U.S. Embassy Panama

Avenida Demetrio Basilio Lakas, Building No.783
Clayton, Panama
Telephone: +(507) 317-5000
Emergency After-Hours Telephone: +(507) 317-5000
Fax: +(507) 317-5278
Email: Panama-ACS@state.gov
Contract Form: ACS Navigator

See the Department of State’s Fact Sheet on Panama for information on U.S.-Panama relations. 

Visit the Embassy of Panama website for the most current visa information. The following are required for entry: 

• A passport valid for 3 months past entry your date.  
• Proof of funds—$500 cash or equivalent. 
• A return plane ticket. 

180-Day Stay: U.S. tourists can stay in Panama for 180 days without a visa. This is strictly enforced. Confirm you receive an entry stamp in your passport when you arrive. For further information contact the Government of Panama Migration Service.  

Traveling with Children: To exit the country with only one parent, Panamanian citizens and legal residents under 18, including dual citizens, must present notarized consent in Spanish from both parents. Both parents’ identification documents and the child’s birth certificate are also required. Written consent signed in the United States needs to be apostilled. Any child born in Panama typically acquires Panamanian citizenship at birth. 

HIV/AIDS Restrictions: Some HIV/AIDS entry restrictions exist for visitors to and foreign residents of Panama. Panamanian immigration does not require an HIV/AIDS test. The U.S. Embassy is not aware of any U.S. citizens who have been deported due to HIV/AIDS. Please verify this information with the Embassy of Panama before you travel.  

Arriving by Sea: Immigration officials charge a $110 entry fee to travelers piloting their own boats and arriving as tourists. This fee is inconsistently enforced and can change without notice. The fee allows entry into Panama for 3 months and can be extended for up to 2 years. 

• Contact Servicio Nacional de Migracion to confirm entry fees and procedures. 
• Contact Sector Pacifico, where many U.S. citizens arrive by personal boat, at +507-521-0480 and +507-521-0479. 
• If navigating private craft through the Panama Canal, contact the Panama Canal Authority at +507-272-4570 or visit the Panama Canal Authority website to make an appointment. 

The “Mosquito Gulf” and the Darien Region are extremely remote and inaccessible areas. Drug trafficking, human trafficking, and other criminal activities occur here. Police and emergency services are extremely limited. 

• The “Mosquito Gulf” is only accessible by boat or aircraft 
• The Darien Region has few roads and is only accessible by river or on trails by foot. 

The U.S. Embassy has limited ability to provide emergency services to U.S. citizens in these regions. 

Demonstrations occur frequently. They may take place in response to political or economic issues. Past demonstrations have disrupted travel and the availability of goods and services in some parts of Panama. Police have used tear gas and other riot control tools. 

• Demonstrations can be unpredictable. Avoid areas around protests and demonstrations.   
• Past demonstrations have turned violent. 
• Check local media for updates and traffic advisories.

Beach and Maritime Safety: Panama’s beaches on the Pacific and Caribbean coasts can have large waves and dangerous currents. Conditions can change rapidly, and drowning deaths occur. Few beaches have lifeguards.  

Avoid boats that may be connected to drug trafficking, human trafficking, or other illegal activity. Packages containing drugs have been found in open water and on remote beaches. Never pick up or move unknown packages. Report them to the police.  

Emergency search and rescue capabilities are limited. In a maritime emergency near the Panama coast, contact local police. 

Scams: Internet romance and financial scams exist in Panama.  Review the Department of State’s Protecting Yourself from Scams and the FBI pages for information.  

Crime:  Crime in Panama includes theft and residential break-ins. Crimes of opportunity such as pickpocketing and purse snatching can happen in tourist areas. Remove valuables from your car. Keep windows up and doors locked while driving. 

Victims of Crime:  Report crimes to the local police by dialing 104 or 511-9260 for the tourist police in Panama City. Contact the U.S. Embassy at +507-317-5000. Local authorities are responsible for investigating and prosecuting crimes. 

See our webpage on help for U.S. victims of crime overseas.

We can: 

• Help you find appropriate medical care. 
• Contact relatives or friends with your written consent. 
• Provide a list of attorneys. We do not endorse or recommend any specific attorneys.  
• Provide information on victim’s compensation programs in the United States. 
• Help you contact Panama’s Office of Assistance to Victims of Crime. Call 512-2222 or visit Oficina de Asistencia a Víctimas de Crímenes, Policia Tecnica Judicial, Ancon, Panama City.
• Provide an emergency loan for repatriation to the United States and/or limited medical support in cases of destitution. 
• Help you find accommodation and arrange flights home. 
• Replace a stolen or lost passport. 

Domestic Violence: Contact local police at 104 if you are in immediate danger. U.S. citizen victims of domestic violence are encouraged to contact the Embassy for assistance. 

Tourism: The tourism industry is not well regulated. Safety inspections for equipment and facilities are rare. Dangerous areas/activities are not always labeled properly. Staff may not be trained or certified by the host government or recognized authorities. If you get injured, you will likely only find appropriate medical treatment in or near major cities. First responders cannot reach areas outside major cities to provide urgent medical care. U.S. citizens are encouraged to purchase medical evacuation insurance. See our webpage for more information on insurance coverage overseas. 

Criminal Penalties: You are subject to local laws.  If you break local laws, even if you don't know it, you can be kicked out of the area, arrested, or put in prison. If you want to start a business or work in a job that needs special permits or licenses, you should get information from the local authorities before you start. 

Furthermore, some crimes are also prosecutable in the United States, regardless of local law. See our website on crimes against minors abroad and the Department of Justice website. 

Passports and Identification: Always carry your passport with Panama entry stamp. Police can detain and fine you for not having identification.  

Drugs: Many drugs are illegal in Panama. Drug use and drug possession can lead to long jail sentences and heavy fines. 

Property: Be careful when purchasing real estate in Panama. Foreign buyers have reported broken contracts, unexpected fees, threats of violence, and other claims of fraud and corruption. More information can be found at the Embassy website. 

Customs Restrictions: The import/export of firearms, ammunition, cultural items, wildlife, drugs, biological material, and food products is strictly enforced. Contact the Panamanian Embassy in Washington for specific information. 

Counterfeit and Pirated Goods: Counterfeit and pirated goods are prevalent in many countries. They may be illegal according to local laws. Counterfeit and pirated goods may pose significant risks to consumer health and safety.  You may be subject to fines and/or have to give up counterfeit and pirated goods if you bring them back to the United States.  See the U.S. Customs and Border Protection website and U.S. Department of Justice website for more information.  

Arrest Notification:  If you are arrested or detained, ask police or prison officials to notify the U.S. Embassy immediately.  See our webpage for further information. 

Faith-Based Travelers: See the following webpages for details:  

• Faith-Based Travel Information  
• International Religious Freedom Report – see country reports 
• Human Rights Report – see country reports  

LGB Travelers:  There are no legal restrictions on same-sex sexual relations or the organization of LGB events in Panama. However, Panamanian law does not prohibit discrimination based on sexual orientation, and there is societal discrimination based on sexual orientation. 

See our LGB Travel Information page and section 6 of our Human Rights report for further details.  

Travelers with Disabilities: Expect accessibility to be limited in general infrastructure and common in newer or remodeled public buildings. Handicapped parking is often available at many larger parking lots. 

See our Travelers with Disabilities page. 

Students: See our Students Abroad page and FBI travel tips for U.S. students.

Women Travelers:  See our travel tips for Women Travelers. 

Cruise Ship Passengers: See our travel tips for Cruise Ship Passengers. ble in the U.S., regardless of local law. See our website on crimes against minors abroad and the Department of Justice website.

Arrest Notification: If you are arrested or detained, ask police or prison officials to notify the U.S. Embassy immediately. See our webpage for further information.

If you break local laws in Panama, your U.S. passport will not help you avoid arrest or prosecution, and the Embassy cannot get you out of jail or prison.  Keep in mind, if you are arrested for an offense, tried and convicted, you must be sentenced before you can be transferred to the United States to complete your sentence in the United States. This process can last three or more years.  

Carry Identification: Anyone not bearing identification may be held and will be penalized by the Panamanian authorities. You should always carry your passport that contains the Panama entry stamp in case it is requested by Panamanian authorities.

Drugs: Penalties for possessing, using, or trafficking in illegal drugs in Panama are severe, and convicted offenders can expect long jail sentences and heavy fines.

Property: Exercise extreme diligence in purchasing real estate in Panama. The U.S. Embassy in Panama has received numerous property dispute complaints. The complaints include lost property, broken contracts, and demands for additional payments, accusations of fraud and corruption, and occasionally threats of violence. More information can be found here.

Customs Restrictions: Panamanian customs authorities may enforce strict regulations concerning importation into or export from Panama of items such as firearms and ammunition, cultural property, endangered wildlife species, narcotics, biological material, and food products. Contact the Panamanian Embassy for specific information regarding customs requirements.

Do not buy counterfeit and pirated goods, even if they are widely available as you may also be breaking local law. The Computer Crime and Intellectual Property Division in the U.S. Department of Justice has more information on this serious problem. For further information about customs regulations, please read our Customs Information page.

See the Department of State and the FBI pages for information on scams.

Faith-Based Travelers: See the Department of State’s International Religious Freedom Report.

LGB Travelers: Same sex marriages are not conducted nor recognized in Panama. LGB individuals enjoy full legal rights in Panama. However, Panamanian law does not prohibit discrimination based on sexual orientation, and there is societal discrimination based on sexual orientation.  

See our LGB Travel Information page and section 6 of our Human Rights report for further details.

Travelers Who Require Accessibility Assistance. Individuals with disabilities may find accessibility and accommodation very different from what you find in the United States. Panamanian law only mandates access to new or remodeled public buildings for persons with disabilities, which is being enforced for new construction. Handicapped parking is often available at many larger parking lots.  

Students: See our Students Abroad page.

Women Travelers: See our travel tips for Women Travelers.

• For emergency services in Panama, dial 911. 

Ambulance services are: 

• Unreliable in most areas except Panama City, Colon, and the Pan-American Highway between Panama City and Chiriqui. 
• May be delayed due to traffic and road conditions. 
• Are available as subscriptions by some private ambulance providers. 

See our Health Abroad page for more information. 

• Check the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Traveler Advice for Panama. 
  • Review all sub-sections. These include Travel Health Notices, Vaccines and Medicines, Non-Vaccine-Preventable Diseases, Stay Healthy and Safe, Healthy Travel Packing List, and After Your Trip.  
• We highly recommend that all travelers review the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Travelers’ Health page. CDC Traveler Advice provides advice on medical considerations including:  
  • Reasons for Travel (for example: Adventure Travel, Spring Break Travel)  
  • Travelers with Special Considerations (for example: Allergies, Long-Term Travelers and Expatriates)  
  • General Tips (for example: Traveling with Medications, Travel Vaccines)  

The Department of State, U.S. embassies and U.S. consulates do not pay medical bills.  Be aware that U.S. Medicare/Medicaid does not apply overseas. Most hospitals and doctors overseas do not accept U.S. health insurance. 

Medical Insurance: Confirm whether your health insurance plan provides coverage overseas. Some care providers overseas only accept cash payments. See our Insurance Overseas page for more information on insurance providers with overseas coverage.  Visit the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Travel Insurance page for more information on type of insurance you should consider before you travel overseas. 

• We strongly recommend supplemental insurance to cover medical evacuation.  

Always carry your prescription medication in original packaging, along with your doctor’s prescription.

Vaccinations: Be up-to-date on all vaccinations recommended by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. 

Further health information: 

• World Health Organization Travel advice page
• U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)  Travelers’ Health page

Air Quality: Air pollution can be a significant problem in many destinations overseas. Check NASA’s Air Quality Forecast, which uses Artificial Intelligence (AI), historical data, and global pollution modeling to generate a three-day forecast of expected air quality in Panama. For information about common air pollutants, check the CDC’s Air Quality page. For information about the U.S. Air Quality Index and health guidance, check out the EPA’s AirNow. For general health information, visit the “Your Health Abroad” page. 

Health facilities in general: Adequate health facilities are available in Panama City but health care in rural areas may not be the same as you would typically find in the Unites States. 

Private hospitals require payment “up front” prior to service or admission. After receiving care, bills must be paid in full. 

• Costs can be well over $10,000, depending on the treatment.  
• Most hospitals accept credit cards for hospital charges, but not for doctors’ fees. 
• Hospitals often cannot accept credit card payments by phone or international wire transfers. 

Pharmaceuticals: Exercise caution when purchasing medication overseas. Most medications, except antibiotics, are available without a prescription in Panama. You should buy medication with the help of a medical professional and from trusted places. 

Assisted Reproductive Technology and Surrogacy: If you are considering traveling to Panama to have a child through the use of assisted reproductive technology (ART) or surrogacy, please see our ART and Surrogacy Abroad page. 

Road Conditions and Safety: Traffic in Panama moves on the right like in the United States. Seat belts are required by law. Some road conditions in Panama are very different from those in the United States: 

• Always carry identification. Police can detain you for not having identification. 
• Be prepared to stop at unannounced checkpoints throughout Panama, especially at night. 
• Traffic signals are less common throughout the country. 
• Driving at night can be dangerous, especially on the old Panama City – Colon highway. 
• Avoid bicycling on the streets. 
• Driving is more dangerous due to flooding during the rainy season—April to December. Rain can wash out roads and make streets impassable. 
• Roads may have no streetlights and be poorly maintained, with large potholes and cracks common. 
• Use caution on the Pan American highway in Panama: 
  • The highway is not well lit at night. 
  • Road construction is common and often inconsistently marked by signs. 
  • Roadblocks sometimes occur due to demonstrations. The highway ends at Yaviza in the Darién Region and does not continue to Colombia. 

Traffic Laws: Foreigners can drive in Panama using a valid foreign driver license, but only for 90 days. Don’t drive anywhere in Panama without carrying a valid license. Using a cell phone while driving and driving while intoxicated or while drinking alcohol are illegal. Third-party liability auto insurance is mandatory, but many drivers are uninsured. 

If a traffic accident occurs: 

• Call the police immediately. 
• Follow the law by moving your car off the roadway – you could be fined if you don’t. 
• If no one is injured, take photos of both cars and exchange information with the other driver, if you feel safe to do so. 
• Wait for police to arrive. 

Public Transportation:  Public transportation should be used with caution. Thefts and pickpocketing sometimes occur. 

Taxis in Panama typically are yellow. Hotels may have taxis to pick up passengers at popular hotels, and these taxis may not be yellow. 

If you hire a taxi: 

• Use a ride-sharing app or licensed and registered taxis. 
• Avoid taxis with unknown passengers. 
• Tell taxi drivers not to pick up other passengers. 
• Agree to a fare in advance because taxis in Panama do not have meters. 

See our Road Safety page for more information. Visit the website of Panama’s national tourist office and national authority responsible for road safety. 

Aviation Safety Oversight: The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has found that Panama’s Civil Aviation Authority meets international standards for aviation safety oversight.  FAA’s website includes more information on its assessment program. 

Maritime Travel: Mariners planning travel to Panama should also check for U.S. maritime advisories and alerts. Information may also be posted to the U.S. Coast Guard homeport website, and the NGA broadcast warnings.