Do not become involved with drugs of any kind or in any way.
Possession of even very small quantities can lead to heavy terms of imprisonment
(up to 15 years). The judicial process is slow and conditions in
Panamanian prisons are harsh and not comparable to those in the UK. You
must be aware that simply being in the company of someone who is using drugs is
sufficient grounds for arrest. From the time of arrest, it can take
upwards of 12-24 months before you even appear before a judge.
Panama
Capital:
Panama City
Official Language: Spanish
Religions:
Roman Catholic 93% other
7%
Currency: Balboa
=
100 cenesimos
Map
Background
While Panama is known mostly for its famous canal, the country's natural attractions offer an irresistible lure to far-sighted travelers. This oft-overlooked country offers some of the finest birding, snorkeling and hiking in the Americas.
Special Events
None known.
Climate
Panama has two distinct seasons. The dry season lasts from mid-December to mid-April while the rainy season goes from mid-April to December. North of the mountains, on the Caribbean side of Panama, it rains all year round. However, it tends to rain less in February, March, September and October than it does the rest of the year. Temperatures are typically hot in the lowlands throughout the year - days usually reach around 32°C (90°F) and only drop to an average of 22°C (72°F). During the rainy season the humidity makes the heat even harder to endure. Mountain temperatures are much cooler, ranging from 10-18°C (50-64°F) in a day, and they too vary little throughout the year.
Travel Info
Panama has flights to all Central American countries and both North and South America; Miami is the principal hub for flights to Panama. COPA is the national airline. There's a USD20.00 departure tax on international flights, payable only in cash.
There are three land border crossings between Panama and Costa Rica: Paso Canoas, on the Interamerican Hwy, is the most popular, followed by Guabito-Sixaola near the Caribbean coast. Río Sereno, at the terminus of the La Concepción-Vacán Rd, is the least usual border post. There are buses to the border that connect with local services on the Costa Rican side. Despite the huge amount of shipping passing through the Panama Canal, it's hard to catch a ride on a boat.
The two-week hike through the jungle that comprises the Darién Gap - the roadless terrain between Yaviza and the Colombian border - is an unwise endeavour. But if you absolutely must cross the Panama-Colombia border on foot, do so at Puerto Obaldia, a sleepy little town just a couple of kilometres from some fine beaches.
Visas
British, German and Swiss citizens, among others, need only a passport to enter Panama; people from Australia, Japan, New Zealand, USA, Venezuela and some other countries need a tourist visa or tourist card as well. Contact an embassy or consulate for current details.
Safety
Terrorism
Terrorism
You should be aware of the global risk of indiscriminate terrorist attacks, which could be against civilian targets, including places frequented by foreigners.
You should be aware of the global risk of indiscriminate terrorist attacks, which could be against civilian targets, including places frequented by foreigners.
Crime
There is a risk of street crime. You should not carry large sums of
cash or valuables in public. Deposit them in hotel safes wherever
possible. Be vigilant when using ATM cash machines installed in public
places, usually outside banks. There have been cases of people being
attacked after drawing cash from these machines. There have also been
instances of devices being inserted in ATMs, which allow cards to be
cloned. Ensure that your personal belongings, passports and other travel
documents are secure at all times.
Beware of pickpockets in busy thoroughfares, on buses and at bus
stations. Be alert for muggers particularly in the main shopping areas
especially Via Espana and Avenida Central, the area of Caledonia, as well as in
the old town (Casco Viejo) in Panama City, and in the old Panama ruins (Panama
Viejo), the Madden Dam area - off the main Panama to Colon road, and the city of
Colon, where unemployment, street crime and drug usage are high.
Occasional armed hold-ups occur in restaurants in Panama City, Colon and
elsewhere. There have also been recent attacks on individuals at gunpoint
in broad daylight. Local police report that other high crime areas around
Panama City are San Miguelito, Rio Abajo, El Chorillo, Ancon, Curundu, Vera Cruz
Beach, and Parque Soberania.
Since June 2006, there have been incidents of serious assault, some
involving taxi drivers. Some incidents have occurred during broad
daylight. You should use registered taxi companies, and whenever possible call a
taxi company rather than hail a taxi in the street. It is advisable
to travel accompanied by someone you know and not to sit in the front seat of a
taxi. Ensure that you do not get in a taxi with unknown passengers and instruct
the driver not to stop and pick up any additional passengers.
In February 2007, there were reports of burglaries being committed by
organised criminal gangs. It is reported that the perpetrators use ruses,
such as door-to-door sales and household cleaning suppliers, to gain the trust
of the victims and gain access to their homes. The criminals then gather
information about the victim’s movements and routines. In some instances,
the criminals are suspected of using various symbols or drawings marked on
perimeter walls or fences to communicate with other gang members. An
organised robbery with several other gang members is then committed. You
are advised to be cautious if approached by visitors seeking access to your
property. If you are in doubt about the motives of any visitors, you
should alert the police.
Political Situation
Political demonstrations occur occasionally in Panama City, mainly around
Panama University, and the main road known as the Transisthmica. You
should avoid being caught up in any demonstration.
You should monitor local media and avoid all demonstrations.
Local Travel
You should travel to the Darien province by air, and only with an organised
group to recognised tourist destinations protected by the Panamanian
Police. Please contact the British Embassy in Panama City for
details. You should not stray from the immediate vicinity of the protected
resort area. Expedition companies based in Panama also sometimes organise
expeditions to Darien. Check carefully that police protection is
included.
The border area with Colombia is particularly dangerous (beyond a line
drawn from Punta Carreto in the Comarca de San Blas on the Atlantic coast,
through Yaviza in the eastern Darien province, to Punta Pina on the Pacific
coast). Political and criminal violence in Colombia can spill over into
Panama. There are regular incursions by Colombian guerrillas and other
armed groups. Two Spanish nationals were kidnapped near the border with
Colombia on 20 January 2006. Foreign nationals and Panamanian citizens
have been the victims of violent crimes, kidnapping and murder in this
area.
Road Safety
Standards of driving and traffic management are both poor. Panama has
a reasonably good road system, except in Darien Province where there is hardly
any paved road at all. Most of the central Inter-American Highway is still
only one lane each way and it is not well lit at night. There is often
night construction on this road with few signs alerting drivers to such
construction.
By law seat belts must be worn by drivers and front seat passengers, and
children under five must travel in the back in fitted child seats. You are
warned that motor insurance is not compulsory in Panama, even for third party
damage and injury, and many Panamanians drive without it. If you are
involved in a car accident, Panamanian law requires that you should wait with
the vehicle until the traffic police (Transito) arrive.
Sea Safety
You should be extremely careful when wading or swimming on Pacific and
Caribbean beaches as in some locations there are strong currents and
undertows. These beaches seldom have signs warning of the dangers.
Drownings occur every year. Do not bathe in the Bay of Panama. It is
polluted with untreated sewage and industrial waste.
LOCAL LAWS AND CUSTOMS
Health
Panama City has some good private hospital and clinics but medical facilities outside the capital are limited. In October 2006, the Panamanian Health Ministry reported cases of acute renal failure with neurological involvement resulting in a number of deaths. Evidence suggests that the cases were due to contamination of liquid medications with traces of diethylene glycol, an industrial solvent not intended for human consumption.
The implicated medications are only prescribed by the Department of Social
Security, are not readily available in pharmacies and have the Department of
Social Security label (Caja de Suguro Social) on the bottle. However, cases of
contamination are still being reported in hospitals.
You are strongly advised not to take any of these products and consult a
medical professional if you are in any doubt about the safety of any
pharmaceutical products available in Panama.
Malaria exists in some parts of Panama, including in some outlying areas of
Panama City. Malaria is carried by mosquitoes. More than
three-quarters of British travellers who contracted malaria in 2005 did not take
preventive measures, such as malaria prevention tablets. However, malaria
can occur despite appropriate prevention, and therefore you should promptly seek
medical care in the event of a fever or flu-like illness in country or in the
first year following your return from travelling to a malaria risk
country. Before travelling you should seek medical advice about the
malaria risk in Panama.
Dengue Fever is endemic to Latin America and the Caribbean and can occur throughout the year. In 2007 there has been a marked increase in the number of reported cases of dengue across the region. There is no vaccine to prevent dengue fever, which has severe flu-like symptoms and can sometimes be fatal (Dengue Haemorrhagic Fever). To minimise exposure to mosquito bites and avoid being bitten you are advised to use mosquito repellent regularly and cover up with suitable clothing.
Injections required
Immunisations recommended
Diptheria/Tetanus, Hepatitis A, Typhoid, Yellow
fever
Immunisations that maybe required
Poliomyelitis, Tuberculosis, Hepatitis
B, Rabies
Malaria Yes
Reciprocal Health Care None
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