Travelers to
Panama require a passport valid for at least six months after arrival, return or onward tickets, all necessary documents for next destination and sufficient funds in a freely convertible currency. 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. Those with a visa have to obtain an exit permit (form available from the Treasury Ministry) if they have been in the country more than 30 days. Panamanian entry requirements change constantly
so it is wise to check with your nearest embassy or consulate before traveling to Panama.
Americans: United States citizens require a visa, or may obtain a tourist card on arrival. A passport is only not required if holding a Birth Certificate or Naturalization Papers, provided accompanied by official photo ID.
UK nationals: A valid passport 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: A valid passport is required. Canadians require a visa, or a tourist card may be obtained on arrival.
Australians: A valid passport is required. Australians require a visa, or a tourist card may be obtained on arrival.
South Africans: A valid passport is required. South African citizens require a visa and authorization from immigration authorities to enter Panama.
Irish nationals: A valid passport is required. Citizens of the
Irish Republic do not require a visa for a stay of up to 90 days.
New Zealanders: A valid passport is required.
New Zealand nationals require a visa, or a tourist card may be obtained on arrival.
Health
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.
