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Latin America Holiday Specialist

Jeremy Snelling

Specialist To: Costa Rica • Mexico • Cuba • Peru • Belize • Antarctica • Saint Helena • Bolivia • Ecuador & Galapagos Island •

Our specialists have unrivalled experience of the Latin America, allowing them to craft you a truly memorable bespoke holiday. Jeremy is a specialist for Mexico, Cuba, All Central America Countries, All 12 South America Countries, South East Asia, Antarctica, and Saint Helena

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Country Facts

Capital

Panama City

Size

75,417 km2 (29,119 sq mi)

Time Zone

GMT-5

Population

4,515,577

Currency

The Panamanian Balbo

Panama

Panama is a vibrant and diverse destination, offering a mix of natural beauty, rich history, and modern attractions. Known for the Panama Canal, a marvel of engineering, it’s a key stop for visitors interested in its historical and economic significance. The country’s capital, Panama City, combines a modern skyline with the charm of its colonial quarter, Casco Viejo, which is a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Panama is also a paradise for nature lovers, with lush rainforests, pristine beaches, and a wealth of biodiversity. The Bocas del Toro archipelago and the San Blas Islands are popular beach destinations, known for clear waters, coral reefs, and indigenous Guna communities. Adventure seekers can explore volcanoes, go hiking in national parks like Boquete, or enjoy snorkeling and diving along the coasts.

With a mix of cultures and influences from both North and South America, Panama offers a unique blend of traditions, modernity, and natural wonders, making it an increasingly popular travel destination.

Reasons to visit Panama:

 

  • Panama Canal: Witness one of the world’s greatest engineering feats and learn about its historical significance.
  • Biodiversity: Explore rainforests, wildlife-rich national parks, and marine life, with a high level of biodiversity in a compact area.
  • Beautiful Beaches and Islands: Enjoy pristine beaches in the San Blas Islands, Bocas del Toro, and along both the Pacific and Caribbean coasts.
  • Cultural Diversity: Experience a blend of indigenous, Afro-Caribbean, and Spanish cultures, with vibrant festivals and traditions.
  • Adventure and Ecotourism: Engage in hiking, birdwatching, zip-lining, and snorkeling or diving in tropical waters.
  • Cosmopolitan Panama City: Discover a city that combines modern skyscrapers with historic colonial architecture in Casco Viejo.
  • Affordable and Accessible: Panama is relatively affordable compared to other tropical destinations, with easy access from North and South America.
  • World-Class Coffee: Taste some of the best coffee in the world, especially from the Boquete region, known for its high-quality beans.
  • Indigenous Cultures: Visit and learn about indigenous communities like the Guna in the San Blas Islands.
  • Duty-Free Shopping: Take advantage of tax-free shopping in the Colón Free Zone, one of the largest in the world.

 

Preparing For A Trip To Panama?

Visa Information / Entry requirements to Panama

This information is for people travelling on a full ‘British citizen’ passport from the UK. It is based on the UK government’s understanding of Panama’s current rules for the most common types of travel.

The authorities in Panama set and enforce entry rules. If you’re not sure how these requirements apply to you, contact the Embassy and Consulate of Panama in the UK.

COVID-19 rules

There are no COVID-19 testing or vaccination requirements for travellers entering Panama.

Passport validity requirements

If you’re visiting Panama, your passport must have an ‘expiry date’ at least 6 months after the day you plan to leave Panama.

If you live in Panama, your passport must have an ‘expiry date’ at least 6 months after the day you arrive.

Your passport must have at least one blank page.

Check with your travel provider that your passport and other travel documents meet requirements. Renew your passport if you need to.

You will be denied entry if you do not have a valid travel document or try to use a passport that has been reported lost or stolen.

 Checks at border control

Make sure you get your passport stamped.

Make sure immigration officials properly stamp your passport with the date you arrived the country.

At Panamanian border control, you may need to:

  • give the address of your accommodation and a contact telephone number
  • show a return or onward ticket – particularly if you arrive by land from Costa Rica and are not a legal resident of Costa Rica
  • prove you have at least 1000 US dollars (or the same amount in other currencies) or a credit card

Visa requirements

You can visit Panama for up to 3 months without a visa if you arrive by land or air. There are different visa requirements for sea arrivals.

You cannot normally extend your stay, unless you apply to change your immigration status (for example, for business purposes or marriage) within the 3 months.

If you try to extend your stay by visiting a neighbouring country and returning to Panama, immigration officials may detain you. The British Embassy cannot intervene in decisions made by Panama’s immigration officials.

If you arrive by sea

If you arrive on a vessel that is not a cruise ship, you must have a visa to enter Panama. You must pay a fee of 100 US dollars, plus 5 US dollars registration, for each passenger or crew member. There may be other fees, for example for cruising permits.

If you arrive on a cruise ship or are travelling through the Panama Canal, you do not need a visa unless you are staying in Panama for more than 3 months. Immigration authorities will stamp your passport if you leave the ship. They do not board cruise ships travelling through the Canal to check passports.

Applying for a visa

If you need a visa, apply through the Embassy and Consulate of Panama in the UK. They can give you more information on entry requirements.

For information on extending your stay, check with the Panama National Migration Service (in Spanish).

Airport tax

There is a charge of 40 US dollars on departure. This is usually included in your airline ticket fare. Check with your airline.

Vaccine requirements

To enter Panama, you must have a certificate to prove you’ve had a yellow fever vaccination if you’re coming from a country listed as a transmission risk.

For full details about medical entry requirements and recommended vaccinations, see TravelHealthPro’s Panama guide.

Customs rules

There are strict rules about goods you can take into or out of Panama. You must declare anything that may be prohibited or subject to tax or duty.

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Tourism Health Information – Panama

 

Before you travel check that:

  • your destination can provide the healthcare you may need;
  • you have appropriate travel insurance for local treatment or unexpected medical evacuation.

This is particularly important if you have a health condition or are pregnant.

Emergency medical number

Call 103 and ask for an ambulance.

Call 911 for emergencies.

Contact your insurance company quickly if you’re referred to a medical facility for treatment.

Vaccine recommendations and health risks

At least 8 weeks before your trip:

Health risks include:

  • dengue – on 30 July 2024 the Panama Ministry of Health issued a health alert (in Spanish) due to the increase in dengue cases, particularly in Panama City, Colón, Panama East and Panama West
  • malaria
  • Zika virus
  • chikungunya
  • HIV
  • contaminated water – tap water is safe to drink in most of the country. Follow local recommendations in rural and island areas.

Medication

The legal status and regulation of some medicines prescribed or bought in the UK can be different in other countries.

Read best practice when travelling with medicines on TravelHealthPro.

Healthcare in Panama

Panama City has some good private hospitals and clinics, but medical facilities outside the capital are limited.

FCDO has a list of medical providers in Panama where some staff will speak English.

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Weather & When To Go To Panama

 

Panama has a tropical climate, with warm temperatures year-round. It experiences two main seasons:

  1. Dry Season (December to April): This is the most pleasant time with sunny skies, lower humidity, and little rain.
  2. Rainy Season (May to November): There is frequent rain, especially in the afternoons, though mornings are often clear. Despite the rain, the country stays green and lush.

Best Time to Visit Panama:

The best time to visit Panama is during the dry season from December to April, when the weather is sunny and ideal for outdoor activities, beach visits, and exploring the Panama Canal. However, the rainy season still offers fewer crowds, lush landscapes, and lower prices for those who don’t mind occasional showers.

Panama Weather Month by Month:

January to April (Dry Season)

  • January: Warm, sunny, and dry. Great for beach vacations and outdoor activities.
  • February: Similar to January, but with festivals like Carnaval. A vibrant time to visit.
  • March: One of the driest and hottest months. Excellent for exploring the Panama Canal or island-hopping.
  • April: End of the dry season, with sunny weather still prevailing but with occasional rain showers.

May to November (Rainy Season)

  • May: Start of the rainy season. Warm, with increasing showers in the afternoon, but mornings are still pleasant.
  • June: Humidity rises, and there’s consistent afternoon rain. Still a good time to visit Panama’s lush rainforests.
  • July: Occasional sunny breaks amid rainy afternoons. Fewer tourists, making it quieter and less crowded.
  • August: Warm and wet. Rainfall continues, but mornings are often sunny. Wildlife-watching opportunities improve.
  • September: One of the rainiest months, but great for lush landscapes and fewer visitors.
  • October: Wettest month of the year, with consistent rain. Not ideal for beaches, but a good time to explore Panama’s rainforests.
  • November: Still rainy, though the season is tapering off. Local festivals offer cultural experiences during this time.

December (Start of Dry Season)

  • December: The dry season begins. Expect sunny skies and warm weather, ideal for tourists seeking outdoor adventures and beach escapes.

The best months to visit are January to April for dry, sunny weather. However, if you’re interested in Panama’s rich nature and fewer crowds, consider visiting during the early rainy season in May or June.

 

Read More On Visas

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