Panama

Recommended Vaccinations For Panama

For Most Travellers

Hepatitis A Vaccine

There is a significant risk of exposure to hepatitis A for this country, therefore, the vaccination is recommended.

Hepatitis B Vaccine

There is a significant risk of infection with hepatitis B for this country, therefore, the vaccination is recommended.

For Some Travellers

Yellow Fever Vaccine

There is a risk of yellow fever transmission in some areas of Panama. Panama requires a yellow fever vaccination certificate from travellers over 1 year of age arriving from countries with risk of yellow fever transmission. A yellow fever vaccination is recommended for all travellers aged 9 months or over travelling to all mainland areas east of the area surrounding the Canal (the entire Comarcas of Emberá and Kuna Yala, the province of Darién and areas of the provinces of Colón and Panama that are east of the Canal). The yellow fever vaccination is not recommended for travellers whose itineraries are limited to areas west of the Canal, the city of Panama, the Canal area itself, and the Balboa Islands (Pearl Islands) and San Blas Islands.

Typhoid Fever Vaccine

There is a risk of exposure to typhoid fever in this country through consumption of unsafe food and water. Since exposure to unsafe sources is variable within this country, the vaccination against typhoid fever is generally recommended especially when visiting smaller cities or rural areas, where food and water sources may be contaminated.

Rabies Vaccine

Vaccination against rabies is recommended for travellers involved in outdoor activities (e.g., campers, hikers, adventure travellers, and cavers) who may have direct contact with rabid dogs, bats, and other mammals. Those with occupational risks (such as veterinarians, wildlife professionals, researchers) and long-term travellers and expatriates are at higher risk and should be vaccinated.

Recommended Medications For Panama

For Some Travellers

Anti-malarial Drugs

Recommended anti-malaria medications include atovaquone-proguanil, doxycycline, mefloquine, primaquine, or tafenoquine. Resistance to chloroquine has been reported.

Diseases To Be Aware of for Panama

For Most Travellers

Hepatitis B

There is a significant risk for acquiring hepatitis B in Panama.

Dengue Fever

There is a risk of dengue in this country.

Hepatitis A

There is a significant risk for hepatitis A virus exposure in Panama through contaminated food or water. Infection can still occur at tourist destinations and resorts.

Chikungunya Fever

Chikungunya fever has occurred in this country.

For Some Travellers

Malaria

Risk areas include the provinces of Bocas del Toro, Chiriqui, Columbus, Darien, Panama, Veraguas, Emberá, Kuna Yala, and Ngäbe-Buglé. There is no risk of malaria in the urban areas of Panama City or in the former Canal Zone.

Chagas Disease

American trypanosomiasis occurs in Panama. This disease is more common in rural areas, however, the risk of travellers acquiring this disease is low unless staying in very poor quality housing or camping.

Typhoid Fever

Unvaccinated people can become infected through contaminated food and water in Panama, especially when visiting smaller cities, villages, or rural areas where food and water sources may be contaminated.

Tuberculosis

Tuberculosis occurs in this country. Travellers to this country are at risk for tuberculosis if visiting sick friends or family, working in the health care field, or having close prolonged contact with the general population.

Leishmaniasis

Leishmaniasis occurs in Panama, particularly in the western or west-central areas. The risk of acquiring leishmaniasis is increased in travellers who spend time outdoors in rural areas and at night, when sand flies typically feed.

Zika Fever

There is transmission of the Zika virus in this country.

Yellow Fever

There is a risk of yellow fever transmission in some areas of Panama. Panama requires a yellow fever vaccination certificate from travellers over 1 year of age arriving from countries with risk of yellow fever transmission. A yellow fever vaccination is recommended for all travellers aged 9 months or over travelling to all mainland areas east of the area surrounding the Canal (the entire Comarcas of Emberá and Kuna Yala, the province of Darién and areas of the provinces of Colón and Panama that are east of the Canal). The yellow fever vaccination is not recommended for travellers whose itineraries are limited to areas west of the Canal, the city of Panama, the Canal area itself, and the Balboa Islands (Pearl Islands) and San Blas Islands.

Rabies

Rabies occurs in this country. Travellers involved in outdoor activities (e.g., campers, hikers, adventure travellers, and cavers) may have direct contact with rabid dogs, bats, and other mammals. Those with occupational risks (such as veterinarians, wildlife professionals, researchers) and long-term travellers and expatriates are at higher risk.

Hanta Virus

There is a low risk of accquiring Hanta Virus Infection in this country.

Safety & Security in Panama

Personal Safety

Panama experiences moderate crime levels with petty crime being more common than violent crime. Pickpocketing, bag-snatching, and theft are the most frequent issues, particularly in crowded areas, transport hubs, and tourist locations including Panama City and Colon. Robberies and muggings do occur but violent crime is less frequent, though tourists can be affected. Homicides in 2024 increased by 4.4% compared to 2023, with 75% of homicides concentrated in Panama and Colon provinces. The homicide rate declined from 12.6 per 100,000 in 2021 to 11.3 in 2022. Gang activity exists with around 204 gangs operating primarily in Panama, Colon, and Chiriqui provinces. Express kidnappings, where victims are taken to ATMs to withdraw money, have been reported though they remain relatively uncommon. Most gang violence is between rival groups and not typically directed at tourists. Targeted assassinations between drug gang members sometimes occur even in tourist areas. You should avoid carrying large amounts of cash or displaying valuable items. Using ATMs inside banks or shopping centers reduces risk, as attacks on people withdrawing money from street ATMs have occurred. Drink spiking can happen anywhere, so never leave drinks unattended and watch when drinks are being mixed. Be cautious of snacks, beverages, or cigarettes offered by strangers as they may contain drugs.

Extreme Violence

Extreme violence in Panama is primarily associated with gang activity and drug trafficking rather than being randomly directed at the general public. Gang rivalries fuel most violent crime, with gangs consolidating into two main rival blocs called Calor Calor and Bagdad. These groups are evolving from local gangs for hire to more sophisticated organizations capable of moving large drug shipments and engaging in territorial defense. Targeted gang assassinations occur, sometimes even in tourist areas, though these incidents are between members of rival drug gangs. The main gangs operate in Panama province, Colon, and Chiriqui, which also register the highest number of homicides. Drug trafficking organizations are active throughout the country, particularly along both coasts and border areas. Armed robbery and muggings occur but are not the norm for most visitors who take reasonable precautions. There have been reports of attacks on tourists after dark in certain locations such as Bastimentos island in Bocas del Toro, where muggings, attacks, and rapes have been documented. Most serious violent crime is concentrated in areas travelers can avoid.

Political Unrest

Panama experienced its largest protests since the post-intervention era in October and November 2023, lasting 39 days. The demonstrations erupted over a controversial mining contract with First Quantum Minerals and were the biggest since protests against the Noriega dictatorship in the late 1980s. The Supreme Court ultimately ruled the mining contract unconstitutional in November 2023. Protests resumed in 2025 over issues including social security reform and the potential reopening of the copper mine. Demonstrations that began as a teachers’ strike in April 2025 grew to include construction workers, students, nurses, banana workers, and Indigenous groups. These protests have involved road blockades throughout the Pan-American Highway and minor roads, disrupting travel and commerce. Protest hotspots have included Panama City, Colon, La Chorrera, Penenome, Santiago, David, and Bocas del Toro. Some protests have turned violent with clashes between demonstrators and police. The government has responded with repressive tactics including raids on union headquarters and arrests of union leaders. Protests often involve informal road blocks and can affect access to border crossings and international airports. Historically, demonstrations occur annually on December 20th marking the anniversary of Operation Just Cause, typically at various points throughout Panama City and at the US Embassy.

Areas To Avoid

The Darien Gap beyond Yaviza is the most dangerous area in Panama and should be avoided completely. This remote jungle region near the Colombian border is controlled by organized crime groups, drug traffickers, human smugglers, and armed groups. Violent crime is extremely high with reports of kidnappings, murders, armed robberies, sexual assaults, and extortion. There is no road access and no police presence beyond Senafront border agents. The Mosquito Gulf along the north Caribbean coast from Boca de Rio Chiriqui to Cocle del Norte is extremely remote with high levels of drug smuggling and human trafficking. This area is inaccessible and should not be visited. Colon city has a high crime rate both day and night. The city is known for muggings and aggressive individuals offering unwanted tour guide services. A night-time curfew for unaccompanied minors under 18 was introduced in August 2024 as part of government efforts to tackle organized crime. In Panama City, avoid the neighborhoods of El Chorrillo, Curundu, San Miguelito, Santa Ana, and Calidonia, especially after dark, as they experience higher crime rates and gang activity. Bastimentos island in Bocas del Toro has reports of muggings, attacks, and rapes of tourists after dark. It’s better to stay on the main island Isla Colon which has a police station. Certain hiking areas around Boquete and Chiriqui Province have seen incidents involving missing tourists.