This page provides a comprehensive comparison of official government travel advisories for
Republic of Panama
from multiple trusted international sources including the United States, Canada, United Kingdom,
Australia, France, Spain, Ireland, and Japan.
Each government assesses travel risks independently based on their own intelligence, diplomatic
relationships, and risk assessment criteria.
By comparing these different perspectives, travelers can make more informed decisions about their
safety and security when visiting Republic of Panama.
The information below is aggregated from official government sources and analyzed to provide you
with a unified view of the current travel situation.
Last updated: 2026-04-02
Advisory Comparison by Government Source
Canada's advisory emphasizes normal security precautions with specific warnings for high-crime areas like Colón Province, San Miguelito, and certain corregimientos in Panama City. It strongly advises against all travel to the Darién Province south of Metetí and the Mosquito Gulf due to extremely high levels of violent crime and illegal activities. Unique insights include detailed advice on express kidnappings, curfews for minors, and specific warnings about tour operators not adhering to international standards for adventure sports like diving.
The U.S. advisory recommends exercising increased caution due to crime and potential civil unrest, with "Do Not Travel" warnings for parts of the Mosquito Gulf and Darién Region, explicitly listing specific cities like Lajas Blancas and El Salto. It uniquely details HIV/AIDS entry restrictions (though noting Panamanian immigration does not require a test) and specific fees for travelers piloting their own boats. The advisory also provides contact information for the Tourist Police and Panama's Office of Assistance to Victims of Crime.
France highlights a generally satisfactory security level but warns of increasing crime in the capital, including armed robberies and drug-related conflicts. It provides specific neighborhoods to avoid, especially at night, and advises caution in the Chagres National Park. The advisory uniquely details risks associated with taxis, recommending only yellow taxis, avoiding tinted windows, and confirming license numbers. It also includes specific advice for women travelers and cautions against entering Panama via Darién airports or ports.
Level 2 - Exercise Increased Caution
The UK advisory advises exercising a high degree of caution and details passport validity requirements, recommending 6 months beyond the planned departure. It specifically mentions a curfew for unaccompanied minors in Colón Province (8pm-4am Sun-Thu, 9pm-5am Fri-Sat) as part of efforts to tackle organized crime. A unique aspect is the explicit warning against swimming in the Bay of Panama due to high pollution from untreated sewage and industrial waste, and detailed advice for driving with a UK license and child seat requirements.
Australia advises exercising a high degree of caution due to the high threat of crime, with a 'Do Not Travel' warning for the Darién Gap beyond Yaviza. It uniquely warns about methanol poisoning from contaminated drinks and advises against consuming snacks or beverages offered by strangers due to potential drug spiking. The advisory also specifies that it is illegal for foreigners to take part in political demonstrations and provides detailed advice on how to handle traffic accidents, including not moving the vehicle until police arrive.
Spain's advisory recommends traveling with caution and highlights a health alert for dengue in several regions. It provides strict requirements for passport validity (over three months) and proof of funds ($500 USD cash or bank letter). Uniquely, it details specific requirements for minors residing in Panama (Spanish or dual nationals) to exit the country, including notarized consent from both parents. It also warns against taking yellow taxis from the street after dark and against interacting with unknown persons in nightlife settings due to the risk of scopolamine use.
Level 2 - Exercise Increased Caution
Ireland issues a 'High Degree of Caution' and specifically warns about the Panama-Colombia border (Darién Gap) and the Mosquito Gulf as particularly dangerous due to violent crime and criminal organizations. It uniquely advises that if a passport is lost or stolen, it can take up to three weeks to get a replacement due to time and distance factors. The advisory also highlights that merely being in the company of someone using drugs is grounds for arrest, and that homosexuality is legal but not widely accepted in some rural areas.
Japan issues a Level 3 'Do Not Travel' advisory for parts of Darién and Guna Yala due to high crime, drug trafficking, and human trafficking, noting infrastructure is undeveloped and emergency response difficult. It uniquely provides detailed crime statistics, stating that Panama's murder rate is 15.4 times and robbery rate is 114.2 times higher than Japan's per capita. The advisory also gives specific examples of crime against Japanese citizens and emphasizes the danger of using 'unofficial' taxis, recommending ride-sharing apps instead.
Level 3 - Reconsider Travel
New Zealand advises increased caution with 'Do Not Travel' warnings for the Darién Gap and Mosquito Gulf due to violent crime and trafficking. It uniquely mentions "express kidnappings" where victims are forced to withdraw money from ATMs, recommending using ATMs inside banks during daylight hours. The advisory also highlights that protests often focus near the Panama City university and on major streets, and warns against crossing roadblocks even if they appear unattended, as this may lead to violence.
Switzerland warns of social and economic tensions leading to strikes, roadblocks, and violence, noting that these can cause significant travel delays and supply difficulties. It uniquely advises that in cases of traffic disruption, it can be very difficult or impossible for Switzerland to assist its citizens in leaving affected regions. The advisory also highlights that criminals do not hesitate to commit homicide if victims resist during aggression and recommends specific safety measures for those on yachts.
Level 1 - Exercise Normal Precautions
Level 3 - Reconsider Travel
Italy advises particular caution due to recent episodes of crime, including kidnappings, targeting foreign residents and tourists. It uniquely notes that the maximum stay for tourism has been reduced from 180 to 90 days since October 1, 2021, without exceptions. The advisory also details that banks are rarely equipped for currency exchange, especially for Euros, and recommends carrying US$20 and US$50 bills due to fear of counterfeits. It also provides specific warnings about the extremely harsh conditions in local penitentiaries.
Level 2 - Exercise Increased Caution
Level 3 - Reconsider Travel
Finland advises normal caution but 'avoid unnecessary travel' to Darién due to kidnapping threats. It uniquely warns about robberies in Panamanian sea areas and guest harbors. The advisory also mentions that night driving should be avoided, and that in case of a hurricane, there might be immediate impacts on infrastructure, electricity, and network connections, with potential shortages of food, water, and cash. It recommends following official hurricane center websites for updates.
About Travel Advisories for Republic of Panama
This comprehensive travel advisory page for Republic of Panama aggregates official government
warnings and recommendations
from eight major international sources. Each country's foreign affairs department maintains its own
travel advisory system
based on unique assessment criteria, intelligence gathering, and diplomatic considerations.
The United States Department of State, Global Affairs Canada, UK Foreign Commonwealth & Development
Office (FCDO),
Australia's Smartraveller, France's Ministry of Europe and Foreign Affairs, Spain's Ministry of
Foreign Affairs,
Ireland's Department of Foreign Affairs, and Japan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs each provide
independent assessments
of travel risks to Republic of Panama.
By comparing these multiple perspectives, travelers can gain a more complete understanding of the
current situation
in Republic of Panama and make better-informed decisions about their travel plans. Remember to
always check the official
government websites directly before finalizing any travel arrangements.