Panama
🏛️ Capital: Panama City
👥 Population: 4.5 million
💬 Language: Spanish
💰 Currency: Balboa (PAB) & United States Dollar (USD, both in use)
✈️ Reasons to travel: Panama Canal, tropical beaches, rainforest biodiversity, modern skyline, indigenous culture
📈 High Season: December to April
📉 Low Season: May to November
☀️ The warmest month: April
❄️ The coldest month: December
🌧 The rainiest month: October
Safety
Travelers should check government safety advisories before any trip to avoid dangerous situations. These sources offer reliable updates on security risks, health alerts, and local laws.
Check out the travel advisory from at least one of these government websites:
Average safety level:
Exercise increased caution
Try our travel preparation app for free, and get an overview of safety, entry requirements, local laws, contacts for hospitals, and more.
Health
Sanitation and drinking water:
Score: 49/100
Rank: 105th/180
These are based on indicators such as types of facilities and sewage systems in households, water sources, water treatments, etc. The higher the score the safer the drinking water and sanitation (based on the Environmental Performance Index from Yale University).
A lower score may suggest a higher risk of food-borne illnesses like traveler’s diarrhea.
Vaccine-preventable infectious diseases in Panama:
- Chikungunya
- Dengue fever
- Hepatitis A
- Hepatitis B
- Meningococcal meningitis
- Tuberculosis
- Typhoid fever
- Yellow fever
Infectious diseases in Panama with no vaccine currently available:
- Chagas disease
- Cutaneous larva migrans
- Leishmaniasis
- Malaria
- Oropouche
- West Nile virus
- Zika
Yellow fever certificate requirements:
A vaccination certificate is required upon entry if arriving from a country at risk, or after transiting for more than 12 hours at a country at risk.
Would you like to learn more about Panama?
Use our app to find important information about relevant vaccines, what medication to pack, and how to address risks at your destination, so you can enjoy your travel to the fullest.
We’ve connected data from hundreds of scientific publications with the most recent recommendations from the world’s top authorities, including the WHO, the American CDC, and the UK’s NHS, to help you get the best preparation for the trip possible.
Try MyGlobdoc now! Panama is already available there.
Panama FAQ
Is it safe to travel to Panama in terms of health risks?
Yes, Panama is safe for most travelers, but there are some health risks to be aware of. Mosquito-borne diseases, foodborne illness, and heat-related dehydration are the most common concerns. With good preparation, most visitors remain healthy.
What vaccinations do I need before traveling to Panama?
Recommended vaccines include hepatitis A and tetanus. Depending on your itinerary, hepatitis B and typhoid may also be advised, especially for extended rural stays. A yellow fever certificate is required if traveling from a yellow fever endemic country, and is recommended if visiting certain regions of Panama. MyGlobdoc can generate a personalized vaccination guide for your trip.
Are there any common diseases in Panama that travelers should know about?
Yes. Dengue fever, Zika virus, and chikungunya are present, particularly in rural and coastal areas. Traveler’s diarrhea, hepatitis A, and typhoid are common foodborne risks. In some jungle areas, malaria may also occur.
How can I avoid food poisoning or traveler’s diarrhea in Panama?
Eat freshly cooked food from clean restaurants or food stalls. Avoid raw seafood, unwashed produce, and ice made from tap water. Stick to bottled or filtered water, and wash your hands regularly or use sanitizer before meals.
Is malaria a risk in Panama, and do I need anti-malarial pills?
Yes, malaria is present in some rural and jungle regions, especially along the eastern Darién Province. However, Panama City, the Canal Zone, and many tourist areas are in low risk or malaria-free. MyGlobdoc can assess your specific route to determine if anti-malarial medication is necessary.
What mosquito-borne illnesses are present in Panama?
Mosquito-borne illnesses include dengue fever, Zika virus, chikungunya, and malaria in select regions. Risks are higher during the rainy season. Use DEET-based repellent, wear long sleeves, and sleep under mosquito nets when traveling in rural areas.
Do I need travel health insurance for Panama?
Yes, travel health insurance is strongly recommended. Private hospitals in Panama City provide good care, but rural areas often have limited facilities. Insurance ensures access to quality care and covers medical emergencies or evacuation if needed.
What should be in a travel medical kit for Panama?
Pack insect repellent, sunscreen, oral rehydration salts, anti-diarrheal medicine, pain relievers, adhesive bandages, and prescription medications. For rural or jungle trips, include anti-malarials, water purification tablets, and a small first aid kit. MyGlobdoc can generate a tailored packing checklist for your trip.
How can I stay healthy while backpacking through Panama?
Stay hydrated in the hot, humid climate and protect yourself from mosquitoes, especially in jungle regions. Eat food from reliable sources and avoid untreated water. Carry a compact medical kit and pace yourself when hiking or exploring outdoors.
Is Panama safe for pregnant travelers or travelers with chronic illness?
Pregnant travelers should avoid areas with malaria and the Zika virus, as it can affect pregnancy. Those with chronic illnesses should plan ahead, as rural healthcare is limited and long travel distances may be required for care. Carry sufficient medication and insurance that covers pre-existing conditions.
What should I do if I get sick in Panama?
For minor illnesses, pharmacies are widely available. For serious conditions, private hospitals in Panama City offer modern care. If traveling in remote areas, be prepared for possible medical evacuation—always carry insurance details and emergency contacts.
What travel health documents or certificates are required for Panama?
A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required if arriving from a yellow fever-endemic country. Otherwise, no special health certificates are needed. Always check the latest entry and vaccination requirements before departure.
Sources
Map generated with https://www.mapchart.net/index.html
Orthographic map by Addicted04 – This W3C-unspecified vector image was created with Inkscape ., CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=20240577 / CC-BY-SA-3.0 edited in Canva
Travel safety map obtained under the latest Creative Commons Attribution licence – CC BY 4.0 from https://www.smartraveller.gov.au/destinations/americas/panama
https://datatopics.worldbank.org/world-development-indicators/
Block, S., Emerson, J. W., Esty, D. C., de Sherbinin, A., Wendling, Z. A., et al. (2024). 2024 Environmental Performance Index. New Haven, CT: Yale Center for Environmental Law & Policy. https://epi.yale.edu
Disclaimer:
The information provided on this page is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult your physician or other qualified healthcare provider with any health problem. The use or reliance on any information provided on this page is solely at your own risk.
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