Travel advice for Panama

Exercise increased caution in Panama because of crime. Do not travel to the Mosquito Gulf or parts of the Darién Region because of crime; the U.S. government has limited ability to offer emergency services in these areas. Theft, residential break-ins, pickpocketing, and purse snatching can occur, including in tourist areas. Large-scale demonstrations related to the local political situation may occur with little notice and disrupt transportation and essential services.

Exercise caution in Panama because crime is increasing, particularly in Panama City and Colón, and avoid all travel to Darién Province. After the earthquake, check that your accommodation is safe and follow local civil-protection instructions; aftershocks are possible and flights are disrupted, so confirm flight status. Near Quebrada Bonita waterfall by Puerto Corotú in Chagres National Park, stay alert and prefer a guided visit because of armed robberies.

Avoid travel to central and southern Darién, central and southern Emberá, and southern Guna Yala because security oversight is limited and drug trafficking, human trafficking and crimes involving undocumented migrants occur. Poor infrastructure, restricted vehicle access and difficult emergency response create substantial danger. In David, La Chorrera, Arraiján, Panama City, San Miguelito and Colón, take sufficient care.

Avoid all travel within 20 kilometres of the border with Colombia. The advisory covers tourist, visiting, work and all other travel, and remains in force until further notice.

Avoid non-essential travel to the Darién border area with Colombia, where criminal groups and armed drug cartels engage in smuggling and kidnapping; use police escort. Elsewhere, travel with caution due to robbery, other serious crime, demonstrations and natural hazards. Earthquake damage has disrupted roads and infrastructure in Los Santos, Herrera, Veraguas and Coclé, while some Los Santos areas are difficult to reach and short of essentials.

Normal precautions apply in Panama, but avoid western Bocas del Toro due to insecurity, and travel to higher risk areas only if unavoidable. An earthquake has affected Panama, with aftershock danger and damage in Veraguas, Los Santos, Herrera and Coclé; follow emergency instructions and expect flight delays. Crime affects Panama City districts, while San Blas, Yaviza and Punta Piña near Colombia are dangerous due to armed groups, smuggling and attacks.

Australia advises a high degree of caution for Panama.

Exercise caution throughout Panama as demonstrations and violent disturbances may block major roads. Avoid crowds and follow local authorities. Crime is especially high in Colón and several Panama City districts; do not resist armed robbers. Avoid travel to Darién province, where armed groups and drug bands operate near the Colombian border. Use insect protection against malaria and tropical diseases, and take comprehensive travel insurance because hospital costs may be high.

Take normal precautions in Panama, but exercise a high degree of caution in Colón Province, San Miguelito District and specified Panama City townships because of high crime. Avoid nonessential travel to Arena, El Cacao and Quebro in Veraguas Province because of earthquake damage. Avoid all travel south of Metetí in Darién Province due to extremely high violent crime, and avoid the Mosquito Gulf because of drug smuggling and human trafficking.

Exercise high caution when travelling to Panama. The Darien Gap is particularly dangerous because of violent crime, kidnapping and murder, while criminal groups operate in the Mosquito Gulf. Street crime, shootings, armed robberies and personal attacks also occur, notably in Panama City, Colón and Chiriquí province. People in areas affected by the recent earthquake should follow local authorities' guidance and monitor local news.

Estonia advises normal precautions for travel to Panama and notes that it has no embassy there, so citizens should consult other countries' travel information and seek consular help from the nearest EU mission. Entry conditions may change without prompt notification; according to the Ministry, Estonian citizens may stay visa-free for up to 180 days.

Germany advises normal precautions for Panama.

Hong Kong advises normal precautions for Panama.

Singapore advises normal precautions when travelling to Panama, including avoiding large amounts of cash and jewellery, travelling with official taxis and reputable guides, and complying with local laws. It warns of robbery, mosquito-borne diseases, earthquakes and hurricanes. Unaccompanied minors under 18 face curfews in Panama City and require a permit during restricted hours.

Exercise usual precautions, but avoid protests, which can escalate, especially in Colón and at the Paso Canoas crossing. Pickpocketing and street crime are risks, with higher crime in the listed areas. Near Colombia, armed groups and spillover violence are concerns, so visit Darién only in an organized group. Beware dengue, malaria, Zika, chikungunya and contaminated water, and do not swim in Panama Bay.

Take normal precautions when travelling to Panama. Ensure your passport meets validity and blank page requirements, and obtain any required yellow fever certificate. Land or air visitors normally need no visa for up to three months, but non-cruise sea arrivals require a visa. Land arrivals from Costa Rica may need onward travel proof and sufficient funds, and unauthorised extensions can lead to detention.