Panama is a vibrant Central American nation offering a unique blend of modern cosmopolitan life, rich colonial history, and pristine natural wonders. From the engineering marvel of the Panama Canal to the cobblestone streets of Casco Viejo and the untouched beaches of Bocas del Toro, Panama provides diverse experiences for every traveler.
Panama is one of the safest countries in Central America for tourists, with Panama City ranking as the region's most visited capital city. Most tourist areas including Casco Viejo, Marbella, El Cangrejo, and the Canal Zone are safe for normal tourist activity during daytime and early evening with standard precautions.
Current safety advisory
Moderate
Exercise normal precautions in tourist areas. Avoid Darien Gap region near Colombian border entirely. Exercise increased caution in parts of Colón city and outer Panama City neighborhoods like El Chorrillo and Curundú.
Last updated: 2025-01
Official advisories
Guidance from national travel-advisory services.
Level 2 - Exercise Increased Caution
Exercise increased caution due to crime. Some areas have increased risk — Darien Province near Colombian border is Level 4: Do Not Travel
Normal precautions
Take normal precautions in tourist areas. Avoid Darien Gap. Be alert to petty crime in crowded areas
Essential safety tips
Practical advice that applies everywhere.
Avoid displaying expensive jewelry or electronics in public
Use registered taxis or Uber, especially at night
Stay aware in crowded tourist areas where pickpocketing occurs
Avoid demonstrations and large gatherings
Don't travel to the Darien Gap region
Keep copies of important documents separately
Use ATMs during daylight hours in secure locations
Register with your country's embassy upon arrival; the US Embassy is in Clayton district, Panama City
Be cautious in El Chorrillo and areas adjacent to Casco Viejo after dark; stay on well-lit tourist streets
Yellow fever vaccination certificate required if arriving from endemic countries; hepatitis A and typhoid vaccines recommended
Common scams to avoid
Recognise and sidestep tourist-targeted scams.
Unofficial taxi overcharging
Unlicensed taxis near Tocumen Airport and tourist attractions quote inflated prices to tourists, particularly those arriving from the airport for the first time.
How to avoid: Use Uber or InDriver apps for transparent pricing. For official taxis, insist on the meter running or agree on price before entering.
Fake tour operators
Touts near Casco Viejo and markets offer unofficial San Blas tours or canal tours that are significantly inferior or nonexistent compared to legitimate operators.
How to avoid: Book tours through established hostels or verified operators. Legitimate San Blas tours involve registered Guna-approved cooperatives.
Currency confusion
Some vendors use Panama's nominal currency unit 'balboa' interchangeably with US dollars to confuse tourists into thinking they're paying in a different currency. The exchange rate is 1:1.
How to avoid: Remember that 1 balboa = 1 US dollar. All transactions are effectively in USD.
ATM skimming
ATM skimming devices have been reported on standalone machines in tourist areas. Compromised ATMs steal card data and PINs.
How to avoid: Use ATMs inside banks or major supermarkets (El Rey) during business hours. Cover PIN entry and check card slot for tampering.
Health considerations
Staying healthy on your trip.
- Vaccinations
- Hepatitis A, Typhoid, Hepatitis B, Rabies (if rural areas), Routine vaccines (MMR, Tetanus)
- Water
- Generally safe to drink in Panama City and major tourist areas. Bottled water widely available and recommended in rural areas.
- Food
- Facilities
Safety for specific travellers
Tailored advice for different groups.
Solo travellers
Panama is generally safe for solo travelers. Panama City's tourist areas are comfortable to explore alone. Use Uber for nighttime transport, stay in Casco Viejo or El Cangrejo which have active social scenes for meeting other travelers, and avoid displaying expensive electronics in public.
Female travellers
Female solo travelers report Panama City as manageable with standard precautions. Avoid walking alone in poorly lit areas after midnight. Verbal harassment (piropos) can occur in street settings. Uber and InDriver preferred over street taxis at night. Casco Viejo and tourist districts are generally comfortable.
Families
Panama is very family-friendly with good healthcare in Panama City, safe beach resort areas, and excellent family attractions. Child-friendly hotels like the Westin Playa Bonita and Gamboa Resort are excellent bases. Standard food and water precautions apply outside Panama City.
LGBTQ+ travellers
Same-sex relations are legal in Panama but same-sex unions are not legally recognized. Panama City has a visible LGBTQ+ community concentrated in El Cangrejo and Casco Viejo with some gay-friendly bars. Public displays of affection by same-sex couples may attract attention outside Panama City. Rural and provincial areas are more conservative.
Emergency contacts
Numbers to know before you go.
- Police
- 911
- Medical
- 911
- Embassy
- Tourist Police