Is Panama Safe For Tourists And Travelers?

Panama is a gorgeous country to visit and one of the best places for US and Canadian ex-pats to retire to. But as it is technically classed as a third-world country you may be wondering if it is safe to travel to.

This guide will answer all your questions and walk you through the overall safety of Panama so you can know how comfortable you are going to feel traveling in Panama.

Where to go for Panama travel information

whether you come from the US, Canada, Europe, or somewhere else, there are some official websites that host regularly updated travel information so that you can keep up to date with all the safety warnings and safety measures of Panama.

Here are a few you should check out.

1. The US Embassy of Panama

2. UK government website for Panama travel

3. Canada's official website for traveling to Panama

4. Department of foreign affairs within Panama

These sites cover all the basic information regarding traveling safe, security measures you should take, and other concerns that you may have. They also mention some info regarding vaccines in Panama etc but if you want more detailed health information then you should visit the following sites.

1. CDC for Panama

2. MINSA (Spanish only)

The CDC is good for a lot of info but the truth is that the most updated and current info is always on Panama's official Ministry of Health website (MINSA) though they unfortunately never translate anything into English so you may have to request a friend to help you out.

The truth about Panama safety

Some people have had good experiences in Panama and others have had bad. However, as far as countries come, Panama is one of the safest countries in Central America and a comfortable destination for tourists to visit without worrying about their personal security.

Every country has some amount of crime and of course just like you would back home, you should take sensible precautions and avoid specific areas. But you do not have to be watching your back 24/7 like you might have to in some other countries.

I personally have lived in multiple parts of this country for over 8 years and have never been put in harm's way or suffered as a victim of circumstance despite my obvious appearance as a tourist. Whilst no country can promise perfect safety, I can comfortably say that Panama is one of the safer options for tourists and ex-pats alike.

How to increase your safety in Panama

Many people would have you believe that increasing your protection in Panama is about having security cameras, a bigger car, guard dogs, and high fences. To some extent, this does provide greater protection but truthfully it also makes it look like you have money to protect.

Whilst it is good to have a door that locks securely wherever you are staying if you go overboard on security measures you may just make yourself a target in Panama.

The best way to stay safe in Panama is actually to integrate yourself into the culture and into the community. This involves speaking with the people you meet in Spanish, wearing similar clothing to the locals, eating traditional food, and taking public modes of transportation.

Public transportation in Panama

Note: avoid taking the "piratas" which are personal vehicles that do not have a taxi license. Many locals take this form of transport but it presents the same risks as hitchhiking.

This quite honestly is not the most favorable way of living for many tourists and expats but if you want the real authentic experience of Panama then it is the best and safest way to really see what the country is all about.

Security services in Panama

Part of what makes Panama relatively safe is its high-security measures and slightly over-the-top security personnel. Since Panama does not have an army, the police train like the military in the jungle and serve to protect with full force. This means that is common to see armed police walking around with machine guns and other heavy artillery. It is also noteworthy that there are an absolute ton of police officers around and even more in areas that cater to Panama tourism.

Then also, in all the big superstores you will find armed guards carrying shotguns, automatic rifles, or handguns. Though they are also usually very friendly guys who are happy to assist and help.

Panamanian security guards keep you safe

It is also important to know that Panama is not a place to do anything even remotely illegal. Drug crimes are met with up to 3 years in prison before you even get a trial and theft in Panama can be met with termination. The police of Panama as well as the security guards really do not mess around with crime. The punishment is quick and severe but if you are the law-abiding citizen that I know you are, then this will serve as a benefit and protection for you.

Panama police stations are located throughout the country and each has its own telephone number to call. There is a website for the Panamanian police however it is only in Spanish. Therefore if you have an emergency and need to call the cops, your best option is to call the emergency line "104"

Stay safe and enjoy your trip to Panama

We hope that this guide has helped you get a good idea of how safe Panama actually is, what the security services are like, and how to avoid making yourself a target. Though basic safety measures should be observed no matter where you are, you don't have to freak out about safety all the time whilst in Panama.

Instead, you can sit back, relax and enjoy traveling to one of the safest countries in all of Central America for tourists and travelers alike.