crime rates. Petty crime is more common than violent crime. Take care of your belongings, especially in transport hubs. Violent crime includes armed robbery and muggings. Avoid high-crime areas of Panama City. Only use ATMs in banks or shopping centres. Don't go out alone.
- Colombian guerrilla groups and drug traffickers are active in the Darien Gap, near the Colombian border. Violent crime is common. Do not travel to this area.
- Demonstrations and protests can occur. Some can turn violent, causing injuries and deaths. They may occur anywhere across the country and often affect public transport.
- The hurricane season is from June to November, but storms can happen year-round. They can cause flooding and landslides and disrupt services. Know your hotel or cruise ship's evacuation plan. Find your nearest shelter.
- Panama experiences earthquakes. Tsunamis can also happen. Know the tsunami warning signs and move immediately to high ground. Don't wait for official alerts.
Full travel advice: Safety
Health
- Yellow fever is widespread. Get vaccinated before you travel.
- Malaria is a year-round risk in Bocas del Toro, Darien and San Blas. It's not a risk in Panama City. Consider taking anti-malarial medication. Other insect-borne diseases include zika virus, dengue and chikungunya. Ensure your accommodation is insect-proof. Use insect repellent.
- HIV/AIDS is common. Take precautions if you're taking part in high-risk activities.
- Waterborne, foodborne and other infectious diseases include hantavirus, hepatitis, tuberculosis, rabies and brucellosis. Drink boiled or bottled water. Avoid raw or undercooked food. If you're bitten or scratched by an animal, get immediate medical help.
- Some private hospitals and clinics are good. Facilities outside Panama City are limited. If you're seriously ill or injured, you'll need medical evacuation to the United States. Ensure your travel insurance covers this.
Full travel advice: Health
Local laws
- Don't use or carry illegal drugs. Penalties for drug offences are severe. They include long prison sentences. Officials may also arrest you if you're with someone who's using drugs.
- Always carry photo identification, such as a certified copy of your passport.
- If you're under 18, abide by all curfews in Panama City. Police can detain you if you're out past the curfew time without a permit.
- Understand and follow local laws. It's illegal to take photos of official buildings. If you're in a traffic accident, you must wait with your vehicle until traffic police arrive.
- Ask for permission before photographing anyone, especially women, children and Indigenous people.
- Same-sex relationships are legal, but they aren't socially accepted in all areas. Consider avoiding public displays of affection.
Full travel advice: Local laws
Travel
- If you arrive by air or land, you won't need a visa. You'll be granted an initial stay of 90 days when you arrive.
- You must complete an immigration and customs declaration form when you enter Panama.
- Entry and exit conditions can change at short notice. You should contact the nearest embassy or consulate of Panama for the latest details or check with your airline or travel provider.
- Exit requirements apply to children aged under 18 who are travelling alone, with one parent or with another adult. Ask your nearest Panamanian embassy or consulate about the regulations before you travel.
- You must obtain an entry stamp from immigration officials upon entry into Panama. You may be fined up to USD1,000 if you don't do this.
- Use a ride share service, pre-booked taxi or those provided by hotels. Don't use unofficial taxis. Travellers have been robbed and assaulted in unofficial taxis.
Full travel advice: Travel
Local contacts
- The Consular Services Charter details what the Australian Government can and can't do to help you overseas.
- Australia has a Consulate in Panama City. The Consulate doesn't issue Australian passports.
- You can get full consular help from the Australian Embassy in Mexico.
- To stay up to date with local information, follow the embassy’s social media accounts.
Full travel advice: Local contacts
Full advice
Safety
Crime
Crime levels are high in Panama.
Petty crime
Petty crime is common, mainly pickpocketing and bag-snatching. You're most at risk in Panama City and Colon.
Take extra care of your valuables in:
- airports
- bus terminals
- public transport
To prevent petty crime:
- be alert after dark
- avoid being on the streets alone
- pay attention in crowded areas
- use ATMs in daylight hours
- withdraw or change money in secure areas like hotels, banks or shopping centres
Drink spiking can happen anywhere. Be alert to the potential risks, and don't leave food or drinks unattended. Pay attention when your drinks are being mixed. Stick to reputable venues and avoid homemade alcoholic drinks due to the risk of methanol poisoning. Get urgent medical help if you suspect you’ve been a victim.
More information:
Violent crime
Armed robbery and muggings occur in Panama. Violent crime is less common than petty crime.
Hotspots for crime in Panama City include:
- Calidonia
- San Miguelito
- Rio Bajo
- El Chorrillo
- Ancon
- Curundu
- Veracruz Beach
- Parque Soberania
- Tocumen
- Panama Viejo
- Casco Viejo
- 24 de diciembre
- Santa Ana
- Juan Diaz
- shopping areas on Avenida Central
Armed criminals may target you at Madden Dam, a tourist site in the Chagres National Park.
To protect yourself from violent crime:
- avoid high-crime areas in Panama City
- travel with others
- only use ATMs in controlled areas, such as banks or shopping centres
- pay close attention to your personal security.
Scams and fraud
Scams and credit card fraud are a risk.
Instances of credit card and ATM fraud can occur. Take precautions when using debit or credit cards.
Scam artists target foreign visitors and residents. The scams come in many forms and can cause great financial loss. Warn your friends and family to be sceptical if they’re asked to transfer funds to you in Panama. Tell them to contact you to check that you’ve made this request.
Darien Gap
Colombian guerrilla groups and drug traffickers are active in the Darien Gap, near the Colombian border.
Violent crime is common, including:
- kidnapping
- murder, including of foreigners
- armed robbery
- disappearances
The danger zone starts at the end of the Pan American highway at Yaviza and extends to the Colombian border. This area includes the Darien National Park and privately owned nature reserves, and tourist resorts.
Be aware of landmines in the area.
Cyber security
You may be at risk of cyber-based threats during overseas travel to any country. Digital identity theft is a growing concern. Your devices and personal data can be compromised, especially if you're connecting to Wi-Fi, using or connecting to shared or public computers, or to Bluetooth.
Social media can also be risky in destinations where there are social or political tensions or laws that may seem unreasonable by Australian standards. Travellers have been arrested for things they have said on social media. Don't comment on local or political events on your social media.
More information:
Kidnapping
Kidnapping occurs across the world with political, ideological and criminal motives. Foreigners, including Australians, have been kidnapped overseas while travelling. Kidnaps can happen anywhere, anytime, including destinations that are typically at lower risk. The Australian Government's longstanding policy is that it doesn't make payments or concessions to kidnappers.
Express kidnappings can occur in urban areas, they are often committed by organised gangs or taxi drivers. The kidnappers usually take their victims to an ATM and force them to make a cash withdrawal. If threatened, do not resist.
More information:
Civil unrest and political tension
Demonstrations and protests
Protests and demonstrations can happen.
Demonstrations and protests against the government can occur. Some can turn violent, causing injuries and deaths. They may occur anywhere across the country and often affect public transport.
It is illegal for foreigners to take part in political demonstrations in Panama.
To protect yourself during periods of unrest:
- avoid demonstrations, protests and public gatherings
- check the media for reports of unrest
- follow advice from local authorities
If you encounter a protest, leave as soon as it is safe.
More information:
Terrorism
Terrorism is a threat worldwide. Terrorist attacks could occur anywhere and at any time. Be alert to possible threats, especially in public places. Terrorists may target tourist areas or other places frequented by foreigners and where large crowds may gather.
Possible targets include:
- places of worship or religious holidays
- hotels, clubs, restaurants and cafes
- markets and shopping malls
- outdoor recreation events, including festivals, concerts, and sporting venues
- public transport, airports and railway hubs
To stay safe:
- report suspicious activities or items to the police
- check the media for new threats
- take official warnings seriously
- follow the instructions of local authorities
If there’s an attack, leave the area as soon as it's safe to do so.
More information:
Swimming safety
Panama doesn't have many lifeguards. Rescue equipment at public beaches is limited.
Strong currents and rips can make swimming dangerous.
The Bay of Panama is polluted with untreated sewage and industrial waste.
If you decide to go swimming:
- check conditions with your hotel or local authorities before entering the water
- never swim alone
Diving
Tour operators and diving centres may not adhere strictly to international standards. When engaging in adventure sports such as diving, choose a reputable company with proper insurance coverage.
Climate and natural disasters
Panama experiences natural disasters and severe weather, including:
In the event of a natural disaster:
- secure your passport in a safe, waterproof location
- monitor local media and other sources
- follow the advice of local authorities
- keep in touch with your friends and family
To get alerts and advice, register with:
Hurricanes and severe weather
Severe weather can happen, including:
- landslides
- mudslides
- flooding
Severe weather may affect:
- access to ports
- road travel
- essential services, such as communication, water and electricity
The hurricane and rainy season is from June to November. The direction and strength of hurricanes can change at any time.
If you're travelling during the rainy season, contact your:
- tour operator to check if services are affected
- airline for flight updates
Tropical storms and hurricanes can happen in other months. Hurricanes can change direction and strength suddenly.
The wet season is from May to November. Heavy rainfalls can cause landslides and mudslides. These can have a devastating effect on infrastructure and essential services.
If there's a hurricane or severe storm:
- you may get stuck in the area
- flights could be delayed or suspended
- available flights may fill quickly
- adequate shelter may not be available
Severe weather may also affect:
- access to ports
- road travel
- essential services, such as electricity and water
To protect yourself if a hurricane is approaching:
- know the evacuation plan for your hotel or cruise ship
- locate your local shelter
- monitor advice from authorities
If you're travelling to Panama during hurricane season or after a natural disaster, monitor weather reports.
Check the National Hurricane and Tropical Prediction Center for weather forecasts.
Earthquakes and tsunamis
Panama experiences earthquakes. Tsunamis can also happen.
Get to know the earthquake safety measures for each place you stay and visit.
To receive tsunami alerts, register with the Global Disaster Alert and Coordination System.
If you're near the coast, move immediately to high ground if advised by authorities, or if you:
- feel a strong earthquake that makes it hard to stand up
- feel a weak, rolling earthquake that lasts a minute or more
- see a sudden rise or fall in sea level
- hear loud and unusual noises from the sea
Don't wait for official warnings, such as alarms or sirens. Once on high ground, monitor local media.
Health
Travel insurance
Get comprehensive travel insurance before you leave.
Your policy needs to cover all overseas medical costs, including medical evacuation. The Australian Government won’t pay for these costs.
If you can't afford travel insurance, you can't afford to travel. This applies to everyone, no matter how healthy and fit you are.
If you're not insured, you may have to pay many thousands of dollars up-front for medical care.
Confirm:
- what activities and care your policy covers
- that your insurance covers you for the whole time you’ll be away
Physical and mental health
Consider your physical and mental health before you travel, especially if you have an existing medical condition.
See your doctor or travel clinic to:
- have a basic health check-up
- ask if your travel plans may affect your health
- plan any vaccinations you need
Do this at least 8 weeks before you leave.
If you have immediate concerns for your welfare, or the welfare of another Australian, call the 24-hour Consular Emergency Centre on +61 2 6261 3305 or contact your nearest Australian Embassy, High Commission or Consulate to discuss counselling hotlines and services available in your location.
More information:
- General health advice
- Healthy holiday tips (Healthdirect Australia)
Medication
Not all medication available over the counter or by prescription in Australia is available in other countries. Some may even be considered illegal or a controlled substance, even if prescribed by an Australian doctor.
Medication with pseudoephedrine is banned in Panama.
If you plan to bring medication, check if it's legal in Panama. Take enough legal medication for your trip.
Carry a copy of your prescription and a dated letter from your doctor stating:
- what the medication is
- your required dosage
- that it's for personal use
- if needed, get DFAT to authenticate medical documents before you depart
More information:
Health risks
Insect-borne diseases
Yellow fever is widespread in Panama. Yellow fever is a potentially fatal virus spread by mosquitoes. It's prevented by vaccination. Get vaccinated before you travel.
Zika virus is also widespread. If you're pregnant, the Australian Department of Health and Aged Care recommends that you:
- discuss travel plans with your doctor
- consider deferring non-essential travel to affected areas
Malaria is a risk throughout the year in Bocas del Toro, Darien and San Blas. It's not a risk in Panama City.
Outbreaks of dengue and chikungunya also happen.
To protect yourself from disease:
- make sure your accommodation is insect-proof
- use insect repellent
- wear long, loose, light-coloured clothing
- consider taking medicine to prevent malaria
Get medical advice if you have a fever, muscle pain, rash, bleeding nose or gums, or a severe headache.
HIV/AIDS
HIV/AIDS is common in Panama.
Take steps to reduce your risk of exposure to the virus.
Hantavirus
Many hantavirus pulmonary syndrome cases are reported in Los Santos province.
To protect yourself:
- don't touch live or dead rodents, burrows or nests
- avoid activities that stir up dust, such as sweeping or vacuuming
For outdoor activities:
- choose a campsite that's open and dry
- don't rest in tall grass or haystacks
- remove any food that may attract rodents
Other health risks
Waterborne, foodborne and other infectious diseases are common, including:
Serious outbreaks sometimes occur.
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.
To protect yourself from illness:
- boil drinking water or drink water from a sealed bottle
- avoid ice cubes
- avoid raw and undercooked food, such as salads
- make sure your vaccinations are up to date
- 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
Get medical advice if you have a fever or diarrhoea
More information:
Medical care
Medical facilities
Some private hospitals and clinics are good. Facilities outside Panama City are limited.
You usually need to pay cash upfront before doctors and hospitals will treat you, even in an emergency.
Doctors will rarely agree to work with your travel insurer. You may need to be reimbursed after you pay cash for your treatment. Doctors may only speak Spanish.
If you are seriously ill or injured, you may need to be evacuated to a place with appropriate facilities. Medical evacuation can be expensive. Make sure you get travel insurance that includes coverage for medical evacuation and hospital stays.
Local laws
Local law
You're subject to all local laws and penalties, including those that may appear harsh by Australian standards. Research local laws before travelling.
If you're arrested or jailed, the Australian Government will do what it can to help you under our Consular Services Charter. But we can't get you out of trouble or out of jail.
Drugs
Penalties for drug offences are severe. They include lengthy prison sentences in local jails.
Authorities may arrest you for illegal drugs if you're either:
- carrying even a very small amount of drugs, or
- with someone who's using them
- If you're found driving under the influence of alcohol or other drugs, authorities will arrest and possibly detain you.
- Border officials may screen you for drugs, including on departure.
More information:
Proof of identity
You must always carry an ID, such as a certified copy of your passport.
Other laws
In Panama, it's illegal to:
- join political activities or demonstrations if you're a foreigner
- take photos of an official building
- fail to wait with your vehicle after an accident until traffic police arrive
To avoid breaking the law:
- understand the local rules
- ask local authorities before taking photos of buildings
LGBTQIA+ travellers
Avoid public displays of affection.
Same-sex relationships are legal in Panama, but the country is conservative.
Same-sex marriages aren't recognised in Panama
It's not illegal to discriminate based on sexual orientation or gender identity.
More information:
Australian laws
Some Australian criminal laws still apply when you’re overseas. If you break these laws, you may face prosecution in Australia.
More information:
Dual citizenship
Panama recognises dual citizenship. If you are an Australian citizen, and a Panamanian citizen, the consular services we can provide to you may be limited.
More information:
Local customs
Get permission before photographing anyone, especially women, children and Indigenous people.
Travel
Visas and Border Measures
Visa-free travel for short stays
If you arrive by air or land, you won't need a visa. You'll be granted an initial stay of 90 days when you arrive. The maximum 90-day period is not guaranteed, and the decision on entry and visa duration is at the discretion of immigration authorities.
To enter, you'll need to show proof of:
- the equivalent of $US1,000 or a credit card
- a return or onward travel ticket
If you're transiting on a cruise ship and Panama is a port of call, you won't need a visa. An immigration official will stamp your passport, and you'll be granted a stay of up to 90 days.
If you arrive by another type of boat, you'll need a visa, and must pay a fee of $US100, plus $US5 registration, for each passenger or crew member. There may be other fees, for example for cruising permits.
Make sure your passport is stamped on entry to Panama. You may face a fine up to $US1,000 and delays if you fail to present an entry-stamped passport when departing Panama.
Entry and exit conditions can change. Contact the nearest Panamanian embassy or consulate for details about visas, currency, and customs.
Entry into Panama
You'll need to complete an online immigration and customs declaration form when you enter Panama. You can complete this at https://declaraciondeviajero.ana.gob.pa/
Paper declarations will continue to be accepted during the phased transition to a fully digital system.
Travel via the United States
If you're travelling through the United States, ensure you meet all US entry or transit requirements, even if you are transiting through Hawaii.
More information:
Travel via Canada
If you're travelling via Canada, you'll need an ETA (Electronic Travel Authorisation) for Canada.
More information:
Travel via Chile
If you’re travelling via Chile, ensure you meet all current entry or transit requirements.
More information:
Airport requirements
You'll need to pay a departure tax at the Tocumen Airport in Panama City. Check if your airline ticket already includes this cost.
If you're travelling to the US, you'll need evidence of an onward or return ticket. This applies even if you can enter the US under its visa waiver program.
Travel with children
Children aged under 18, who are Panamanian dual nationals or residents travelling to or from Panama alone, or with only one parent or guardian must have permission from both legal guardians.
Documents required to leave Panama include:
- their original birth certificate
- notarised consent from non-travelling parents
If these documents are from outside Panama, you must have them verified with an apostille stamp.
Contact an embassy or consulate of Panama for details.
More information:
Passport
Validity
Some countries won’t let you enter unless your passport is valid for 6 months after you plan to leave that country. This can apply even if you’re just transiting or stopping over.
Some foreign governments and airlines apply the rule inconsistently. Travellers can receive conflicting advice from different sources.
You can end up stranded if your passport is not valid for more than 6 months.
The Australian Government does not set these rules. Check your passport’s expiry date before you travel. If you’re not sure it’ll be valid for long enough, consider getting a new passport.
Lost or stolen passport
Your passport is a valuable document. It's attractive to people who may try to use your identity to commit crimes.
Some people may try to trick you into giving them your passport. Always keep it in a safe place.
If your passport is lost or stolen, contact the local police and make a report, and tell the Australian Government as soon as possible:
- In Australia, contact the Australian Passport Information Service
- If you're overseas, contact the nearest Australian embassy or consulate
Passport with 'X' gender identifier
Although Australian passports comply with international standards for sex and gender, we can't guarantee that a passport showing 'X' in the sex field will be accepted for entry or transit by another country. Contact the nearest embassy, high commission or consulate of your destination before you arrive at the border to confirm if authorities will accept passports with 'X' gender markers.
More information:
Money
The local coin currency is the Panama Balboa (PAB).
The banknote currency is the US Dollar (USD).
Beware of counterfeit currency, especially $US50 and $US100 notes.
You can't exchange Australian dollars in Panama.
You'll need to show your passport or a certified copy of your passport to exchange money.
Credit cards are widely accepted. Contact your bank to make sure your cards will work.
ATMs are available in major centres. Check your bank statements for ATM fraud.
Local travel
Tour Operators
Transport and adventure tour operators may not meet Australian safety standards for:
- scuba diving equipment
- providing life jackets, seat belts and other safety equipment
Rescue services may not be as effective as those in Australia.
If taking part in adventure activities:
- check your travel insurance covers you for the activity
- check the operator's safety equipment before you book
- use reputable operators
- use life jackets and seat belts, even if others don't
If appropriate safety equipment isn't available, use another provider.
Driving permit
You can drive with:
- an International Driving Permit (IDP)
- an Australian driver's licence
You must get your IDP before you leave Australia.
Road travel
Driving hazards in Panama include:
- aggressive driving
- poorly maintained roads and vehicles
- drivers not following traffic laws
- few signs and poor lighting on rural roads
- inadequate street lighting
- sharing roads with pedestrians, bicycles, and farm animals
Heavy rains cause mudslides and collapse roads. Roads may be closed at short notice, especially during the hurricane and wet seasons.
Driving at night is dangerous. There are often night roadworks on the Pan-American Highway. There may not be signage for these roadworks.
Don't move your vehicle if you're in a motor vehicle accident. By law, you must remain at the scene until the traffic police arrive.
If you plan to travel by road:
- check your travel insurance covers it
- learn local traffic laws and practices
- lock doors and keep car windows up, even when moving
- avoid travel at night
More information:
Motorcycles
Your travel insurance may not cover you for accidents on a motorbike or quad bike. Check your insurance covers it.
Always wear a helmet.
Taxis
Taxis flagged from the street or at taxi stands may not be safe.
Use airport taxis or pre-book with a reputable company.
Airport taxi drivers wear clearly identifiable photo ID badges.
Taxi drivers often don't provide change, so be prepared to pay with small notes.
To safely use taxis:
- arrange your airport pickup with your hotel before you arrive
- note your taxi driver's name and licence number
- agree on the fare before you set off
- never share a taxi with a stranger
- don't let your driver pick up other passengers
Avoid public transport. Local buses don't follow set routes and are poorly maintained.
Sea travel
Many international cruise liners visit Panama.
The Pacific and Caribbean coastlines are transport routes for illegal drugs. Consider this security risk before deciding to travel by sea.
More information:
Air travel
DFAT doesn't provide information on the safety of individual commercial airlines or flight paths.
Check Panama's air safety profile with the Aviation Safety Network.
More information:
Coiba Island
If you plan to visit the National Park on Coiba Island, you'll need a special permit.
Contact the National Authority for the Environment (ANAM in Spanish) or your tour operator.
Local contacts
Emergencies
Depending on what you need, contact your:
- family and friends
- travel agent
- insurance provider
- employer
- airline
Fire and rescue services
Call 911.
Medical emergencies
Call 911 or go to the hospital.
Police
Call 104 or go to the nearest police station.
Always get a police report when you report a crime.
Your insurer should have a 24-hour emergency number.
Consular contacts
Read the Consular Services Charter for what the Australian Government can and can’t do to help you overseas.
Australia has a consulate in Panama City, headed by an Honorary Consul. The consulate provides limited consular assistance to Australians in Panama. The Consulate can conduct passport interviews and provide provisional travel documents for emergency travel to the nearest Australian embassy. The Consulate can’t issue Australian passports. You can get full consular assistance from the Australian Embassy in Mexico City.
Australian Consulate, Panama
PH Midtown, 10th floor, office 10-4
San Francisco
Panama City, Panama
Phone: +507 6325 3852
Email: aushonconpanama@gmail.com
Australian Embassy, Mexico City
Ruben Dario 55
Corner of Campos Eliseos, Polanco
Colonia Bosque de Chapultepec
11580 CDMX Mexico
Phone: +52 55 1101 2200
Website: mexico.embassy.gov.au
Email: consularpassports.mexico@dfat.gov.au
Facebook: @AusEmbMex
X: @AusEmbMex
See the Embassy website for details about opening hours and any temporary closures.
24-hour Consular Emergency Centre
In a consular emergency, if you can't contact an embassy, call the 24-hour Consular Emergency Centre on:
- +61 2 6261 3305 from overseas
- 1300 555 135 in Australia