Panama Travel Guide

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Passports and Visas

Travelers to Panama require a passport valid for at least three months after arrival, return or onward tickets, all necessary documents for next destination and sufficient funds. Tourist Cards can be purchased on arrival for a fee of US$5, they are valid for 30 days but extensions are possible. Be aware that it can take as long as 30 days to obtain a visa, if it is required. Panamanian entry requirements change constantly so it is wise to check with your nearest embassy or consulate before traveling to Panama. It is highly recommended that passports have at least six months validity remaining after your intended date of departure from your travel destination. Immigration officials often apply different rules to those stated by travel agents and official sources.

Americans

United States citizens don't need a visa if they hold a US passport valid for three months after the intended date of departure. Otherwise a visa is required. A passport is only not required if holding a Birth Certificate or Naturalization Papers, provided accompanied by official photo ID.

UK Nationals

A passport valid for three months after the intended date of departure is required. United Kingdom nationals do not require a visa or tourist card for stays of up to 90 days. Passports endorsed British National Overseas require a visa.

Canadians

Canadian citizens don't need a visa if they hold a US passport valid for three months after the intended date of departure. Otherwise a visa is required.

Australians

Australian citizens don't need a visa if they hold a US passport valid for three months after the intended date of departure. Otherwise a visa is required.

South Africans

A passport valid for three months after the intended date of departure is required. South African citizens require a visa, unless they already have an endorsed visa for the USA, Australia, Canada, or a member of the European Union.

Irish Nationals

A passport valid for three months after the intended date of departure is required. Citizens of the Irish Republic do not require a visa for a stay of up to 90 days.

New Zealanders

A passport valid for three months after the intended date of departure is required. New Zealand nationals dont require a visa as long as they have a valid passport.

Healthcare

It is recommended that visitors be inoculated for typhoid. Malaria prophylaxis is advised for most parts of the country other than Panama City and the Canal, and dengue fever is on the increase; travelers should take precautions against mosquito bites, as there are a number of tropical diseases spread by mosquitoes. Yellow fever vaccination is recommended for all travelers, except those visiting Panama City and the Canal, and is a requirement for all visitors arriving from an infected area. Vaccinations against tuberculosis and hepatitis B are sometimes recommended. Leptospirosis is a risk throughout the country, particularly during periods of heavy rainfall. Tap water is not safe to drink outside the capital without being boiled, filtered or chemically disinfected, and food should be eaten peeled, cooked and piping hot. Travelers are advised to carry an anti-diarrhoea drug. Medical facilities are good in Panama City, but less so elsewhere in the country. Critical medical problems require air evacuation to somewhere with better medical facilities, and travelers are therefore advised to have a fully comprehensive medical insurance policy. Quality control of pharmaceuticals in Panama is inadequate, so travelers are advised to bring a sufficient supply of their own medications from home.

Safety

Most visits to Panama are trouble-free. Visitors should, however, be aware that there is a risk of street crime in Panama City and it is unwise to carry large sums of cash or valuables in public. Visitors should be vigilant using ATM cash machines in public places and beware of pickpockets and muggers in the main city shopping and tourist areas. There have been incidents of assault involving taxi drivers and armed hold-ups in restaurants. Use only registered taxi companies and call a cab rather than hail one in the street. Do not allow the taxi to pick up additional passengers and do not share a taxi with unknown passengers. Burglaries have recently been committed by organized gangs who use ruses to gain entry to properties, so be cautious. Travel to Darien province only by air with an organized group to recognized tourist destinations protected by the Panamanian police. Travelers are advised to avoid the border area with Colombia, as this is particularly dangerous. Avoid political demonstrations in Panama City, usually centered on Panama University and the main road known as the Transisthmica.