Published: January 2, 2025
This report is intended to supplement the U.S. Department of State Panama Travel Advisory and Panama Country Information Page.
Embassy & Consulate Contact Information
U.S. Embassy Panama City
Building 783, Demetrio Basilio Lakas Avenue
Tel: +507-317-5000
After-hours Emergency line: +507-317-5200.
Hours: Monday-Thursday, 0830-1700; Friday, 0830-1200.
OSAC Country Chapter
Panama City has an active Country Chapter, meeting quarterly.
Contact OSAC’s Americas team with any questions.
Panama Travel Advisory
The current U.S. Department of State Travel Advisory at the date of this report’s publication assesses that travelers to Panama should exercise increased caution because of crime and unrest.
Crime
The U.S. Department of State has assessed Panama City as being a HIGH-threat location for crime directed at or affecting official U.S. government interests.
The U.S. Department of State has included a Crime “C” Indicator on the Travel Advisory for Panama, indicating that there may be widespread violent crime and/or organized crime present in the country, and/or that local law enforcement may have limited ability to respond to serious crimes.
Panama remains relatively safe compared to other Central American countries, although serious crimes occur, including shootings, rapes, armed robberies, muggings, and thefts. The provinces with the largest urban areas – Panamá, Colón, Panama Oeste, and Chiriquí – have the highest overall crime rates.
Residential burglary is a problem for occupied and unoccupied dwellings. These burglaries tend to happen when residents are unlikely to be home, as thieves generally focus on stealing property and tend to avoid violent confrontations. Contributing factors to residential burglaries are inadequate perimeter walls, a lack of alarms or inadequate use of alarms, minimal lighting, non-existent/weak grilles, and poorly paid/trained guards. Although the overall crime trend is downward, residential burglary stands out as an issue that affects even relatively affluent areas.
Theft from vehicles remains a consistent problem through the country, especially in metropolitan areas. Most thefts from vehicles are crimes of opportunity, targeting vehicles with visible high-value items, bags, and/or purses left in plain view. When driving/parking, either take valuables with you or ensure they are out of sight.
In 2024, reports of robberies, theft, burglaries, sexual assault, and homicides increased compared to recent years. It is not uncommon for a robbery to occur with a firearm.
The 2023 homicide rate for Panama was 12.48 homicides per 100,000 residents, lower than the average rate for Central America. Panama’s rate has remained relatively steady, with similar rates seen in 2022 and 2021. However, the total number of homicides has increased slightly from 501 homicides in 2022, to 556 in 2023. There were an estimated 579 homicides reported in 2024, suggesting a potential increase, with an average of approximately 50 homicides occurring each month.
Due to the rise in criminal activity in 2024, largely driven by an increase in narcotrafficking activity, the Panamanian government has taken proactive measures to address the issue. In response, curfews for minors have occasionally been implemented in high-crime areas as part of their strategy to enhance public safety. This has included the areas of Colon, Bocas del Toro, San Miguelito, and along the Costa Rican border. President Mulino has advocated for stronger anti-crime measures.
Use public transportation with caution. While there are reports of thefts and pickpocketing, new metro buses (MiBus) with bigger windows and better lighting have reduced instances of violent crime. Use caution when taking taxis. Use only licensed registered taxis. Check that the number on the side of the taxi matches the number of the license plate. Ensuring the car is a registered taxi is a quick way to help prevent incidents. In addition, use established taxi stands when possible. Never get into a taxi that already has a passenger and instruct the driver not to pick up any additional fares. Many hotels have tourist taxis that are not yellow, and only pick up passengers in front of well-known hotels and airports. Never let a helpful stranger direct you to a particular taxi or taxi stand, and always negotiate the fare before getting in to ensure a fixed price. Ride-sharing services are well developed and seemingly ubiquitous in Panama City.
Several high-crime areas have the potential to be relatively more dangerous than other parts of the country. High-crime areas in and around Panama City include El Chorrillo, San Miguel, Santa Ana, Cabo Verde, Curundu, Veracruz Beach, Santa Librada, Rio Abajo, San Miguelito, Juan Diaz, Pedregal, and Panamá Viejo.
Colón is a high-crime area with frequent gang activity; use extreme caution when traveling in this area. Police and protesters have been known to clash with gang members taking advantage of the situation to loot and attack authorities.
The “Mosquito Coast” (along the Caribbean coast) and the Darién region (near the Colombian border) are particularly hazardous due to their remoteness and the presence of criminal organizations. The U.S. Department of State considers the Mosquito Gulf and the Darien region as Level 4: Do Not Travel locations due to the prevalence of crime. The Mosquito Coast is an extremely remote and inaccessible area along the north coast, bounded by Boca de Rio, Chiriquí to the west and Coclé Del Norte to the east, and stretching inward for five kilometers. Access to the region is almost exclusively by boat/aircraft. The area may also have a few unimproved roads/paths that are not marked on maps. This may be particularly true in the mining area along the Petaquilla River.
Transnational criminal organizations use sections of this coastline for illicit activities. The area of the Darién encompasses Darién National Park and some privately-owned nature reserves and tourist resorts. General remoteness of the Darien contributes to potential hazards. Due to scarcity of roads, most travel is by river/ footpath. This, combined with spotty medical infrastructure, makes travel there potentially hazardous. In addition, transnational criminal organizations involved in drug and human trafficking operate in the area.
For visitors to the Pearl Islands (Las Perlas), be aware of risks of robbery and theft. Due to the remoteness of the islands and smaller law enforcement presence, there may be an increased vulnerability.
Boaters should be wary of vessels that may be transporting narcotics and illicit materials, or that may be used in human smuggling operations. Packages containing narcotics have been found floating in the ocean and lying on remote beaches. Do not pick up or move these packages, and immediately report their location to the Panamanian authorities.
Penalties for possessing, using, or trafficking illegal drugs in Panama are severe. Convicted offenders can expect long jail sentences and heavy fines.
Transnational criminal organizations (TCOs) use Panama’s waters, lengthy coastlines, and densely forested border with Colombia to traffic illegal drugs from South America to Central America, and ultimately onward for sale in destinations like the United States and Europe. Criminal organizations from around the world, especially those from Colombia and Mexico, also take advantage of the large volume of shipping containers through the Panama Canal to smuggle illicit products. Criminal networks exploit Panama’s strategic location and dollarized economy to launder proceeds of illegal activities.
Local criminal gangs, such as Calor Calor and Bagdad, have become more sophisticated, expanding their roles in criminal activity and strengthening their collaboration with TCOs like Clan del Golfo and Tren de Aragua.
Kidnapping Threat
The U.S. Department of State has not included a Kidnapping “K” Indicator on the Travel Advisory for Panama.
Travelers should exercise the same common-sense precautions as in any large metropolitan area, such as maintaining a low profile and remaining aware of surroundings at all times. According to police sources, most kidnapping cases involve local nationals. They are often drug-related, connected to illegal money lending, or human trafficking
While uncommon, express kidnappings have occurred in urban areas. Criminals abduct victims for a few hours, while forcing them to withdrawal their maximum limit of cash from ATMs.
Terrorism
The U.S. Department of State has assessed Panama City as being a LOW-threat location for terrorism directed at or affecting official U.S. government interests.
The U.S. Department of State has not included a Terrorism “T” Indicator on the Travel Advisory for Panama.
While there has been evidence in the past that groups like ISIS and Hizb’allah have mentioned Panama in propaganda or surveilled targets in Panama, there is little to suggest terrorism is a significant, likely, or ongoing concern for the private sector.
Political Violence and Civil Unrest
The U.S. Department of State has assessed Panama City as being a LOW-threat location for political violence directed at or affecting official U.S. government interests.
The U.S. Department of State has included a Civil Unrest “U” Indicator on the Travel Advisory for Panama, indicating that demonstrations, protests, and/or strikes occur frequently. Civil unrest can develop quickly without prior notice, often interrupting logistics and services. Avoid demonstration activity, as even those planned to remain peaceful have the potential to turn violent.
Elections/Political Stability
Panama is a multiparty constitutional democracy. Panama last held elections in May 2024 that were considered to be free and fair. Jose Raul Mulino won with 34 percent of the vote and will hold a five-year term. The next general election in Panama is expected to occur in 2029.
Protests & Demonstrations
A coalition of construction unions, teacher unions, environmentalists, students and others organized large protests throughout Panama in October 2023. The protests erupted due to widespread public opposition to a controversial mining contract between the Panamanian government and a foreign mining company, which many citizens believed would harm the environment and local communities. During the protests, thousands demonstrated, disrupting and blocking transportation routes and supply chains in several areas of Panama. There were some clashes with police. In the aftermath, the nation’s Supreme Court ruled to terminate the contract and close the mine. However, tensions remain over the future status of the mine.
In July 2022, protests broke out over high prices, including food and fuel. The unrest started with teachers’ unions, and quickly grew to comprise indigenous groups, students, and other labor unions, like construction and transportation workers. The protests temporarily closed the Pan-American highway and other key supply routes. This highway is the main thoroughfare through the country, and the terrain makes it difficult to take any alternative routes.
Smaller scale protests are relatively common. Demonstrations often focus on domestic issues (e.g., student rights, labor disputes) or, on rare occasions, manifestations of anti-U.S. sentiment by small but vociferous groups. While most demonstrations are non-violent, avoid them. The police have used tear gas and/or other riot control measures in response to violent demonstrations, particularly when crowds clash with police. Demonstrations and marches can and do occur around the country, to include in Colón and Chiriquí, and along the Pan-American Highway.
In Panama City, demonstrations are often centered on public spaces or near government buildings including the Cinta Costera area, Plaza 5 de Mayo, the Presidential Palace, the National Assembly, city hall, and the University of Panama. Given the layout of the city, if demonstrators block the key avenues of Corredor Sur/Pan-American Highway, Transistmica/Av. Simon Bolivar, and Corredor Norte, the city’s traffic flow may slow considerably. At times, protestors have blocked access roads to the Tocumen International Airport (PTY), causing delays for travelers.
Protests outside of the city have caused road closures on major thoroughfares that can last for several hours. During these extended road closures, the security situation can be tense, and the potential exists for violence between authorities and protestors. Indigenous communities often protest mining and dam construction projects in the interior. The Ngobe-Bugle people have mobilized several times to close the Pan-American Highway in protest of a dam project at Cerro Blanco. These protests have caused major travel disruptions and violent confrontations with the police.
Anti-U.S./Anti-Western Sentiment
On rare occasions there are manifestations of anti-U.S. sentiment by small, but vociferous groups.
Law Enforcement
Dialing 911 will connect you to the universal emergency number for police, fire, and medical emergencies.
For the main police hotline call 104 to connect directly to the law enforcement services. Telephone operators may not speak English, and most police officers speak very little English. In most cases, one may get a better response by calling the local police substation directly.
For fire/rescue emergencies, call 103 to connect directly to emergency medical/fire services.
Dial “104” for Panama’s crime emergency line that connects directly to the National Police.
Panama has no traditional military forces. The agencies below work collaboratively to maintain law and order, protect national borders, and ensure the overall security of Panama. The U.S. Embassy maintains strong relationships with Panamanian security services and provides an extensive amount of capacity building and operational training.
Panama National Police (Policía Nacional de Panamá - PNP): This is the primary law enforcement agency responsible for maintaining public order, preventing and investigating crimes, and ensuring the safety of citizens and residents.
National Border Service (Servicio Nacional de Fronteras - SENAFRONT): This agency is tasked with securing Panama's borders, preventing illegal immigration, drug trafficking, and other cross-border crimes.
National Aeronaval Service (Servicio Nacional Aeronaval - SENAN): This service protects Panama's air and maritime spaces. SENAN conducts aerial and maritime patrols to prevent drug trafficking, illegal fishing, and other illicit activities.
Panamanian National Migration Service (Servicio Nacional de Migración): This service is responsible for regulating the entry and exit of individuals into and out of the country, investigating violations of immigration laws, and managing the process of detaining and deporting individuals found to be in the country unlawfully.
Judicial Investigation Directorate (Dirección de Investigación Judicial - DIJ): A specialized unit within the National Police that focuses on criminal investigations, gathering intelligence, and supporting the judicial process.
Institutional Protection Service (Servicio de Protección Institucional - SPI): This service provides security for government officials, buildings, and critical infrastructure, ensuring the protection of the state's institutional framework.
Tourist Police (Policía de Turismo): This unit of the PNP focuses on ensuring the safety and security of tourists, providing assistance, and addressing any issues that may arise during their stay in Panama.
Police Response
Incidents of police harassing foreigners for bribes are uncommon. If one does occur, the best course of action is to refuse to pay any bribe (unless threatened with the use of force), and if the request persists, ask to speak with a supervisor. Report such extortion attempts to American Citizen Services (ACS) at the U.S. Embassy.
The PNP has sub-stations in all major regions of Panama, with numerous offices in Panama City and tourism police presence in some tourist areas. PNP performance and responsiveness to incidents involving U.S. citizens has been good, if not always timely.
Victims of crime should report to the Office of the Prosecutor (Fiscalía) to file an official complaint (denuncia), even if time has passed, as criminals often repeat the same crime within the same general location. Reporting allows better crime tracking and response. Be sure to file a denuncia in case of a lost or stolen U.S. passport.
Travelers with Special Considerations
For specific traveler concerns in Panama, review the local laws and circumstances on the Department of State’s Country Information Page.
Rule of Law, Arbitrary Detention, Official Harassment, Corruption, & Transparency
The U.S. Department of State has not included a Risk of Wrongful Detention “D” Indicator on the Travel Advisory for Panama.
Panama's politics take place in a framework of a presidential representative democratic republic, whereby the President of Panama is both head of state and head of government, and of a multi-party system. Executive power is exercised by the government. Legislative power is vested in both the government and the National Assembly. The law provides for an independent judiciary, and the government generally respects judicial independence and impartiality. Panamanian law provides for the freedoms of peaceful assembly and association; freedom of internal movement, foreign travel, emigration, and repatriation; provides citizens the ability to choose their government in free and fair periodic elections held by secret ballot and based on universal and equal suffrage; and establishes criminal penalties for corruption by officials.
The law provides criminal penalties for corruption by officials, but the government generally does not implement the law effectively. Corruption remains a serious problem in the executive, judicial, and legislative branches as well as in the security forces. The Public Ministry continues investigations into allegations of corruption against public officials, but the courts dismissed high-profile corruption cases due to “lack of evidence” or “procedural mistakes” by the prosecutors.
Cybersecurity
Free Wi-Fi hot spots and internet cafes are commonly available at airports, hotels, public transportation hubs, and other areas. Many of these networks are not secure and may have vulnerabilities. Avoid conducting sensitive conversations and/or financial transactions when using public, unsecured networks.
Import/Export Restrictions
There are no known issues with bringing in or using satellite phones.
A country-specific listing of items/goods prohibited from being exported to the country or that are otherwise restricted is available from the U.S. International Trade Agency website.
Additional resources and reports can be found in the OSAC Traveler Toolkit.
