Is Panama safe to travel to?

Panama has an elevated travel risk profile (about 49/100), so most trips are trouble-free but extra caution is smart—especially in Panama City’s busy areas and anywhere protests or roadblocks can flare up. Petty theft and occasional unrest are the main reasons travelers should stay alert.

What are the main travel risks in Panama?

The biggest travel risks in Panama are civil unrest (including demonstrations that can disrupt roads), petty crime like pickpocketing and bag snatching, and common tourist scams in high-traffic areas. Petty crime is a notable concern (around 68/100), so keep valuables secured and be careful with phones and bags in crowds.

What is the current travel advisory for Panama?

Panama is currently under a Level 2-style advisory—exercise increased caution—with an elevated advisory score (about 45/100). Conditions can change quickly around protests and certain border or transit areas, so check updates before and during your trip.

What safety tips should I know before visiting Panama?

In Panama, use app-based rides or reputable taxis after dark, avoid flashing cash or expensive jewelry in markets and transit hubs, and keep your phone secured in crowded areas. Follow local news for protest activity, avoid demonstrations, and be cautious in areas where border conditions or road access can change fast.

Panama

Americas

Higher risk than 67% of countries. Main concerns: civil unrest and petty crime.

Government Advisory

Elevated

Level 2: Exercise increased caution

Traveler Practical Risk

Elevated

Confidence: high. Main drivers: civil unrest, petty crime, tourist scams.

Risk Profile

Score breakdown across 7 risk dimensions

📢Civil Unrest

Americas avg: 5675

🔓Petty Crime

Americas avg: 4768

🎭Scams

Americas avg: 5558

🚌Transport

Americas avg: 5150

⚠️Violent Incident

Americas avg: 4830

🌊Natural Disaster

Americas avg: 2824

🏥Health

Americas avg: 2418

Practical advice

✓Use app-based rides after dark and avoid displaying valuables in crowded areas.
✓Monitor local developments and avoid demonstrations or fast-changing border areas.

Data Sources & Updates · Synced 5/10/2026

Government Advisory: U.S. Department of State

Advisory published: 9/23/2024 (by U.S. Department of State)

Our last sync: 5/10/2026

Indicators: World Bank Governance & Stability Indicators (2024)

Recent update: Updated 2026-05-10 from refreshed advisory and traveler risk indicators.

Frequently Asked Questions — Panama

Is Panama safe to travel to?: Panama has an elevated travel risk profile (about 49/100), so most trips are trouble-free but extra caution is smart—especially in Panama City’s busy areas and anywhere protests or roadblocks can flare up. Petty theft and occasional unrest are the main reasons travelers should stay alert.
What are the main travel risks in Panama?: The biggest travel risks in Panama are civil unrest (including demonstrations that can disrupt roads), petty crime like pickpocketing and bag snatching, and common tourist scams in high-traffic areas. Petty crime is a notable concern (around 68/100), so keep valuables secured and be careful with phones and bags in crowds.
What is the current travel advisory for Panama?: Panama is currently under a Level 2-style advisory—exercise increased caution—with an elevated advisory score (about 45/100). Conditions can change quickly around protests and certain border or transit areas, so check updates before and during your trip.
What safety tips should I know before visiting Panama?: In Panama, use app-based rides or reputable taxis after dark, avoid flashing cash or expensive jewelry in markets and transit hubs, and keep your phone secured in crowded areas. Follow local news for protest activity, avoid demonstrations, and be cautious in areas where border conditions or road access can change fast.

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