Panama Travel Risk Level

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 .

Higher-risk regions — Level 4 (Do Not Travel): 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. About FCDO travel advice The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office ( FCDO ) provides advice about risks of travel to help you make informed decisions. Find out more about FCDO travel advice . Get travel advice updates Sign up to get email notifications when this travel advice is updated. Follow FCDO : travel advice on X travel advice on Facebook Travel Aware on Instagram

France Diplomatie : vigilance normale (vert).

Higher-risk regions — Travel formally advised against: Dans la province du Darien, la zone frontalière avec la Colombie est formellement déconseillée, en raison de la présence de groupes armés et de trafiquants de drogue.

Auswärtiges Amt: Reise- und Sicherheitshinweise (general travel and security advice); no travel warning in effect.