Travel Vaccines and Advice for Panama

Yes, some vaccines are recommended or required for Panama. The CDC and WHO recommend the following vaccinations for Panama: hepatitis A, hepatitis B, typhoid, yellow fever, rabies, meningitis, polio, measles, mumps and rubella (MMR), Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis), chickenpox, shingles, pneumonia and influenza.

COVID-19 vaccination is recommended for travel to all regions, both foreign and domestic. Check with your local Passport Health clinic if immunization is offered in your area.

Dengue and Zika have been found in Panama. Make sure you’re protected with mosquito repellents and netting. Women who are pregnant or may become pregnant should consider avoiding travel to Panama.

While yellow fever is not present in Panama, proof of vaccination may be required if entering from a country with the virus. Consider vaccination if traveling to or from South America through Panama.

See our vaccinations page to learn more about these infections and vaccines. Ready to protect yourself? Book your travel health appointment today by calling or schedule online now.

A passport is required for entry to Panama. A visa is only needed for stay up to 180 days.

Proof of a return ticket and proof of at least $500 in cash or a bank account may be required.

Panama Entry Requirements
Do I Need A…	For My Trip to Panama?
Passport
Tourist Visa
Business Visa
Vaccinations

Sources: Embassy of Panama and U.S. State Department

Panama does reserve the right to deny entry to anyone with a previous criminal conviction.

Panama has a tropical maritime climate with its rainy season being May to December and its dry season only lasting January to May. No matter what elevation you’re at in the country, the temperature doesn’t fluctuate much despite the two distinct seasons. Here is what you can expect from a few major cities in Panama:

• Panama City – Located at the Pacific entrance of the Panama Canal, it is the capital of the country. The city has more of a tropical savanna climate making it drier than a tropical monsoon climate. The average temperature remains constant in the high-70’s to low-80’s. If you’re traveling during May to December you’ll want an umbrella for the wet season. The dry season then takes places January to April.
• Colón – Sitting on the Caribbean coast, at the entrance to the Panama Canal, is this lovely city, Colón. It shares the same wet and dry season schedule as the rest of the country. Its warmest month is September and its coolest month is November, right at the end of the rainy season. If you’re worried about rain, avoid traveling in October, that’s when Colón sees the most rainfall. It has a similar temperature average year round, fluctuating between the 70’s and 80’s.
• David – The city is officially known as San José de David and is the capital of the province of Chiriquí. The city has one of the hottest climates in the Central American region. But, it still has a similar wet and dry season as the rest of the country.

Due to crime in remote areas, traveling outside cities can be dangerous. In the Darien region there have been reports of narcotic traffickers and smuggler operations. A similar situation happens along the coastline of the Caribbean.

If you’re planning on driving, don’t keep valuables in your vehicle and make sure it’s locked at all times. If you’re going to use taxis remember that regular taxis are yellow in color and that the taxis in Panama don’t use meters. You’ll need to set a fare with the driver before you get into the taxi.

If you’re out and about and there’s a demonstration, take precaution and avoid the area.

Stay alert about your surroundings and be smart with your travel plans, this will help you stay safe and enjoy Panama and all it has to offer.

The guided tours through Monkey Island will give you a chance to see a variety of monkey species in one place.

There are several tours that operate all around Gatun Lake and the Panama Canal. Not only can you interact with monkeys, but to get there you’ll go on a boat ride on the Chagres River.

You’ll be able to have close contact with white-faced Capuchin monkeys, howler monkeys and Geoffrey’s Tamarin monkeys. This guided tour is perfect for all ages. You can opt for a morning or afternoon trip and it’s a great way to experience wildlife in Panama. After the tour you’ll take a return boat ride back to the Gamboa Marina and then off to the hotel. It’s a great chance to experience Panama’s rain forest and wildlife.

Depending on where you’re visiting in Panama consider packing the following items:

• Lightweight Clothing – Lightweight clothing will keep you cool no matter what activities you have planned. Visiting mountain towns like Volcan or Boquete? Long pants and a t-shirt with a light sweater or jacket will keep you comfortable and cool no matter the time of the year.
• Umbrella/Raincoat – Check when you’ll be traveling. Afternoon showers are common during Panama’s rainy season from May through December. Make sure your umbrella or raincoat is small enough to carry around with you during your day plans.
• Swim Suit – Panama has two gorgeous coastlines with a plethora of offshore islands. If you’re staying in Panama City be sure to make a day trip to Taboga Island, also known as the “Island of Flowers.” Take advantage of the cool temperature, long sunny days, and explore some of the beautiful beaches.

The U.S. Department of State recommends enrolling in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) before travel. If you need any assistance during your time in Panama contact the U.S. Embassy in Clayton, Panama.

U.S. Embassy Panama
Avenida Demetrio Basilio Lakas,
Building No.783
Clayton, Panama
Telephone: +(507) 317-5000
Emergency After-Hours Telephone: +(507) 317-5000
Fax: +(507) 317-5278

Ready to start your next journey? Call us at or book online now!