Panama Travel Risk

Exercise increased caution in Panama due to crime. Some areas have increased risk. Read the entire travel advisory.

U.S. government employees working in Panama need special authorization to travel to the Mosquito Gulf and the Darién Region due to safety risks. The U.S. government has limited ability to offer emergency services to U.S. citizens in these areas.

Crime

Crime occurs in Panama, including theft and residential break-ins. Crimes of opportunity such as pickpocketing and purse snatching can happen in tourist areas. The U.S. embassy receives occasional reports of residential break-ins, especially during the holiday season.

Unrest

Large-scale demonstrations related to the local political situation may occur with little notice. Demonstrations may disrupt transportation and other essential services.

Do not travel to:

• The Mosquito Gulf due to crime.
• Parts of the Darién Region due to crime.

Earthquake

On 9 October 2026, a strong earthquake of preliminary magnitude 7.6 struck Panama. According to the Instituto de Geociencias de la Universidad de Panamá, the earthquake was recorded at a depth of 10 kilometres, approximately 39 kilometres west of Tonosí. The tremor was felt across much of the country and authorities are assessing damage.

If you are affected and need assistance from the UK government, call:

• From Panama: +507 297 6550

• From the UK: +44 (0) 20 7008 5000

Initial tsunami warnings have been lifted. Individuals in coastal areas should remain vigilant, follow instructions from local authorities, and move away from the shoreline if advised to do so.

Be aware of the possibility of aftershocks and continue to follow local safety advice. We are monitoring the situation closely and will update this message as more information becomes available.

Before you travel

No travel can be guaranteed safe. Read all the advice in this guide. You may also find it helpful to:

• see general advice for women travellers
• read our guide on disability and travel abroad
• see general advice for LGBT+ travellers
• read about safety for solo and independent travel
• see advice on volunteering and adventure travel abroad

Travel insurance

If you choose to travel, research your destinations and get appropriate travel insurance. Insurance should cover your itinerary, planned activities and expenses in an emergency.

Terrorism

There is a high threat of terrorist attack globally affecting UK interests and British nationals, including from groups and individuals who view the UK and British nationals as targets. Stay aware of your surroundings at all times.

UK Counter Terrorism Policing has information and advice on staying safe and what to do in the event of a terrorist attack. Find out how to reduce your risk from terrorism while abroad.

Terrorism in Panama

Although there is no recent history of terrorism in Panama, attacks cannot be ruled out.

Protests and demonstrations

Protests can be unpredictable, occur at short notice and escalate quickly. Avoid protests and demonstrations, monitor local media and follow advice from local authorities. Avoid travelling around protest-affected areas at night. Protests may be particularly large in Colón City.

Protests often involve informal road blocks and can affect access to the border crossing into Costa Rica at Paso Canoas and international airports. Check your route and alternatives before travelling. If you are unable to reach an airport for a planned flight, contact your airline to make alternative arrangements.

This section has safety advice for regions of Panama. It only covers regions where FCDO has specific advice.

You should also read FCDO’s overall travel advice and safety and security advice.

Colombia border

There is a risk of violence near the Colombia border in an area east of a line drawn between:

• Punta Carreto in the Comarca de Guna Yala on the Atlantic coast
• Yaviza in the eastern Darien Province
• Punta Piña on the Pacific coast

You should only travel to the east of this line in an organised group, and make sure local police and security authorities are aware of your visit. Follow local security advice and do not stray from your group.

Colombian criminal violence can spill over into the region of Panama bordering Colombia where there is a threat from Colombian and other armed groups. Foreign nationals and Panamanian citizens have been the victims of violent crimes, kidnapping and murder in this area.

Risk level

Panama - Take normal security precautions

Take normal security precautions in Panama.

Regional risks

High-crime areas - Exercise a high degree of caution

Exercise a high degree of caution in the following areas due to high levels of crime:

• Colón Province
• District of San Miguelito, especially the following areas: Amelia Denis de Icaza Belisario Porras Belisario Frias Arnulfo Arias
• Veracruz City
• Panama City in the following townships ("corregimientos"): Calidonia Curundú El Chorrillo Panama Viejo Rio Abajo Santa Ana 24 de Diciembre

Townships ("corregimientos") in Veraguas Province - Avoid non-essential travel

Avoid non-essential travel to the townships ("corregimientos") of Arena, El Cacao and Quebro in Veraguas Province due to the damage caused by the October 9, 2026 earthquake.

Areas south of Metetí - Avoid all travel

Avoid all travel to to areas south of Metetí in Darién Province to the border with Colombia due to extremely high levels of violent crime.

Mosquito Gulf - Avoid all travel

Avoid all travel to the Mosquito Gulf, from Boca de Río Chiriquí to Coclé del Norte, due to the high level of illegal activity such as drug smuggling and human trafficking.

Region between Metetí and the Colombian border

Avoid all travel between Metetí and the Colombian border.

Organized crime groups, including human and drug traffickers, are active in this area. The level of violent crime is extremely high, with numerous reports of:

• sexual asssault
• kidnappings
• armed robberies
• murders
• disappearances

If you choose to visit this region despite the advisory:

• be extremely vigilant at all times
• review your security situation regularly
• leave a detailed itinerary with family or friends

Mosquito Gulf

Avoid all travel to the Mosquito Gulf, from Boca de Río Chiriquí to Coclé del Norte.

This is a very remote part of the country with limited road access. There are high levels of illegal activity such as drug smuggling and human trafficking along the coast.

Crime

Petty crime

Petty crime, such as pickpocketing and purse snatching, occurs.

• Ensure that your belongings, including your passport and other travel documents, are secure at all times
• Avoid displaying signs of affluence or carrying large sums of cash
• Use ATMs located in public areas or inside a bank or business
• Don’t walk alone after dark
• Remain vigilant in all public places, especially at airports and bus terminals

High-crime areas include bus stations and shopping areas on Avenida Central in Panama City, as well as the following areas:

• Calidonia
• Curundú
• El Chorrillo
• Panama Viejo
• Rio Abajo
• Santa Ana
• 24 de Diciembre
• District of San Miguelito, especially the following areas: Amelia Denis de Icaza Belisario Porras Belisario Frias Arnulfo Arias
• Veracruz City

Theft from hotel rooms occurs in both urban and resort areas.

Residential break-ins and robberies also occur. They are more likely to happen when no one is home. Criminals may also try to gain your trust before entering your home.

• Stay in busy, reputable and well-protected hotels
• Always verify the identity of a visitor before opening your door
• Ensure that windows and doors are secure and locked in both private and commercial accommodations

Violent crime

Violent crime is not frequent, but does occur. There have been violent crimes committed in the cities of Colón and David, as well as in some beach communities.

Express kidnappings have also occurred. Criminals abduct victims, usually for a few hours, and force them to withdraw money from ATMs in exchange for their release.

巴拿马风险等级为蓝色（低风险）