Health and Safety in Panama

Basic Precautions

Food & Water

During your trip to Panama, you can eat sans worry. It's safe to enjoy the local fruits and vegetables this country grows, which means you'll be okay indulging in the tropical fruits, squashes, and lentils which prosper in the Panamanian climate.

As for the water, the Panama Canal Company ensures that Panamanian water remains safe to drink. So, whether you need a quick glass from the tap, or were hoping to sample a delicious looking fruit drink or popsicle (ice lolly), you'll be perfectly fine. The one time you may need to be careful is when you're outside of mainland Panama's developed cities. If you find yourself in Bocas del Toro or an undeveloped island, err on the side of caution and drink bottled water.

Beach Safety

If you're heading to Panama for the beaches, then be aware that what makes for excellent surfing in Panama does not always make for excellent swimming. If you are hoping to swim in the ocean, we have some tips for you, such as sticking to tourist-friendly areas. Also, be mindful that you often swim at your own risk in Panama—the beaches don't have lifeguards.

Insects & Snakes

Because of Panama's tropical climate, insects are somewhat prevalent, but don't let this deter you from visiting this amazing country. One of the easiest ways to avoid illness is to protect yourself from insect bites. This is especially important if you’ll be spending time in rural areas. Use insect repellent, wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants, and sleep in screened-in rooms. This should keep you bug free.

Mosquitos are not a significant issue, especially in urban Panama, but whether you are in the city or the jungle you may encounter them. Which is why we offer several tips on how you can stay mosquito free throughout your adventures in Panama.

Panama has a diverse range of wildlife, which is part of the fun of visiting this country, but that does mean you will occasionally have to take extra precautions. When it comes to snakes, there is a low chance that you will encounter them. However, we do have some tips to keep you safe from snakes in the event that you're planning some excursions in the wilderness. Don't worry, it's very basic advice to keep you from surprising them or stepping on them.

Vaccinations

Before your trip, visit a travel doctor for any necessary vaccinations or antimalarial medication. Antimalarial medication needs to be started at least a week before traveling, so plan in advance. For the most up-to-date information on health conditions in Panama, visit the Center for Disease Control’s (CDC) website, www.cdc.gov/travel.

The type of vaccinations you may want will largely depend on where you plan to go. Travelers staying within Panama City and the Panama Canal area won’t need much, while those planning on trekking through the jungle will want more extensive protection. Note that vaccinations can change, so it’s best to check out the current requirements through the CDC or with a doctor.

Visitors to Panama should have their routine immunizations up-to-date, including tetanus-diphtheria and measles-mumps-rubella. The CDC also recommends travelers be vaccinated against hepatitis A, hepatitis B, and typhoid fever. Those who plan to spend time in rural areas should be vaccinated against rabies and yellow fever, and may want to take an antimalarial medication. Travelers coming from an area where yellow fever is endemic – including tropical South America and sub-Saharan Africa – should have proof of yellow-fever vaccination.

Many visitors to Panama will not need to take antimalarial drugs, especially if their trip is limited to Panama City and the Canal Zone. The risk of contracting the disease is greatest in the Darién and the Cormarca de Guna Yala (San Blas Islands). Some of the most rural parts of the Bocas del Toro and Veraguas provinces also pose some risk. Still, unless you plan on spending tons of time outdoors or sleeping in rooms without screened windows, you may be fine without medication. As always, it’s best to consult your doctor to discuss your options.

Doctors, Clinics, and Hospitals

Panama has excellent doctors and medical facilities. Many of the nation’s doctors were trained in the U.S. and speak English. The best facilities are in the larger cities, most notably Panama City and David, but there are health centers, clinics, and rural hospitals throughout the rest of the country.

Pharmacies are abundant and well stocked with all kinds of prescription and nonprescription medicines; they also sell condoms and birth control. Serious medical issues should be treated in Panama City.

If you encounter an emergency, call 911 or get to the nearest hospital. For non-medical emergencies or assistance, consult our article "What Should I Do In Case Of An Emergency In Panama?"

Crime

It's natural to worry about crime and safety when visiting a new city, let alone a new country, but Panama is one of the safest nations you can visit in Central America when it comes to crime and safety. In general, Panama is very safe. Its citizens tend to be friendly with travelers and violent crime against tourists is unusual.

However, as tourism takes off in Panama, it’s possible that nonviolent crime, theft, and scams will increase. Some travelers have reported thefts from hotel rooms or had belongings stolen while swimming on the beach. This is definitely not the norm, but it’s good to exercise some degree of caution while traveling. If your hotel has an in-room safe, use it. Don’t bring too many valuables with you while carousing the city or napping on the beach. Act sensibly and you’ll be fine.

There are a few areas that tourists are advised to avoid. Colón, along the Caribbean coast, is one of them. Extreme poverty has made this historic city dangerous, and it’s better to skip it. Some of the poorer parts of Panama City are also best avoided, including the neighborhoods of El Chorillo and Curundu. Casco Viejo is patrolled by tourist police and is generally pretty safe, but it’s good to be alert while strolling the streets at night.

Lastly, there parts of the Darién that should be steered clear of—most are near the border with Colombia, where guerillas and paramilitaries sometimes roam. These areas can, however, change rapidly. It’s best to check with experienced guides or border police before even thinking of traveling here. The U.S. State Department’s travel warnings and Consular Information Sheet is also an important source of information, although it’s not always accurate. It can be found at www.travel.state.gov.