Travel advisory · PanamaSome governments advise against travel to parts of Panama.The warnings cover only these areas: Mosquito Gulf, Colón, Curundú, El Chorrillo, San Miguelito.Advice depends on your passport. Read your own government's advice before you book.Official advice
- Mosquito Gulf · avoid all travel · Canada, France, New Zealand, US
- Colón · avoid non-essential travel · France, Italy
- Curundú · avoid non-essential travel · Spain, France
- El Chorrillo · avoid non-essential travel · Spain, France
- San Miguelito · avoid non-essential travel · Spain, France
Also named by one government: Darién border zone with Colombia (France), Darién Gap south of Yaviza (New Zealand), Darién south of Metetí to Colombian border (Canada), Parts of Darién Region (US), Arena (Canada), Arraiján (France), Calidonia (France), Colombian border zones (Spain), Cristobal (France), Darién Province (France), Eastern Darién Province (Italy), Eastern part of Guna Yala (San Blas) (France), El Cacao (Canada), Isla de Cusapín (Spain), Juan Díaz (France), La Chorrera (France), Pedregal (France), Quebro (Canada), San Felipe (France), Santa Ana (France), Tocumen (France)
| Government | Advice | Updated | Read the advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| United Kingdom (FCDO) | Remain vigilant, follow local authorities' advice after earthquake | – | Read the advice |
| United States (State Dept) | Exercise increased caution due to crime (regional advisories) | Aug 19, 2026 | Read the advice |
| Canada (Global Affairs) | Take normal security precautions (regional advisories) | – | Read the advice |
| Germany (Auswärtiges Amt) | No advice against the whole country | Oct 13, 2026 | Read the advice |
| New Zealand (SafeTravel) | Exercise increased caution (regional advisories) | – | Read the advice |
| Ireland (Department of Foreign Affairs) | High Degree of Caution | – | Read the advice |
| France (Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs) | Niveau de sécurité globalement satisfaisant, vigilance renforcée dans certaines zones (regional advisories) | – | Read the advice |
Checked daily from the governments' published advice; last checked Nov 2, 2026. RoamLedger summarises official advice; it is not advice from any government.
Panama
Panama pairs a capital city and the Panama Canal with rainforest parks, mountains and island coasts on both the Caribbean and the Pacific.
Panama is a country at the southern end of Central America, bordering Costa Rica and Colombia, with coasts on the Caribbean Sea and the Pacific Ocean. Panama City, the capital and largest city, holds most of the country's population in its metropolitan area. The historic Casco Antiguo district stands on a hill, and the ruins of Panamá Viejo, the original city, are a UNESCO World Heritage site. The Panama Canal, finished in 1914, links the Atlantic and Pacific oceans and is a key attraction for visitors.
A trip can pair the city and canal with a coast. Bocas del Toro in the northwest and the San Blas (Guna Yala) islands on the Caribbean coast are two of the main island areas, and San Blas has more than 350 islands belonging to the Guna comarca. Soberanía National Park, near the canal, is one of the best places in the country for birdwatching, and Darién National Park is the largest national park in Central America. The climate is tropical and hot year-round. The rainy season usually runs from April to December, with much heavier rain on the Caribbean side than on the Pacific side.
Five things to know before Panama
- Carry a passport, proof of funds and an exit ticket
Panama's immigration service asks for 3 months of passport validity, at least B/.500 in proof of funds and a confirmed way out. UK advice says 6 months and USD 1,000 or a credit card, so meet the higher bar. Visa checker
- Book San Blas with an operator the Guna authorize
San Blas is Guna Yala, run by the Guna under their own rules. The tourism authority says to book ahead with a certified operator authorized to enter Guna territory, and to ask what the price includes. San Blas Islands
- Get your passport stamped at every border
Canadian and Australian advice warn of a fine of up to US$1,000 for a missing entry stamp, and German advice asks for both the Costa Rican exit stamp and the Panamanian entry stamp on a land crossing.
- Plan the canal as a half-day outing
The canal's visitor site publishes a ship transit schedule, and Miraflores is a 15-minute drive from downtown Panama City. The canal guide compares Miraflores, Agua Clara and boat tours. Panama Canal
- Fly to Bocas del Toro, or budget a long road day
The tourism authority gives a 45-minute flight from Panama City to Bocas Town. By road it is about 6 hours to Chiriquí and about 3 more to Puerto Almirante, then a 35-minute boat. Bocas del Toro
Panama travel guides
Practical guides from writers who live there.
Casco Viejo, the Metro and where to stay.
Read the guidePanama CanalMiraflores, Agua Clara and boat tours compared.
Read the guideBocas del ToroCaribbean islands, water taxis and reef snorkeling.
Read the guideSan Blas IslandsGuna Yala, simple island stays and how to get there.
Read the guideBoqueteCoffee farms, rafting and the Volcán Barú trail.
Read the guideVisa checkerStay lengths and entry rules by passport.
Read the guideVisas and entryProof of funds, onward tickets and land borders.
Read the guideTravel insuranceIsland transfers, snorkeling and medical cover.
Read the guide
Destinations in Panama
Hostel beds, cheap eats, buses and free sights.
- Bed a night
- $15
- Food
- $15
- Transport
- $3
- Sights
- Free
A 3-star room, casual restaurants, public transport and one paid sight a day.
- Bed a night
- $35
- Food
- $35
- Transport
- $10
- Sights
- $20
A 4-star room, good restaurants, taxis and a guided tour.
- Bed a night
- $70
- Food
- $70
- Transport
- $30
- Sights
- $100
When to go
- Best
- JanuaryDry, windy
- FebruaryDry, sunny
- MarchDry, hot
- AprilHot, dry end
- MayRains start
- JuneRainy season
- JulyRain, some sun
- AugustRainy
- SeptemberRainy
- OctoberWettest
- NovemberHeavy rain
- DecemberDrier, festive
Right now in Panama
Local time, today's weather and the exchange rate, refreshed through the day.
28
- Feels like
- 33°
- Humidity
- 76%
- Wind
- 9 km/h
- Chance of rain
- 100%
Panama
03:05 PM
Monday, November 2
- Today27°24°100%Monday: Rain. High 27°, Low 24°. Chance of rain 100%.
- Tue28°23°84%Tuesday: Rain. High 28°, Low 23°. Chance of rain 84%.
- Wed29°23°94%Wednesday: Thunderstorms. High 29°, Low 23°. Chance of rain 94%.
- Thu27°23°97%Thursday: Thunderstorms. High 27°, Low 23°. Chance of rain 97%.
- Fri27°22°94%Friday: Rain. High 27°, Low 22°. Chance of rain 94%.
- Sat28°23°87%Saturday: Drizzle. High 28°, Low 23°. Chance of rain 87%.
- Sun29°23°76%Sunday: Drizzle. High 29°, Low 23°. Chance of rain 76%.
Updated 12:35 PM local time · Powered by WeatherAPI.com · Weather data by Open-Meteo.com
Money
Mid-market rate1 EUR = 1.116 USD
Rates from Nov 2, 2026 · Rates By Exchange Rate API
Before you go to Panama
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Panama FAQ
Do I need a visa for Panama?
UK, German, Spanish and Australian passport holders can stay up to 90 days (3 months for the UK) without a visa; Canadian and US holders up to 180 days. Carry proof of funds and an exit ticket, and check your own passport in the visa checker.
What currency is used in Panama?
The US dollar, alongside Panamanian balboa coins of the same value. Spain's foreign ministry notes that many shops refuse 50 and 100 dollar notes, so carry 20s.
Can you visit the Panama Canal?
Yes. Miraflores Visitor Center is a 15-minute drive from downtown Panama City, and Agua Clara near Colón overlooks the expanded locks. Boat tours offer a partial crossing; the canal guide compares them.
How long should I spend in San Blas?
One or two nights is typical, since the 4x4 ride to the port of Cartí alone takes about 3 hours before the boat. Island stays are simple, so a sailboat tour or a short stay may suit you better if you want comfort.
When is the best time to visit Panama?
The dry season, December to April, has the most sun on the Pacific side. Bocas del Toro follows its own pattern, often drier in February to March and September to October.