Practical A–Z

Visa

Germans, Austrians, and Swiss do not need a visa for stays up to 180 days. Required are:

• Passport: Valid for at least 6 months beyond the planned stay.
• Return or onward flight ticket: Checked upon entry! Entry can be denied without proof of exit. When entering by land: have a bus or flight ticket for departure ready.
• Proof of financial means: Theoretically $500 (cash or credit card). Rarely checked, but have it ready just in case.

Entry at Tocumen Airport is straightforward: fill out the entry card (or digitally via the MigraPanama app), get a stamp in your passport, done. On busy days, the lines can be long — the biometric automated gates (if available) are faster.

Vaccinations

No mandatory vaccinations for entry from Germany (exception: yellow fever vaccination when entering from a yellow fever area). Recommended are:

• Standard vaccinations: Tetanus, diphtheria, polio — refresh before the trip
• Hepatitis A: Recommended (transmission through food/water)
• Hepatitis B: For longer stays or closer contact with the population
• Typhoid: For travel to rural areas and the Darién
• Yellow fever: Recommended for the Darién and Guna Yala, formally not necessary if coming from Germany, but sensible

Tropical Diseases

• Dengue fever: Occurs in Panama, especially during the rainy season. Transmitted by daytime active mosquitoes (Aedes). Mosquito protection with DEET and long clothing is the best prevention.
• Malaria: Risk only in remote areas (Darién, parts of Guna Yala). In Panama City, Boquete, and Bocas: no risk. Consider prophylaxis only for Darién trips.
• Zika: Possible, especially relevant for pregnant women — seek travel medical advice.

Sun & Heat

Panama is close to the equator — UV radiation is extremely strong, even when cloudy. Sunscreen (SPF 50+), hat, and plenty of water are absolute musts. Heatstroke and dehydration are real dangers, especially during hikes and in Panama City. Drink at least 3 liters of water per day.

Medical Care

Panama City has excellent private clinics (Hospital Punta Pacífica, Hospital Nacional) with American standards — Panama is a popular destination for medical tourism. In rural areas, on the islands, and in San Blas, care is severely limited. Travel health insurance with repatriation is absolutely mandatory!

General Security Situation

Panama is one of the safest countries in Central America — significantly safer than Honduras, El Salvador, or Guatemala. The tourist regions are well protected, and the tourism police are present and helpful.

Security Zones

Practical Safety Tips

• Uber instead of taxi: Always use Uber in Panama City — safe, transparent, and cheaper than street taxis.
• Valuables: Do not wear conspicuous jewelry, do not openly display expensive cameras and laptops, carry your backpack in front of you.
• At night: Do not walk alone through unlit areas in Panama City and Bocas.
• Currents: Strong currents can occur at Pacific and Caribbean beaches (Bluff Beach, Red Frog Beach) — the undertow is treacherous and one of the most common causes of death for tourists.
• Emergency numbers: 104 (police), 103 (fire department), 911 (general)

SIM Card & Internet

A local SIM card is inexpensive and very practical for the trip:

• Providers: Claro (best network and coverage), Tigo, Digicel
• Price: $5–10 for a SIM with 3–10 GB of data, valid for 30 days
• Purchase: At the airport (Claro stand right after arrival) or in any mobile phone shop. Passport required!
• Network coverage: 4G in Panama City, David, Boquete, and along the Panamericana. In Bocas: decent. In San Blas: NO reception! In Darién: no reception.

WhatsApp is more important than email in Panama — hotels, tour providers, taxis, restaurants — everything runs through WhatsApp. Always ask for the WhatsApp number.

Packing List for Panama

• Light clothing: T-shirts, shorts, summer dresses. Cotton or quick-drying. Panama is tropically hot (25–35°C).
• Rain gear: Lightweight, packable rain jacket — indispensable in the rainy season, also for surprise showers in the dry season.
• Hiking boots: For Barú, Quetzal Trail, and rainforest — waterproof and with good soles.
• Flip-flops/sandals: For the beach, hostel, and Casco Viejo.
• Warm layer: Fleece or hoodie for Boquete (cool in the evenings!), Volcán Barú (cold!), and air-conditioned buses.
• Sunscreen SPF 50+: Coral-friendly for San Blas and Bocas (without oxybenzone).
• Mosquito repellent with DEET: Essential, especially in the rainy season and in rural areas.
• Power adapter: Type A/B (US standard) — German plugs do NOT fit!
• Headlamp: For Barú ascent and power-less San Blas islands.
• Waterproof bag/dry bag: For boat and canoe trips — your phone and passport will thank you.
• Water bottle: Tap water is drinkable in Panama City.
• First-aid kit: Basic set with band-aids, ibuprofen, electrolyte powder, diarrhea tablets.