The Bahamas Issues Travel Advisory for Panama

17 June 2025                                               PANAMA – TRAVEL ADVISORY

SUMMARY

Exercise a high degree of caution when travelling to Panama due to elevated crime rates, potential civil unrest, and specific regional risks. This advisory outlines entry requirements, border screening, safety, legal considerations, health, and natural disaster preparedness for Bahamian citizens. Avoid non-essential travel to high-risk areas, including the Mosquito Gulf and Darién Region, due to significant criminal activity and drug trafficking, as well as Bocas del Toro Province due to the declaration of a state of emergency.

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

Required Documents

Valid Passport: Must be valid for at least 6 months from the date of entry and in good condition, with at least one blank page for stamping. Non-compliant passports result in automatic inadmissibility.

Visa: Bahamian citizens do not require a visa for stays up to 90 days for tourism or business.

Proof of Economic Solvency: Minimum USD 500.00 required, demonstrated via either:

    • Cash, traveller’s checks, or certified check;
    • Bank statement or certification showing available funds over the last 30 days;
    • Credit card with recent statement showing available balance; or
    • Employment letter with payslip, pension documentation, or tax return for those self-employed.

The Panamanian balboa (PAB) is equivalent to the U.S. dollar (USD). Carry small USD bills and avoid USD 50 or USD 100 bills due to counterfeit concerns.

Return/Onward Ticket: Mandatory – you must show evidence of either your departure from Panama or the continuation of your travel.

Yellow Fever Vaccination: Required if you are arriving from a country with risk of transmission. Information on countries where yellow fever occurs can be found here.

Hotel Reservation: Immigration officers may request the address of your accommodation, especially for longer stays.

If arriving by sea, cruise and ferry travel face the same requirements as air travel. Private vessels must pay a USD 110 entry permit fee, which remains valid for 3 months and may be extended up to two years. Additional information from Panama’s Nation Migration Service can be found here. Private craft operators planning to travel through the Panama Canal must contact the Panama Canal Authority for appointments.

Immigration and Customs Declaration

Cash, goods, or documents valued over USD 10,000 must be declared. Failure to declare may result in fines up to USD 10,000 or legal action. Travellers are required to complete and online immigration and customs form prior to arrival. A QR code will be generated via the Traveller’s Affidavit Form and must be presented at customs. Travellers who have nothing to declare need not fill out any forms, including the affidavit. The Traveller’s Affidavit Form can be found here.

Border Screening

Expect stringent inspections at ports of entry, including document verification and luggage checks. Be cooperative and truthful with authorities. Non-compliance may lead to prolonged interrogation, detention, or entry denial.

Inspections of electronic devices, including phones, laptops, and tablets, are possible. It is not mandatory to unlock electronic devices, but refusal may result in delays, device confiscation, or entry denial.

Unaccompanied minors or those travelling with one parent require notarized consent from both parents to travel or a deceased parent’s death certificate. Documents will be verified at the airport.

A criminal record in any jurisdiction, regardless of the offence or time elapsed, may lead to entry denial. The National Migration Service conducts background checks and may refuse entry at its discretion. If you are refused, you may be placed in a detention facility until the time of your departure by air.

SAFETY AND SECURITY

Crime

Panama experiences moderate levels of crime, including instances of pickpocketing, theft, armed robbery, and sexual assault. These issues arise mainly in high-traffic urban centres, like Panama City and Colón, as well as tourist areas, like Bocas del Toro and San Blas.

There are several high-risk areas which include:

    • Mosquito Gulf: Within 10 miles of the Caribbean coast from Boca de Rio, Chiriqui to Cocle del Norte, due to drug trafficking and violent crime.
    • Darién Region: South of Jaque to Manene, Yaviza, Lajas Blancas, and the Colombian border, due to kidnapping, crime, and drug trafficking.
    • Urban Areas: Chorrillo, San Miguelito, Santa Ana, Rio Abajo, 24 de Diciembre, and Curundú in Panama City.

Demonstrations and Civil Unrest

Protests are common in Colón and Panama City, but especially in the Bocas del Toro Province, which is currently in a state of emergency. Demonstrations may turn violent, disrupting traffic, airports, and border crossings and they may occur in other areas without notice.

Travellers should take a variety of precautions including:

    • Avoid travelling alone or at night in poorly lit or crowded areas.
    • Use hotel safes for valuables and carry minimal cash.
    • Ensure that your travel documents and other belongings are secure at all times.
    • Use registered yellow taxis from designated stands or ride-sharing apps and verify licence and plates.
    • Road conditions are poor and driving can be reckless. Keep car windows closed and doors locked.
    • Use ATMs located in public areas or inside of a bank
    • Avoid protest areas and large gatherings.
    • Be mindful of travelling at night and in under-populated areas.
    • Monitor local media and follow instructions from authorities.
    • Contact airlines for alternative travel arrangements if protests affect access.

Terrorism

No recent terrorist incidents, but the risk exists. Potential targets include tourist attractions, shopping centres, transportation hubs, and government buildings. Stay vigilant in crowded areas.

LAWS AND CUSTOMS

Always carry your passport or a printed copy with the entry stamp, as police may request proof of legal status at any time. You may be jailed or fined if you fail to produce identification upon request.

In Colón and San Miguelito regions, unaccompanied minors are no longer allowed out in public without their guardians between the hours of 8pm to 4am on Sundays and Thursdays and 9pm to 5am on Fridays and Saturdays, as a measure to curb organised crime. Unaccompanied minors who do not comply may face arrest.

It is illegal to smoke, including e-cigarettes, in public places. You could be fined USD 25 to 100 if you are caught smoking were it is not allowed.

Photographing government buildings or infrastructure is illegal and may lead to detention.

Restricted Items

Medications: Prescription drugs must be in original containers with pharmacy labels, limited to the amount needed for your stay plus one week. Make sure to carry a prescription copy or doctor’s note.

Controlled Substances: Illegal drugs, including cannabis, are strictly prohibited. Possession or association with drugs can lead to arrest, imprisonment (8–15 years), and harsh prison conditions. Being in the company of drug users may result in arrest and deportation at the discretion of law enforcement or airport authorities.

Agricultural Products: Most fresh fruits, vegetables, and seeds are prohibited to prevent pest introduction. Declare all food, plants, and animal products.

Alcohol and Tobacco: Limited to 1 carton of cigarettes and 3 bottles of liquor per adult.  Travellers must declare excess amounts.

HEALTH

Medical Care

Private hospitals in Panama City offer relatively good care but will cost patients significantly more than public facilities. Many public hospitals, especially those outside urban areas, may require upfront cash payment. Travel insurance covering hospitalization and medical evacuation are considered crucial.

Vaccinations and Diseases

    • Mandatory Vaccinations: Yellow Fever (if arriving from risk areas).
    • Recommended: Hepatitis A, hepatitis B, typhoid, rabies, tetanus, and malaria prophylaxis (for visits to Darién, Guna Yala, San Blas).

Dengue has an ongoing alert in Panama, Panama Oeste, and Colón. Use mosquito repellent, long clothing, and bed nets.

Oropouche virus has been reported in Darién Province. Try to prevent midge and mosquito bites.

Malaria is typically low risk, with higher risks in Darién and Guna Yala regions.

Water and Food

Tap water is potable in Panama City and provincial capitals but not in rural areas. Use bottled water in the necessary areas. Be mindful of getting water in your eyes, mouth, or nose.

Avoid street food with low hygiene standards to prevent cholera or typhoid.

NATURAL DISASTERS AND CLIMATE

Hurricanes and Rainy Season

Hurricane season in Panama occurs from May to November, with peak rainfall from October to November. Heavy rains cause flash floods and landslides, especially in rural areas. Make sure to avoid travel during severe storms, follow local authority instructions, and monitor updates from the Instituto de Meteorología e Hidrología de Panamá, here.

Earthquakes and Tsunamis

There is low seismic activity in Panama, primarily in Chiriquí and Bocas del Toro. Tsunami risks are minimal but possible. Inquire about earthquake protocols when lodging in quake risk-areas, register with the Global Disaster Alert and Coordination System for tsunami alerts, here, and move to high ground during strong earthquakes.

General Climate

The climate is tropical with temperatures of 25–30°C (77–86°F) and high humidity. Pack lightweight clothing, rain gear, and sunscreen. The rainy season extends from April to December.

Beach Safety

Pacific coast beaches have strong currents and rip tides. Avoid swimming during high surf and follow local warnings, as many beaches lack lifeguards.

EMERGENCY CONTACTS

Police: 104

Emergencies: 911

SINAPROC (Disaster and Emergency Management Authority): (+507) 316-3200 or WhatsApp (+507) 6998-4809

CONTACT(S) FOR OVERSEAS OFFICES

The Ministry encourages all Bahamians who are travelling or living abroad to register here.

If you are in urgent need of consular assistance, please email consularcrisis@bahamas.gov.bs.

Last updated 17 June 2025.