Central America • Updated August 2026

Country Risk Report

Panama

Overall Risk Rating

Low

Capital

Panama City

Languages

Spanish (official); English widely used

Currency

US dollar (USD) and Panamanian balboa (PAB)

Executive Summary

Panama is classified as a LOW risk destination and is one of the more stable, developed and prosperous countries in Central America, with a modern capital, the canal and a growing tourism sector. Violent crime against tourists is uncommon in the main areas, so the everyday risks are petty crime, road safety and natural hazards, with one specific and severe exception in the Darien Gap. Petty crime, including theft, pickpocketing and some robbery, is the main issue in Panama City and urban areas, particularly in specific neighbourhoods and after dark, and Colon has higher crime. The country is politically stable, though there have been significant protests in recent years, including large demonstrations over mining and the cost of living that blocked roads, and travellers should avoid gatherings. The one area of severe risk is the Darien Gap, the dense, roadless jungle region on the Colombian border, which is controlled in places by criminal groups and traversed by large numbers of migrants, and is subject to do not travel advice. Elsewhere, the practical considerations are road safety, strong currents at some beaches, and the wet-season weather.

Risk Matrix

Category	Risk Rating	Commentary
Armed Conflict	Low	No armed conflict; the Darien is a distinct criminal and migration risk.
Terrorism	Low	No significant terrorism threat.
Kidnapping	Low	Kidnapping of travellers is rare; risk concentrates in the Darien.
Crime	Moderate	Petty theft and some robbery; higher crime in Colon and parts of the capital.
Civil Unrest	Moderate	Significant protests and road blockades have occurred over mining and living costs.
Health & Medical	Moderate	Good private care in Panama City; limited elsewhere.
Internal Travel	Moderate	Road safety, the Darien and wet-season disruption.
Digital / Cyber	Moderate	Card fraud and scams occur.

Essential Precautions

1Avoid the Darien Gap, the roadless Colombian border jungle, which is controlled in places by criminal groups.

2Guard against petty crime, including theft and robbery in Panama City neighbourhoods and Colon.

3Avoid protests and road blockades, which have been significant and can disrupt movement.

4Take care on the roads, and use official or app-based transport.

5Heed coastal currents and flags, as drownings occur at some beaches.

6Prepare for wet-season weather, which can cause flooding and disruption.

7Keep valuables out of sight, particularly in urban areas and on public transport.

8Hold appropriate travel and medical cover, including for water and jungle activities.

Security Situation

Low

Panama is one of the more stable and developed countries in Central America, with uncommon violent crime against tourists in the main areas. The everyday risks are petty crime, road safety and natural hazards, with the Darien Gap a specific and severe exception.

Panama City and the Centre

Low

Panama City and the centre are modern and function normally, with petty crime and some neighbourhood and after-dark risk the main concerns.

The Canal and the Pacific Coast

Low

The canal and the Pacific coast are developed and tourism-oriented, generally safe with standard precautions.

Bocas del Toro and the Caribbean

Low

Bocas del Toro and the Caribbean are popular tourist areas, generally safe with petty crime and water safety considerations.

The Darien (the East)

Extreme

The Darien in the east is a dangerous jungle region controlled in places by criminal groups and should not be entered.

Detailed Risk Assessment

Armed Conflict

Low

Panama is not in armed conflict. The Darien Gap involves criminal groups and mass migration rather than organised conflict, but is nonetheless extremely dangerous.

Terrorism

Low

There is no significant terrorism threat in Panama. Standard vigilance is sufficient.

Kidnapping and Crime

Moderate

Kidnapping of travellers is rare and concentrates in the Darien, and the main issue elsewhere is petty crime, including theft, pickpocketing and some robbery, with higher crime in Colon and parts of the capital.

Internal Travel

Moderate

Road safety, the impassable and dangerous Darien, and wet-season disruption are the main travel concerns. Panama City has modern transport including a metro, and domestic flights and boats serve the regions.

Health and Disease

Moderate

Good private healthcare is available in Panama City, which is a regional medical hub, but care is limited elsewhere. Mosquito-borne illnesses including dengue are present, and travellers should hold appropriate cover.

Cultural and Religious Sensitivities

Low

Panama is diverse, welcoming and internationally oriented, predominantly Catholic with indigenous and Afro-Caribbean communities, and normal respect for local customs is sufficient. Sensitivity around indigenous communities and the canal's history is advisable.

LGBT Travellers

Moderate

Same-sex activity is legal, and Panama City is relatively relaxed, but there is limited legal recognition and more conservative attitudes in places. Discretion is more advisable outside the capital.

Diplomatic and Government Situation

Low

Panama is a stable democracy with strong institutions, a dollarised economy and good consular access, though it has seen significant protest movements. Governance is robust and the main risks to visitors are criminal, natural and localised rather than systemic.

Digital and Cyber Threats

Moderate

Card fraud and online scams occur, and travellers should guard financial information and use trusted ATMs. Connectivity is good in the capital and main areas.

Vaccinations & Health Hazards

Strongly Recommended

Hepatitis A and Typhoid
Recommended for some travellers due to food and water risk.
Yellow Fever
Recommended for travel to some mainland eastern areas; check current guidance.
Hepatitis B and Tetanus
Recommended for some travellers.
Rabies
Consider for rural or long stays.

Other Health Hazards

Mosquito-borne illness: Dengue and other mosquito-borne illnesses are present; take bite-avoidance measures.
Water safety: Heed flags and currents at beaches.
Road safety: Take care on the roads and use reputable transport.
Wet season: The wet season can cause flooding and disruption.

Choosing the Right Insurance

Cover for Panama is available on a specialist basis, with the Darien Gap excluded. Panama City, the canal area and the main tourist regions are manageable with standard precautions, and cover should include medical care and evacuation.

Get a Quote Gulf Transit Cover Speak to an Advisor

Annex A - Key Risk Dynamics

Checkpoints and Detention Triggers

Routine checkpoints operate, more so near the Darien; cooperate calmly. Carry a copy of ID and a clear travel purpose. Do not enter the Darien Gap. Avoid photographing security and canal-security installations.

Kidnapping and Detention Dynamics

Abduction and severe criminal risk concentrate in the Darien. Kidnapping is rare in the main areas. Theft and some robbery occur in the capital and Colon. Comply calmly during a robbery.

High-Risk Travellers

Darien travellers face severe criminal and abduction risk. Colon and urban travellers face higher crime. Protest-period travellers face road blockades and disruption. Night travellers face opportunistic crime.

Annex B - Key Preparation & Checklists

Essential Preparation and Medical

Avoid the Darien and favour the main regions. Hold medical and evacuation cover. Note the potential for significant protests and blockades. Guard against urban petty crime.

Digital Security and Checkpoints

Guard against card fraud and use trusted ATMs. Be alert to scams. Connectivity is good; consider an eSIM. Limit public location sharing.

Movement and Operational Security

Avoid the Darien entirely. Use official or app-based transport. Take care given road conditions. Heed flags and currents.

Conduct and Legal Compliance

Respect local and indigenous communities. Keep valuables out of sight. Avoid demonstrations and blockades.

This report is provided for information only and does not constitute travel or security advice. Ratings are indicative and subject to change without notice. Confirm current conditions with Hotspot Cover before any deployment.