Yes, Panama is generally safe for tourists who take normal precautions. The places most visitors go, including Panama City’s main neighborhoods, Casco Viejo, the Canal, Boquete, Bocas del Toro, San Blas and the Pacific beaches, see millions of trouble-free visits. The main risk is petty crime like pickpocketing, bag snatching and theft from cars. As of its August 19, 2026 update, the US State Department rates Panama Level 2, “exercise increased caution,” and says not to travel to the Mosquito Gulf coast and parts of the Darién near the Colombian border.
Here’s what that means in practice, and the habits that keep a trip to Panama stress-free.
What the US travel advisory says (2026)
- Panama overall: Level 2, exercise increased caution, because of crime. That’s the same level as many popular destinations in Europe and the Caribbean.
- Mosquito Gulf: Level 4, do not travel. A remote stretch of the Caribbean coast (within 10 miles of the shore between Alligator Creek and Coclé del Norte) used for drug trafficking. Tourists have no reason to go there.
- Parts of the Darién: Level 4, do not travel. All areas south of Jaque, Manene, Yaviza and Lajas Blancas to the Colombian border, plus the communities of Lajas Blancas and El Salto. This is the Darién Gap, used by migrant-smuggling and criminal networks.
The advisory also warns that demonstrations can happen with little notice and block roads. Read the current version on travel.state.gov before you go, since it can change, and consider enrolling in the State Department’s free STEP program for alerts.
Is Panama City safe?
The parts of the city where visitors spend their time are generally safe: Casco Viejo’s restored streets, the Cinta Costera, the Amador Causeway, El Cangrejo, Obarrio, Marbella, Punta Paitilla, Punta Pacífica and Costa del Este. There’s a visible police presence, including tourist police in Casco Viejo.
Use more care in these areas, especially at night:
- The edges of Casco Viejo: El Chorrillo and parts of Santa Ana, right next to the restored area. If a street suddenly looks rundown, turn around.
- Curundú, San Miguelito and parts of Calidonia: no reason for most tourists to go.
- Avenida Central: fine in the daytime, but crowded, so watch for pickpockets.
Is the rest of Panama safe?
| Place | What to know |
|---|---|
| Boquete, El Valle, the Azuero Peninsula | Relaxed, low-crime towns. Normal precautions. |
| Bocas del Toro | Generally safe; petty theft on beaches and at night in Bocas Town. Be careful with alcohol and night boat rides. |
| San Blas (Guna Yala) | Safe on the tourist islands. Use established operators; the mountain road and boat rides are the main risks. |
| Pacific beaches (Coronado, Santa Clara, Playa Blanca) | Safe; don’t leave things on the sand or in a parked car. |
| City of Colón | High crime in parts of the city. Visit the forts, Canal sites and the Free Zone with a guide or driver, and don’t wander. See our Colón guide. |
| Darién | Avoid the areas listed in the advisory. A few areas near the Pacific coast are visited with specialized tour operators. See Darién National Park: can you visit? |
12 practical safety tips for Panama
1. Keep your bags and pockets closed
Zip every pocket and bag, and don’t walk around with your phone in your hand on busy streets. Thieves look for easy opportunities.
2. Don’t carry your wallet in your back pocket
Use a front pocket, a zipped bag or a money belt. Split your cash and cards between two places.
3. Use Uber or another ride app at night
Ride apps are cheap, easy and track the trip. If you take a taxi, use a registered (yellow) one, agree on the price first, and don’t get in if there are already other passengers.
4. Leave the valuables at home
Skip the expensive watch and jewelry. Don’t count large amounts of cash in public. Use ATMs inside banks, malls or supermarkets, in the daytime.
5. Never leave anything in a parked car
Smash-and-grab theft from rental cars happens at beaches, trailheads and viewpoints. Take everything with you, or leave it at the hotel. More in our guide to renting a car in Panama.
6. Watch your things at the beach
Take only what you need, and have someone stay with your bags when you swim.
7. Carry a copy of your passport
Police can ask for ID. Carry a copy or a photo of your passport photo page and entry stamp, and keep the original in your hotel safe, except on trips where you need it (like San Blas).
8. Don’t resist a robbery
Robberies of tourists are uncommon, but if it happens, hand over what they ask for. Things can be replaced.
9. Be careful with drinks
In bars and clubs, keep an eye on your drink, and don’t accept drinks from strangers. Nightlife areas in Casco Viejo and Bocas Town are lively, so go out with friends and get a ride back.
10. Respect the ocean and the jungle
For many visitors, nature is a bigger risk than crime. Rip currents are strong on many Pacific and Caribbean beaches, and most have no lifeguards. Flash floods can hit rivers after storms. Hike with a guide in remote areas, stay on trails and tell someone your plans. See our guide to venomous snakes in Panama.
11. Protect yourself from mosquitoes and the sun
Dengue is present in Panama. Use insect repellent, especially at dawn and dusk, and wear sunscreen and a hat. The tropical sun burns fast.
12. Avoid demonstrations
Protests and road blockades happen from time to time and can close highways for days. Keep up with local news and be ready to adjust your plans.
Common scams and annoyances
- Taxi overcharging: taxis have no meters. Agree on the fare before you get in, or use an app.
- “Distraction” theft: someone spills something on you or asks for help while a partner grabs your bag.
- Card skimming: use ATMs inside banks and cover the keypad.
- Unofficial guides and tours: book through your hotel or a registered operator. Panama’s tourism authority keeps a list of certified guides and services.
Is Panama safe for solo female travelers?
Many women travel alone in Panama without problems. Catcalling happens, and it’s best ignored. Use the same precautions you would in any big city: ride apps at night, a well-reviewed hotel in a central area, and care with alcohol. Hostels in Panama City, Boquete and Bocas are good places to meet other travelers.
Is Panama safe for families?
Yes. Panama is popular with families, especially Panama City, the Canal, the Pacific beaches, El Valle and Boquete. The biggest risks for kids are the sun, the heat, mosquitoes and strong surf, not crime.
Emergency numbers in Panama
| Emergencies (police, fire, ambulance) | 911 |
| National Police | 104 |
| US Embassy in Panama (24/7 for US citizens) | +1-202-501-4444 from abroad, or +1-888-407-4747 from the US and Canada |
Panama City has modern private hospitals with English-speaking doctors. Travel medical insurance is a good idea. See our guide to insurance and hospitals in Panama.
Panama safety FAQ
Is Panama safer than Costa Rica?
Both countries are rated Level 2 by the US State Department as of 2026, and both are considered among the safer destinations in Central America. In either country, petty theft is the main concern.
Is it safe to walk in Casco Viejo at night?
The main restored streets and plazas are busy and well policed at night. Don’t wander toward the edges of the neighborhood, and take a ride app back to your hotel.
Is the water safe to drink?
Tap water in Panama City is treated and generally safe. Outside the city and on islands, drink bottled or filtered water.
Can I visit the Darién Gap?
No. The US advisory says not to travel to the areas along the Colombian border. Don’t try to visit as a tourist.
Before your trip, read our list of things to know before you visit Panama.