Go, but pay attention.
No major changes since yesterday.
Governments, one trip
What they're telling their own citizens about Panama
The real score
The breakdown
See it from your perspective
Go, but pay attention.
The general Sketch Score, unweighted for any specific traveler.
Don't fall for it
Scams to know
Taxi overcharging
Drivers may charge significantly more than the standard fare if they realize you do not know the price. Research exact fares beforehand and carry exact change to avoid being overcharged.
Mall taxi price gouging
Drivers waiting outside major malls like Multiplaza, Albrook, and Multicentro target foreigners and charge four times the standard rate. Avoid these taxis entirely.
Luggage theft by taxi
Drivers at the main bus station may drive away with your belongings if you put them in the trunk. Keep your luggage inside the vehicle with you and grasp it firmly during entry and exit.
Theft in restaurants
Personal belongings are snatched from diners who are distracted or intoxicated. Keep a close watch on your items at all times, even while sitting in a restaurant.
Staying healthy
What to watch out for, health-wise
Active notices
- • Global Measles
Vaccines
Required: Yellow Fever
Recommended: Chikungunya, Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, Malaria, Measles, Rabies, Typhoid
Source: CDC Travelers' Health →Getting in
What you'll need at the border
Visitors to Panama require a visa unless they are eligible for Third-Country visa exemptions for stays up to 30 days by either possessing a valid visitor (used at least once for entry) or resident visa for any of the following nations: UK, USA, Canada, the EU, Australia, Japan, Singapore, South Korea; or if they are citizens of one of the eligible countries who do not require a visa for stays up to 90 days; up to 180 days for visitors who are citizens of the United States or Canada. All visitors
Passport validity required: 3 months beyond entry.
Source: Wikipedia →Real, not invented
Terrorism
Although there is no recent history of terrorism in Panama, attacks cannot be ruled out.
Source: UK FCDO →Real, not invented
Cultural & legal notes
LGBT+ travellers
Same-sex civil unions are illegal, but same-sex relationships are legal in Panama. Most Panamanians are generally tolerant of LGBT+ travellers. However, Panamanian law does not ban discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity. There have been incidents of police officers detaining LGBT+ couples on the grounds of public indecency. Showing affection in public can lead to unwanted attention. Casco Viejo is considered a safe place for LGBT+ travellers. Read more advice for LGBT+ travellers .
Source: UK FCDO →Right now
In the news the last few days
- US updates travel advisories for 3 South American countries2026-08-21
- Cruise ship passenger medically evacuated by helicopter near Tofino2026-08-19
- Shakira and Howard Buffett Team Up to Rebuild Earthquake - Destroyed Schools in Colombia2026-08-18
- HelloNation Features Real Estate Expert Angie Outlaw on Flood Insurance for Coastal Homes in Florida2026-08-18
Real talk
What travelers actually say
Panama City is generally navigable, but travelers report that safety perceptions shift rapidly just outside tourist hubs like Casco Viejo. A five-minute walk beyond these established zones can lead to areas where visitors feel unsafe at night. While specific concerns about petty crime exist, the primary advice involves avoiding neighborhoods identified as high-risk by locals and online reviews. Taboga Island carries a reputation for pollution, leading many to seek cleaner alternatives like Contadora for swimming and snorkeling. Ultimately, safety in the city requires staying within patrolled areas and exercising caution when wandering away from well-traveled tourist corridors after dark.
“some people on reddit have said its quite polluted
— r/travel
“some people have left reviews that the area did not feel safe at night, and this was only 5-7 minute walk outside of Casco viejo.
— r/travel
“Safety is a priority. I’m looking for a relaxed, safe environment where I can truly disconnect
— r/travel
Pack this, know this
The little things that trip people up
Plug & voltage
A / B · 110V
Driving side
right
Emergency
police: 911 / ambulance: 911 / fire: 911
Cash vs. Card
You can typically use a credit card at all hotels in the capital, and in medium-sized regional cities (David, Las Tablas, Colon, Santiago, Bocas del Toro, etc.) Restaurants, supermarkets, and department stores in major cities will also usually take credit cards and even debit cards. However, outside the capital using your card could be difficult.
Zoom in
One Panama city on SKETCH.WORLD
Real, resident-submitted Numbeo crime data at the city level — the same national picture above, with crime swapped for what people who actually live there report.
Show the receipts (8 sources)
- us-state — observed 2026-09-09
- uk-fcdo — observed 2026-09-09
- ca-gac — observed 2026-09-09
- worldbank-political — observed 2026-09-09
- worldbank-policeTrust — observed 2026-09-09
- cdc-health — observed 2026-09-09
- reddit — observed 2026-09-09
- lgbtq-legal-wikipedia — observed 2026-09-09