Panama

As a foreign national, you must carry ID such as a passport. The police will usually accept a printed copy.

In August 2024, Panama introduced a night-time curfew for unaccompanied minors under the age of 18 in Colón province. Limited exceptions apply. This is part of government efforts to tackle criminal groups and organised crime.

In Colón the curfew is from Sundays to Thursdays from 8pm to 4am and on Fridays and Saturdays from 9pm to 5am. Unaccompanied minors who do not comply with the curfew face arrest by the police.

It is illegal to smoke in public places. You could be fined 25 to 100 US dollars if you are caught smoking where it’s not allowed. The use of e-cigarettes is also banned in public places.

Do not become involved with drugs of any kind. You can get a prison sentence for possessing even a small quantity of drugs.

The judicial process is slow and sentencing may take up to 2 years, during which you are likely to be detained. Conditions in prisons and other detention facilities in Panama are often harsh. Most facilities are overcrowded with limited access to healthcare. There have been recent cases of riots resulting in prisoner deaths.

Same-sex civil unions are illegal, but same-sex relationships are legal in Panama. Most Panamanians are generally tolerant of LGBT+ travellers. However, Panamanian law does not ban discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity. There have been incidents of police officers detaining LGBT+ couples on the grounds of public indecency. Showing affection in public can lead to unwanted attention. Casco Viejo is considered a safe place for LGBT+ travellers.

Read more advice for LGBT+ travellers.

The Atlantic hurricane season runs from June to November. Hurricanes do not directly affect Panama but often cause heavy rain. There may be flash floods and landslides. October and November have the heaviest rainfall.

Monitor local news, check World Meteorological Association weather reports for Panama and follow local advice.

Earthquakes are a risk in Panama. The US Federal Emergency Management Agency website has advice about what to do before, during and after an earthquake or tsunami.