Panama

Crime levels are high in Panama.

Petty crime

Petty crime is common, mainly pickpocketing and bag-snatching. You're most at risk in Panama City and Colon.

Take extra care of your valuables in:

• airports
• bus terminals
• public transport

To prevent petty crime:

• be alert after dark
• avoid being on the streets alone
• pay attention in crowded areas

Violent crime

Armed robbery and muggings occur in Panama. Violent crime is less common than petty crime.

Hotspots for crime in Panama City include:

• Calidonia
• San Miguelito
• Rio Bajo
• El Chorillo
• Ancon
• Curundu
• Veracruz Beach
• Parque Soberania
• Tocumen
• Panama Viejo
• Casco Viejo
• shopping areas on Avenida Central

Armed criminals may target you at Madden Dam, a tourist site in the Chagre National Park.

'Express kidnappings' also happen, where criminals force you to withdraw money from ATMs.

To protect yourself from violent crime:

• avoid high-crime areas in Panama City
• travel with others
• only use ATMs in controlled areas, such as banks or shopping centres
• pay close attention to your personal security

Scams and fraud

Credit card and ATM fraud occurs.

House break-in and robbery scams also happen. Criminals may gain your trust and then rob your house.

Be aware of your surroundings. Always keep your credit card secure.

Darien Gap

Colombian guerrilla groups and drug traffickers are active in the Darien Gap, near the Colombian border.

Violent crime is common, including:

• kidnapping
• murder, including of foreigners
• armed robbery
• disappearances

The danger zone starts at the end of the Pan American highway at Yaviza and extends to the Colombian border. This area includes the Darien National Park and privately owned nature reserves and tourist resorts.

Be aware of landmines in the area. 

The Australian Government's longstanding policy is that it doesn’t make payments or concessions to kidnappers.

More information:

• Kidnapping

Demonstrations and protests

Protests and demonstrations can happen:

• on campus at the University of Panama
• at the National Assembly
• at the Presidential Palace in Panama City
• on main streets and highways

Public protests and events that draw large groups of people can turn violent.

To protect yourself during periods of unrest:

• avoid demonstrations, protests and public gatherings
• monitor the media for reports of potential unrest
• avoid affected areas
• follow instructions from local authorities

If you encounter a protest, leave as soon as it is safe.

More information:

• Demonstrations and civil unrest

Terrorism is a threat worldwide.

More information:

• Terrorism

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

Panama experiences natural disasters and severe weather, including:

• hurricanes
• earthquakes
• volcanic activity
• tsunamis

In the event of a natural disaster:

• secure your passport in a safe, waterproof location
• monitor local media and other sources
• follow the advice of local authorities
• keep in touch with your friends and family

To get alerts and advice, register with:

• Global Disaster Alert and Coordination System
• Caribbean Disaster Emergency Response Agency

Hurricanes and severe weather

Severe weather can happen, including:

• landslides
• mudslides
• flooding

Severe weather may affect:

• access to ports
• road travel
• essential services, such as communication, water and electricity

The hurricane season is from June to November. Storms and hurricanes can happen in other months.

The direction and strength of hurricanes can change suddenly.

If there's a hurricane or severe storm:

• you may get stuck in the area
• flights could be delayed or suspended
• available flights may fill quickly
• adequate shelter may not be available

If a hurricane is approaching:

• know the evacuation plan for your hotel or cruise ship
• identify your local shelter
• monitor alerts and advice from the National Hurricane and Tropical Prediction Center

Earthquakes and tsunamis

Panama experiences earthquakes. Tsunamis can also happen. 

Get to know the earthquake safety measures for each place you stay and visit.

To receive tsunami alerts, register with the Global Disaster Alert and Coordination System.

If you're near the coast, move immediately to high ground if advised by authorities, or if you:

• feel a strong earthquake that makes it hard to stand up
• feel a weak, rolling earthquake that lasts a minute or more
• see a sudden rise or fall in sea level
• hear loud and unusual noises from the sea

Don't wait for official warnings, such as alarms or sirens. Once on high ground, monitor local media.

Get comprehensive travel insurance before you leave. Your policy needs to cover all overseas medical costs, including medical evacuation. The Australian Government won’t pay for these costs.

If you can't afford travel insurance, you can't afford to travel. This applies to everyone, no matter how healthy and fit you are.

If you're not insured, you may have to pay many 1000s of dollars up-front for medical care.

Confirm:

• what activities and care your policy covers
• that your insurance covers you for the whole time you’ll be away

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.

More information:

• General health advice
• International travel and health

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 medicine for your trip.

Carry a copy of your prescription and a dated letter from your doctor stating:

• what the medicine is
• how much you'll take
• that it's for personal use

More information:

• Medicine

Insect-borne diseases

Yellow fever is widespread in Panama. Yellow fever is a potentially fatal virus spread by mosquitoes. It's prevented by vaccination. Get vaccinated before you travel.

Zika virus is also widespread. If you're pregnant, the Australian Department of Health recommends that you:

• discuss travel plans with your doctor
• consider deferring non-essential travel to affected areas

Malaria is a risk throughout the year in Bocas del Toro, Darien and San Blas. It's not a risk in Panama City.

Outbreaks of dengue and chikungunya also happen.

To protect yourself from disease:

• make sure your accommodation is insect-proof
• use insect repellent
• wear long, loose, light-coloured clothing
• consider taking medicine to prevent malaria

Get medical advice if you have a fever, muscle pain, rash, bleeding nose or gums, or a severe headache.

HIV/AIDS

HIV/AIDS is common in Panama.

Take steps to reduce your risk of exposure to the virus.

Hantavirus

Many hantavirus pulmonary syndrome cases are reported in Los Santos province.

To protect yourself:

• don't touch live or dead rodents, burrows or nests
• avoid activities that stir up dust, such as sweeping or vacuuming

For outdoor activities:

• choose a campsite that's open and dry
• don't rest in tall grass or haystacks
• remove any food that may attract rodents

Other health risks

Waterborne, foodborne and other infectious diseases are common, including:

• hepatitis
• tuberculosis
• rabies
• brucellosis

Serious outbreaks sometimes occur.

To protect yourself from illness:

• boil drinking water or drink bottled water with intact seals
• avoid ice cubes
• avoid raw and undercooked food, such as salads
• drink boiled water or bottled water with sealed lids

If you're bitten or scratched by an animal, get medical help straight away.

Get medical advice if you have a fever or diarrhoea.

More information:

• Infectious diseases

Medical facilities

Some private hospitals and clinics are good. Facilities outside Panama City are limited.

Many doctors and hospitals need cash payment before treating you, even in an emergency.

If you're seriously ill or injured, you'll need be moved to the US or another a place with better facilities. Medical evacuation can be very expensive. Treatment in the US can be extremely expensive.

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 long prison sentences.

Authorities may arrest you for illegal drugs if you're either:

• carrying even a very small amount of drugs, or
• with someone who's using them

More information:

• Carrying or using drugs

Proof of identity

You must always carry ID, such as a certified copy of your passport.

Other laws

If you're aged under 18, curfews apply in Panama City.

To be out after curfew, you'll need a special permit.

Police can detain you for violating the curfew. A guardian will need to collect you from the police station.

In Panama, it's illegal to:

• take photos of an official building
• fail to wait with your vehicle after an accident until traffic police arrive

Some Australian criminal laws still apply when you’re overseas. If you break these laws, you may face prosecution in Australia.

More information:

• Staying within the law and respecting customs

Panama recognises dual citizenship.

More information:

• Dual nationals

Get permission before photographing anyone, especially women and children.

LGBTI information

Same-sex relationships are legal, but not socially acceptable.

Consider the risks of public displays of affection.

More information:

• Advice for LGBTI people

Every country or territory decides who can enter or exit through its borders.

Make sure you meet all entry and exit conditions. If you don't, the Australian Government can’t help you.

Visa-free travel for short stays

If you arrive by air or land, you won't need a visa. You'll be granted an initial stay of 180 days when you arrive.

To enter, you'll need to show proof of:

• the equivalent of $US500 or a credit card
• a return or onward travel ticket

If you’re transiting on a cruise ship and Panama is a port of call, you won’t need a visa. An immigration official will stamp your passport and you will be granted a stay of up to 90 days

If you arrive by another type of boat, you'll need a visa.

Entry and exit conditions can change. Contact the nearest Panamanian embassy or consulate for details about visas, currency, customs and quarantine rules.

Travel via the United States

If you’re travelling through the US, you must meet US entry or transit requirements. This includes transit through Hawaii.

Check your visa requirements with an embassy or consulate of the United States before you travel.

More information:

• Travel advice for the US

Travel via Canada

If you're travelling through Canada, you'll need an eTA (Electronic Travel Authorisation) for Canada. Check your visa requirements with either: 

• Canadian High Commission, or 
• Visit Canada.

More information:

• Canada travel advice

Yellow fever vaccination

You may need a valid yellow fever vaccination certificate to enter Panama. Some airlines may want to see one when you leave.

Find out about returning to Australia after exposure to yellow fever.

More information:

• Countries with a risk of yellow fever (PDF 74KB)

Airport requirements

You'll need to pay a departure tax at the Tocumen Airport in Panama City. Check if your airline ticket already includes this cost.

If you're travelling to the US, you'll need evidence of an onward or return ticket. This applies even if you can enter the US under its visa waiver program.

Travel with children

Children who are Panamanian dual nationals or residents must have extra documents to leave Panama without both parents.

Documents include:

• their original birth certificate
• notarised consent from non-travelling parents

If these documents are from outside Panama, you must have them verified with an apostille stamp.

More information:

• Advice for people travelling with children

Validity

Some countries won’t let you enter unless your passport is valid for 6 months after you plan to leave that country. This can apply even if you’re just transiting or stopping over.

Some foreign governments and airlines apply the rule inconsistently. Travellers can receive conflicting advice from different sources.

You can end up stranded if your passport is not valid for more than 6 months.

The Australian Government does not set these rules. Check your passport’s expiry date before you travel. If you’re not sure it’ll be valid for long enough, consider getting a new passport.

Lost or stolen passport

Your passport is a valuable document. It's attractive to people who may try to use your identity to commit crimes.

Some people may try to trick you into giving them your passport. Always keep it in a safe place.

If your passport is lost or stolen, tell the Australian Government as soon as possible:

• In Australia, contact the Australian Passport Information Service.
• If you're overseas, contact the nearest Australian embassy or consulate.

The local coin currency is the Panama Balboa (PAB).

The banknote currency is the US Dollar (USD).

Beware of counterfeit currency, especially $US50 and $US100 notes.

Access to money

Only exchange money at official banks and exchange services.

ATMs and credit card facilities are widely available. Check with your bank to make sure your cards will work.

Driving permit

You can drive with:

• an International Driving Permit (IDP)
• an Australian driver's licence

You must get your IDP before you leave Australia.

Road travel

Driving hazards in Panama include:

• poor road conditions
• inadequate street lighting
• poor vehicle maintenance

Driving at night is dangerous. There are often night roadworks on the Pan-American Highway. There may not be signage for these roadworks.

If you're in a motor vehicle accident, don't move your vehicle. By law, you must remain at the scene until the traffic police arrive.

If you plan to travel by road:

• check your travel insurance covers it
• learn local traffic laws and practices
• lock doors and keep car windows up, even when moving
• avoid travel at night

More information:

• Driving or riding

Motorcycles

Make sure your travel insurance covers you when using a motorbike, quad bike or similar vehicle.

Always wear a helmet.

Taxis

Only use registered taxis. It's best to arrange them at your hotel.

To reduce your risks if using taxis:

• don't hail taxis on the street
• never share taxis with strangers
• always sit in the back seat

Public transport

Avoid public transport. Local buses don't follow set routes and are poorly maintained.

Sea travel

Many international cruise liners visit Panama.

The Pacific and Caribbean coastlines are transport routes for illegal drugs. Consider this security risk before deciding to travel by sea.

More information:

• Going on a cruise

Air travel

DFAT doesn’t provide information on the safety of individual commercial airlines or flight paths.

Check Panama's air safety profile with the Aviation Safety Network.

More information:

• Air travel

Coiba Island

If you plan to visit the National Park on Coiba Island, you'll need a special permit.

Contact the National Authority for the Environment (ANAM in Spanish) or your tour operator.

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.

Contact your provider with any complaints about tourist services or products.

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, headed by an Honorary Consul. It can provide limited consular help, but can't issue passports.

You can get full consular help from the Australian Embassy in Mexico City.

Australian Consulate, Panama

Ofucuba 7 Edificio El Colegio
Calle Jose de Obaldia y Calle 8va
San Felipe
Panama, Panama
Telephone: (+507) 667 73833
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
Fax: +52 55 1101 2201
Website: mexico.embassy.gov.au
Email: consularpassports.mexico@dfat.gov.au

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