Panama

Entry & Exit Requirements

U.S. and Canadian citizens must have a valid passport to enter Panama. Passports must be valid for at least three months after the date of entry.

A visa is not re­quired for visits up to 180 days.

If you are not traveling with a U.S. passport, please check with the Panamanian Embassy for the requirements based on your nationality.

U.S. citizens entering Panama by commercial flight may be charged a $5 tourist fee if Holbrook does not make your air reservations.

Health Information

IMMUNIZATIONS

The Centers for Disease Control recommends that all travelers be up to date on routine vaccinations such as measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine, diphtheria-pertussis-tetanus vaccine, varicella (chicken pox) vaccine, and your yearly flu shot before every trip.

There are no vaccinations required for entry into Panama.

Some physicians recommend that travelers get hepatitis A and typhoid vaccines before visiting Panama.

Please consult your physician for additional information and recommendations based on your individual circumstances.

MALARIA

The CDC warns that travelers to Central America may be at risk for exposure to malaria. Malaria is caused by a parasite found in Anopheles mosquitos, which are active from dusk until dawn. Prevention is twofold: the use of anti-malarial drugs and the prevention of insect bites. If you choose to use an anti-malarial drug, as recommended by the CDC, see your physician for a prescription.

CHIKUNGUNYA

In June 2014, El Salvador reported locally transmitted cases of chikungunya in Central America. Local transmission means that mosquitoes in the area have been infected with chikungunya and are spreading it to people. Local transmission of chikungunya is now being reported in other countries in Central America. CDC recommends that travelers to the Central America area protect themselves from mosquito bites.

ZIKA VIRUS

Locally transmitted cases of Zika virus have been reported in Panama. Local transmission means that mosquitoes in the area have been infected with Zika and are spreading it to people. The CDC recommends that travelers to Panama protect themselves from mosquito bites. As a precaution, the CDC advises women who are pregnant to consider postponing travel to any area where Zika virus transmission is ongoing.

SUN EXPOSURE

The effects of the sun can be damaging to the eyes and skin. Spending time outdoors exposes you to the sun’s harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays, even on cloudy days. To protect yourself from the sun, use a broad spectrum sunscreen of at least SPF 15, protect skin with clothing, wear a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses, and drink plenty of fluids.

Currency

The currency of Panama is the U.S. Dollar, though it is referred to as the Balboa. Panama mints their own coins, which are identical in size and value to U.S. coins. U.S. coins are also in wide circulation and can be used interchangeably.

Electricity

The electrical current in Panama is 110V 60Hz AC, the same as in the United States. Travelers from the United States do not need to use a converter.

Time Zone

The time zone in Panama is the same as U.S. Eastern Standard Time (UTC-05:00).

Panama does not observe Daylight Saving Time.

Departures and arrivals on flight schedules are listed in the local time.

Communications

PHONES

Panama’s country code is +507.

To call Panama (from the U.S.): Dial 011-507-(xx-xxx-xxxx)

To call the United States: Dial 001-(xxx-xxx-xxxx)

Please check with your cell phone provider if you’re unsure whether or not your cell phone will work internationally. Be aware that you are likely to incur additional charges for international use.

INTERNET

Internet is widely available in Panama, although connection speeds can vary widely.