Panama

Översikt

Panama is considered a relatively safe country in comparison with its regional neighbours. However, significant security threats remain, including kidnap, civil protest and crime. Panama has a stable democracy, a revitalised economy and positive relations with its neighbours. Tensions remain with Colombia over ongoing guerrilla activity and organised crime, although this is unlikely to result in armed conflict.

Hälsa, sjukdomar och vaccination

Travelers are advised to consult a travel health specialist or general practitioner (GP) to obtain the latest information regarding what vaccines are recommended about 4-8 weeks prior to departing for Panama. Make sure you are up-to-date on routine vaccines before your trip. The following vaccinations are recommended: measles-mumps-rubella (MMR), tetanus-diphtheria-pertussis, polio and influenza. Travelers might also consider the vaccinations for Hepatitis B and rabies, according to the specifics of their travel.

Panama has confirmed recent cases of Chikungunya and Dengue. Most affected regions include: Colón, Coclé, Herrera, Panama Metor, and Panama Oeste. Risk is present throughout the country and year-round with peak transmission during the rainy season, from May to December.

Malaria risk is present throughout Panama, excluding the Panama Canal Zone, the cities of Colón, Panamá, and Santiago, and the central highlands above 800m. The use of anti-malarial medications (Lariam, Malarone, or doxycycline) is recommended. This prophylaxis should be supported by the use of insect repellent, mosquito nets and long-sleeved clothing around the hours of dusk.

There is risk of ongoing Zika virus transmission in Panama. Travellers should take meticulous anti-mosquito bite measures during the daytime. Pregnant women and those considering becoming pregnant should avoid travel to the country.

A Yellow Fever vaccination certificate is only required for travelers coming from a country with risk of Yellow Fever transmission and from countries with an active Yellow Fever outbreak. Vaccination is recommended for all travelers 9 months of age and older going to all mainland areas east of the Canal Zone, including the indigenous region of Emberá and Guna Yala.

Scattered cases of leishmaniasis occur in rural areas in the entire country, but most cases are reported from western Bocas del Toro, Cocle, Colon, Chiriqui and Panama provinces, and from the west-central areas. The use of a repellent containing 20%-30% DEET and long-sleeved clothing around the hours of dusk is recommended.

Panama has a concentrated HIV/AIDS epidemic, particularly among transgender people, men who have sex with men and female sex workers, with adult prevalence rates estimated at 1%.

Travelers should be aware of the risks associated with traveler’s ailments such as diarrhea. Travelers must take all necessary precautions when drinking water or eating food within the country and only drink water from sealed bottles obtained from a reputable source or water that has been filtered and boiled.

It is advisable to bring anti-diarrhea medication and oral rehydration salts to prevent dehydration. Tuberculosis is endemic in Panama.

Good medical care is available in Panama City, but more limited elsewhere. In Panama, most hospitals accept credit cards for hospital charges, but not for doctors' fees. Most countries advise their citizens to take out comprehensive travel insurance that will cover all medical costs.

It is nonetheless advisable to bring necessary medicines from the country of origin, clearly labelled and with a copy of the receipt if needed.

24-hour pharmacies can be found in major urban areas.

Pass

Visitors to Panama should be travelling on a passport that is valid for at least six months from the date of departure from the country.

Visum

US and Canadian citizens can visit visa-free for up to 180 days. Nationals of EU countries do not require a visa for stays up to 90 days. An initial stay of 30 days is granted, extension can then be granted by Panamanian immigration authorities. Travellers need to produce return/onwards tickets and have the equivalent of USD 500 or a credit card.

Those who consider investing money in Panama and obtaining long-term visas should be aware of visa schemes in force in the country. Different types of visa concessions are available i.e. long-term visas are conceded to investors that finance business that are considered to be socially beneficial by the government, or those who employ a certain number of Panamanians.