Travel Facts
US State Dept Travel Advisory
The US Department of State currently recommends US citizens exercise increased caution in Panama due to crime. Some areas have increased risk. Consult its website via the link below for updates to travel advisories and statements on safety, security, local laws, and special circumstances in this country.
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
Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex, and asexual (LGBTQIA+) travelers can face unique challenges when traveling abroad. Laws and attitudes in some countries may affect safety and ease of travel. Legal protections vary from country to country. Many countries do not legally recognize same-sex marriage. Approximately seventy countries consider consensual same-sex sexual relations a crime, sometimes carrying severe punishment.
https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/before-you-go/travelers-with-special-considerations/lgbtqi.html
Telephone Code
507
Local Emergency Phone
Ambulance: 269-9778; Fire: 103; Police 104
Vaccinations
An International Certificate of Vaccination for yellow fever is required for travelers arriving from countries with a risk of yellow fever transmission and for travelers having transited through the airport of a country with risk of yellow fever transmission. See WHO recommendations.
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 48.6%, Evangelical 30.2%, other 4.7%, agnostic 0.2%, atheist 0.2%
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: Thursday, March 28, 2024
