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If you want to watch the sunrise in the Pacific Ocean and set in the Atlantic, Panama is the destination for you. This sliver of a country is the most narrow nation in the Americas. That means it’s feasible to drink a coffee as the sun comes up and drive some 80 kilometres to sip a beer as it sets over the Atlantic.

Perhaps this romanticism is what makes Panama is a popular honeymoon destination. Visitors start their trip in Panama City, home to the famous Panama Canal, the longest manmade waterway on Earth. While the skyline is now dominated by high rises, the city’s Old Quarter is home to numerous Spanish colonial buildings. The Panama City seafood market is an excellent place to grab a meal, and travellers can enjoy fresh ceviche and crabs bought and cooked before their eyes.

There’s much to see out of Panama City.

The western town of Boquete is a charming escape from city life, and home to a surprisingly large number of expats. It’s cooler climes and access to jungle and mountain hiking make it a popular, low-key destination for travellers. Relax from your hike by enjoying a mug of freshly brewed coffee, widely regarded as some of the best in the world.

Head closer to the Costa Rica border to Bocas del Toro Province where there are two national parks and easy access to the Bocas del Toro Archipelago. Locations like Isla Bastimentos are known for their beaches and snorkelling outings.

Whether it’s a quick weekend escape or a longer holiday, Panama’s relative closeness to Canada means it’s an ideal destination for Canadians.

What Vaccinations Do I Need for Panama?

The Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) recommends travellers see a medical professional at least six weeks prior to their trip.

• Hepatitis A– This viral disease is spread to humans through contaminated food and water or contact with an infected person.


• Typhoid Fever– Recommended for travellers to Panama, the illness is caused by consuming food or drink that has come into contact with fecal matter. This vaccination is especially important if you plan to eat seafood from Panama City’s famous seafood market.


• Hepatitis B– This contagious liver disease is spread through the exchange of bodily fluids, unprotected sex, and contact with contaminated needles or piercing tools.


• Rabies– This vaccination may be recommended for travellers spending a lot of time outdoors. Bats and other mammals can carry the Rabies disease.


• Yellow Fever– There is a risk of contracting yellow fever in Panama. Mainland areas east of the Panama Canal are most at risk. Travellers do not need to show proof of vaccination to enter the country.

The PHAC recommends travellers take precautions against insect bites, especially since there have been locally-acquired cases of Zika Virus contracted in Panama. Travel to the country for pregnant women is not recommended. malaria is also found in Panama, particularly in mainland areas east of the Panama Canal. There is no risk in Panama City. It is recommended that travellers speak to a travel medicine specialist to see whether antimalarials may be right for their trip.

There are good hospitals and clinics in Panama City, though healthcare access is limited once you leave the city. Payment in cash is required in advance for all medical services, including emergency care.

For more details on any of the above vaccinations, visit the detailed Passport Health specialty vaccination pages or make an appointment by calling or booking online today.

What Is the Climate Like in Panama?

Here is what to expect of the weather in a few key destinations:

• Panama City– The average temperature throughout the year remains consistent at 27º Celsius. The sun in Panama City is made slightly less intense by a weather phenomena that causes there to be near continuous cloud cover. October is the rainiest month and there are an average 20 wet days.


• Bocas del Toro Archipelago– This group of islands has warmer temperatures but intense rainfall throughout the year. Temperatures hover around 30º Celsius to 31º Celsius, and the driest and most pleasant time of year to visit is March.


• Boquete– Most use this small mountain town as the starting point for mountain jungle walks. Conditions in the rainforest are hot and humid, though temperatures can dip substantially at night. Pack layers. September is the driest month.

Travellers should plan their trip around hurricane season and rainy season. Hurricane season lasts from June until the end of November. Rainy season is from April to December, and flooding can be a risk to travel plans.

Is Panama Safe?

Travellers should be aware of the petty crime that happens in both rural and urban parts of Panama. Transportation hubs and tourist areas are especially at risk. Use common sense to avoid situations: don’t carry large amounts of money, avoid flaunting signs of affluence, don’t walk alone at night, and only withdraw cash from reliable ATMs in well lit, public areas. Theft can also occur in upscale hotels and resorts. Personal room safes should always be used and doors and windows should be locked.

Most roads in Panama, including the Pan American Highway, are not up to North American standards, and Canadians have been killed in traffic collisions. Poorly lit roads, constant construction, and drunk driving add to the risk. Most travellers in Panama City take registered yellow taxis. Fares should be agreed on in advance.

The Government of Canada has no security advisory in place for Panama, though there are regional travel advisories. This includes warnings of crime in Colón and some parts of Panama City. Travel is also not recommended in the region bordering Colombia.

What Should I Pack for Panama?

Here are a few items you should consider packing for Panama:

• Proof of finances– Panama immigration officials may ask for proof of financial stability before you enter the country. This involves showing you have at least $500 USD in the bank or presenting a copy of a credit card.


• US currency– Despite having its own official currency (the balboa), US currency is used in most of the country. The value of the Balboa has been tied 1:1 to the US dollar since 1903. Bring extra US dollars from home to ensure you’re getting a fair conversion rate.


• A breathable rain jacket– This is a key item for travellers planning to spend any time in the dense rainforest. While wet, conditions are still often humid and steamy. Having a breathable rain jacket will mean your coat isn’t as wet from sweat on the inside as it is from the moisture on the outside.


• Hiking pants– Even though the weather is warm, you’ll want long pants if you plan to trek in the jungle. The coverage will protect your legs from any scrapes — not to mention the jungle insects and mosquitos.


• More formal clothing– This is especially important if planning to dine out in Panama City. Locals often dress nicer for meals, and having a nice pair of slacks, dress, or sandals will go far.

Canadian Embassy in Panama

All Canadians visiting Panama should register online with the Embassy of Canada to Panama before departure. This will inform the office of your travel plans within the country and will allow them to reach out in the case of an emergency or evacuation. If you plan to purchase a local SIM card you can also enter your phone number to receive SMS updates from the office.

Embassy of Canada to Panama
Torres de las Americas
Tower A, Piso 11
Punta Pacifica, Panama, Republic of Panama
Telephone: (011 507) 294-2500
Fax: (011 507) 294-2514
panam@international.gc.ca

Hours of Operation
Monday to Friday: 08:30 to 13:00

Visit the Embassy of Canada to Panama website prior to your departure to confirm correct contact details for the Canadian Embassy in Panama.

The Government of Canada also operates a 24 hour Emergency Operations Centre. The collect call number to reach the centre while abroad is +1-613-996-8885.

Entry and Exit Requirements for Panama

Canadians do not require a tourist visa to visit Panama. Travellers need only to present a passport valid for at least three months beyond the date of departure from the country. Travellers are allowed to stay in the country for up to 180 days.

When entering Panama it is very important to get a dated entry stamp from immigration. This will be looked at upon departure and passports that lack or contain an incorrect stamp may face fines.

Immigration requires travellers to Panama have at least $500 USD in the bank or a credit card, in addition to a return ticket. Be prepared to show proof at immigration.

There is a tax of $40 USD charged on departure from the Tocumen International Airport. Travellers should check with their airline to see if this tax is covered in the cost of their ticket.

If you have any questions about travelling to Panama or are wondering what shots you may need for your trip, schedule an appointment today by calling or book online now.