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Published: 21-04-2023
Panama is located in Central America, boasting two coastlines, one on the Caribbean Sea and one on the North Pacific Ocean. Colombia is to the south and Costa Rica to the northwest, making it the perfect gateway to either Central or South America. Panam is located on the isthmus that forms the land bridge connecting North and South America and controls the Panama Canal. This world-famous canal connects the North Atlantic Ocean via the Caribbean Sea with the North Pacific Ocean, probably the most important and best-known shipping routes in the world. As fascinating as Panama is, the main question arises: is Panama safe to travel to? Find out more about Panama safety for your vacation here.
Panama Army in Darien
Panama City Safety
Panama City is generally safe, but you should take precautions on the streets of major cities and after dark. Be wary of pickpockets and bear in mind that mugging and violent crime are also part of this country's street life. Public transport is generally safe in Panama, but do be careful on buses and bus stops since that's where pickpockets and petty thieves operate. Bear in mind that bus stations tend to be high crime areas, and whenever possible opt for calling a taxi instead of hailing one on the street.
Violent crime is rare yet exists in Panama City and mugging and kidnapping aren't uncommon on the streets of Panama. In such a situation, hand over all your possessions immediately and do not resist. Avoid poorly lit and deserted areas. Pickpockets are a common occurrence on the streets of Panama and tourists are recommended to remain vigilant at all times when on the street. Make sure you keep your valuables out of view and be careful when withdrawing money from ATMs. It's always best to keep all your valuables in a safe place in your accommodation safe, or safely by your side.
Scams are very common in Panama City, so double-check your change, never pay anything upfront and negotiate everything in advance. Watch out for people sending you free drinks and never leave your drink unattended.
Although at night the main streets and plazas and districts with bars and restaurants are safe, visitors should be more cautious after dark, especially if they’re moving north along Avenida Central towards El Chorillo. Petty crimes such as pick-pocketing and mugging are a common issue in Panama City, and tourists are the perfect target, so you are advised to exercise caution, particularly in crowded areas such as train and bus stations, airports, and on busy streets, as well as in public transport. One thing to remember is that Panama is the safest country in Central America and an important trade zone due to its namesake canal. Thus security is at a high.
Casco Viejo, Panama
Women Travelers
Traveling to Panama is generally safe for solo women, but bear in mind that you should generally hike and explore in an organized group, and never go alone. Stay away from poorly lit and deserted streets and areas and from people that are visibly intoxicated or under the influence.
Female Traveler
Where NOT to go
There are certain parts of Panama that you should definitely avoid such as the border region between Panama and Colombia. The infamous Darien Gap is considered to be extraordinarily dangerous due to the presence of Colombian rebel groups and drug traffickers. Drug traffickers frequent this lawless area on Panama’s border with Colombia. There have been numerous reports of kidnappings and murders, armed robberies, mysterious deaths, and disappearances. Authorities are also on high alert for human traffickers and illegal immigrants crossing this land border so you might be in for a scuffle if you encounter police there. Even agents from Panama’s National Border Service (Senafront) have been shot at by drug and people smugglers. Migrants have been sexually assaulted and extorted, too.
You should not visit Darién beyond Yaviza in southern Panama, which is near the border with Colombia. The dangerous zone begins at the end of the Pan American Highway (at Yaviza, about 230km southeast of Panama City) and ends at the Colombian border. This area includes the Darién National Park, privately owned nature reserves, and tourist resorts.
El Chorrillo neighborhood of Panama City, and Curundu and El Marañón neighborhoods are poor and crime-ridden areas. Colón is simply a no-go zone day or night, and most government agencies have issued stern warnings about travel to the coastal city.
Colon Port Town, Panama
Alcohol and drug laws in Panama
Panama is on the route from the cocaine-growing areas of South America to the largest consumer country, the USA. Trafficking is a serious business and as such poses a real threat to unwitting travelers. It is a serious crime to be in possession of even very small quantities of drugs – including marihuana. Simply being in the company of someone using drugs is sufficient grounds for arrest. Prison terms for drug offenses can be up to 15 years, and it can take up to two years to even appear before a judge for sentencing. Due to the prevalence of drugs in the isthmus, police checkpoints are commonplace on weekends on roads between cities. Use your common sense and stop when requested. You might see or hear of locals doing it, but don’t attempt to bribe police officers. Regarding drinking, anyone over the age of 18 can buy alcohol in Panama. Public consumption of alcohol is common in certain places such as beaches, but it’s prohibited in some parts of Panama City, including family-friendly Parque Omar. Do take this seriously because if you are seen you can be arrested and jailed.
Atlas Beer
Travel Safety Tips
Keep your possessions close
Keep your bags shut and try to carry them on your front at all times
Mobile phones and wallets should never go in your back pocket
You are required to have a form of proper photo ID on you at all times. Don’t give the police any reason to hassle you so make sure you have one on your person or at least a copy of your passport and the page with your entry stamp.
Pick Pocketing
As long as you exercise caution, try not to stand out like a lost tourist, don't be flashy with expensive items, and don’t blatantly break any local laws, you should have a safe and enjoyable time in Panama. Listen to the advice of your government travel advisories on which places you should avoid, know where your embassy or consulate is, and try to learn a bit of Spanish before you go so you can communicate with locals. Happy and safe travels!
