Panama
Summary
Before you travel, check the ‘Entry requirements’ section for Panama’s current entry restrictions and requirements. These may change with little warning. Monitor this advice for the latest updates and stay in contact with your travel provider.
If you plan to pass through another country to return to the UK, check the travel advice for the country you’re transiting.
It is more important than ever to get travel insurance and check it provides sufficient cover. See the FCDO’s guidance on foreign travel insurance.
Political demonstrations may occur at short notice. Please check the ‘Safety and Security’ page for further information.
If you travel to Darien province you should do so only with an organised group to destinations under the surveillance of the Panamanian police. See Local travel.
Although there’s no recent history of terrorism in Panama, attacks can’t be ruled out. See Terrorism.
You can contact the emergency services on 911. Alternatively, call 104 for police or 103 for ambulance and fire.
If you’re abroad and you need emergency help from the UK government, contact the nearest British embassy, consulate or high commission.
Before you travel, check the ‘Entry requirements’ section for Panama’s current entry restrictions and requirements. These may change with little warning. Monitor this advice for the latest updates and stay in contact with your travel provider.
If you plan to pass through another country to return to the UK, check the travel advice for the country you’re transiting.
It is more important than ever to get travel insurance and check it provides sufficient cover. See the FCDO’s guidance on foreign travel insurance.
Political demonstrations may occur at short notice. Please check the ‘Safety and Security’ page for further information.
If you travel to Darien province you should do so only with an organised group to destinations under the surveillance of the Panamanian police. See Local travel.
Although there’s no recent history of terrorism in Panama, attacks can’t be ruled out. See Terrorism.
You can contact the emergency services on 911. Alternatively, call 104 for police or 103 for ambulance and fire.
If you’re abroad and you need emergency help from the UK government, contact the nearest British embassy, consulate or high commission.
Update history
2024-09-10 14:55
Information on introduction of night-time curfew in Colon, San Miguelito and Bocas del Toro for under-18s (‘Safety and security’ page).
2024-09-03 16:36
Information on introduction of night time curfew in Colon Province for under-18s (‘Safety and security’ page).
2024-08-05 13:01
Information that on 30 July 2024 the Panama Ministry of Health issued a health alert due to the increase in dengue cases (‘health’ page).
2024-04-16 12:13
Information on border control, political situation, use of e-cigarettes, hiking and drinking water (‘Entry requirements, ‘Safety and security’ and ‘Health’ pages).
2023-11-14 14:45
Information on political demonstrations in Panama (‘Safety and security’ page).
2023-10-30 14:51
This travel advice has been rewritten to make it easier to read and understand.
2023-10-28 18:43
Information on political demonstrations in Panama
2023-10-26 21:52
Information on political demonstrations in Panama (‘Safety and security’ page).
2023-10-24 23:54
Information on political demonstrations in Panama (‘Summary’ and ‘Safety and security’ pages).
2023-08-21 11:20
Information on Dengue fever in Panama (‘Health’ page).
2023-06-22 11:19
Information about the global terrorism risks to British nationals abroad on all FCDO travel advice pages.
2023-06-21 09:28
Information on checking local guidance on COVID-19 restrictions, safety at bus terminals, and LGBT+ (‘Coronavirus’, ‘Local laws and customs’ and ‘Safety and security’ pages).
2022-11-25 10:58
Addition of information on the lifting of COVID-19 restrictions and requirements including the electronic affidavit of good health (‘Entry requirements’ page).
2022-09-29 09:38
Removal of information of requirement for electronic affidavit of good health (‘Entry Requirements’ page).
2022-08-04 14:17
Updated information on protests in Panama City (‘Safety and Security’ page).
2022-07-19 23:23
Updated information on protests in Panama City (‘Safety and Security’ page).
2022-07-17 21:35
Updated information on protests in Panama City (‘Safety and Security’ page).
2022-07-15 18:35
Updated information on protests in Panama City (‘Safety and Security’ page).
2022-07-13 18:34
Updated information on wearing facemasks and protests in Panama City. (See ‘Coronavirus’ and ‘Safety and Security’ pages)
2022-05-05 17:49
Updated information on entry requirements for Panama (‘Entry requirements’ page)
2022-04-05 16:23
Updated information on face mask requirements (‘Coronavirus’ page)
2022-03-18 16:21
Information on entry rules for fully vaccinated and unvaccinated travellers in response to COVID-19 (‘Entry requirements’ page)