Travel Facts
US State Dept Travel Advisory
The US State Department currently recommends US citizens exercise increased caution in Panama due to crime. Some areas have increased risk.
https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/traveladvisories/traveladvisories.html
Passport/Visa Requirements
For the latest passport and visa requirements for this country, please consult the U.S. State Department’s “Learn About Your Destination” search tool, available through the link below.
https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/International-Travel-Country-Information-Pages.html
US Embassy/Consulate
[507] 317-5000; US Embassy in Panama City, Building 783, Demetrio Basilio Lakas Avenue, Clayton, Panama; Panama-ACS@state.gov; https://pa.usembassy.gov/
LGBTQIA+ Travelers
Telephone Code
507
Local Emergency Phone
Ambulance: 269-9778; Fire: 103; Police 104
Vaccinations
The CDC and WHO recommend the following vaccinations for Panama: typhoid, hepatitis A, polio, yellow fever, chikungunya, rabies, hepatitis B, influenza, COVID-19, pneumonia, meningitis, chickenpox, shingles, Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis) and measles, mumps and rubella (MMR).
http://www.who.int/
Climate
Tropical maritime; hot, humid, cloudy; prolonged rainy season (May to January), short dry season (January to May)
Currency (Code)
Balboas (PAB)
Electricity/Voltage/Plug Type(s)
120 V / 60 Hz / plug types(s): A, B
Major Languages
Spanish, indigenous languages, Panamanian English Creole, Arabic, French Creole, other (Yiddish, Hebrew, Korean, Japanese)
Major Religions
Roman Catholic, Evangelical, other, agnostic, atheist
Time Difference
UTC-5 (same time as Washington, DC, during Standard Time)
Potable Water
Opt for bottled water
International Driving Permit
Suggested
Road Driving Side
Right
Tourist Destinations
Panama Canal; Bocas Town; Coiba Island; San Blas Islands; Santa Catalina; Panamanian coral reefs
Major Sports
Baseball, soccer, boxing, basketball
Cultural Practices
It’s traditional to greet people using ‘Buenas’. When shaking hands, don’t use too tight a grip as this can be perceived as slightly aggressive.
Tipping Guidelines
A 10% tip is appropriate at restaurants. Taxi drivers do not expect tips.
Souvenirs
Mola- and embroidered-cloth items, woven baskets, pre-Columbian inspired gold jewelry
Traditional Cuisine
Sancocho de Gallina (Chicken Stew) - chicken, corn, and root vegetables such as ñame, yuca, and otoe, flavored with culantro (an herb similar to cilantro); typically served with a side of white rice
Please visit the following links to find further information about your desired destination.
World Health Organization (WHO) - To learn what vaccines and health precautions to take while visiting your destination.
US State Dept Travel Information - Overall information about foreign travel for US citizens.
To obtain an international driving permit (IDP). Only two organizations in the US issue IDPs:
American Automobile Association (AAA) and American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA)
How to get help in an emergency?
Contact the nearest US embassy or consulate, or call one of these numbers:
from the US or Canada - 1-888-407-4747 or from Overseas - +1 202-501-4444
Page last updated: Wednesday, June 26, 2024
