Panama Travel Safety

Precautions

Stay in busy, reputable and well-protected hotels and always verify the identity of a visitor before opening your door. Ensure that your personal belongings, passports and other travel documents are secure at all times. Incidents of both petty theft and some violent crimes have been reported in areas frequented by tourists. Avoid displaying signs of affluence or carrying large sums of cash, and be cautious when withdrawing money from automated teller machines. Ensure that windows and doors are secure and locked in both private and commercial accommodations. In Panama City, high-crime areas include Calidonia, San Miguelito, Juan Diaz, Rio Abajo, El Chorillo, Ancón, Curundú, Veracruz Beach, Parque Soberania and Tocumen, as well as bus stations and shopping areas on Avenida Central. Some violent crime has been reported in the cities of Colon and David, as well as in some beach communities. Do not walk alone after dark and stay within well-known tourist areas. Remain vigilant in all public places, especially at airports and bus terminals.

Road safety

Night construction on the Pan-American Highway is frequent. Be prepared for possible roadblocks. Poor road conditions, dangerous driving habits, and poorly lit streets and vehicles are hazards. Keep car windows closed and doors locked at all times.

Taxis

Registered yellow taxis are generally safe if located at a taxi stand. Sharing a taxi with strangers is not recommended, and passengers should sit in the back of the vehicle. Taxis are not metered, and fares are calculated according to the number of zones crossed to get to a destination. Agree to a fare before departure, as many fees are inflated for tourists.

Marine transportation

The southeastern coast of Comarca Kuna Yala, on the Caribbean, and Coiba Island as well as the entire length of the Pacific coast, are known as transportation corridors for narcotics. To visit the national park on Coiba Island, you must obtain special permission from the Panamanian Ministry of Government and Justice and the National Environment Authority.

Public transportation

Local bus travel within Panama City has improved in recent years, however, buses do not always follow a regular route. Panama opened line 1 of its new metro system , which currently runs from the Albrook bus terminal to the Los Andes commercial centre. When using public transportation, be aware of your surroundings and protect your belongings.

Women's safety

Panama City, Colon, and Chiriqui province have the highest crime rates please avoid walking alone in these areas. Based on the crime situation of the Panama, women should be vigilant all the time and aware of the surroundings. Avoid dark or non-tourist areas at night. Instead try to be around larger crowds, whether they are fellow tourists or local citizens. Females should be cautious while dealing with strangers and acquaintances. Women may be subject to unpleasant male attention, sexual harassment and verbal abuse. Avoid flash of money or valuables in public. Exercise a high degree of caution during travel.

Crime

Petty theft occurs in rural and urban areas of Panama. Violent crime is not frequent, but does occur throughout the country. Theft from hotel rooms occurs in both urban and resort areas.

LGBT

Although the laws of Panama do not prohibit sexual acts between individuals of the same sex. However, homosexuality is not socially tolerated.

Illegal drugs

Penalties for use, possession or trafficking of illegal drugs in Panama are very strict. Offenders can expect heavy fines and/or long jail sentences in difficult prison conditions. Simply being in the company of someone who is using drugs is sufficient grounds for arrest. From the time of arrest, it can take two years before you even appear before a judge.

Driving

You can use your provincial driver's licence in Panama for a period of up to 90 days, even though you are permitted to stay in Panama for up to 180 days without a visa. Although vehicle insurance is compulsory, many Panamanians drive without it. In the event of an accident, call 104 to reach the police, and do not move the vehicle until you are advised to do so by a police officer.