Panama
Panama links two oceans and two continents in a country you can drive across in about an hour. Watch container ships rise through the canal locks, wander the restored colonial lanes of Casco Viejo, then choose between the Guna islands of the Caribbean, the reefs of Bocas del Toro and the cloud-forest coffee farms of Boquete.
Overview
Panama is an S-shaped isthmus where the Pacific and the Caribbean are rarely more than a few hours apart. Panama City is the hub: a glassy skyline, the UNESCO-listed old quarter of Casco Viejo and the canal's Miraflores Locks on its doorstep. From there most itineraries head north-east by 4x4 and boat to the Guna Yala islands, or west along the Pan-American Highway to the highlands of Boquete and on to the Caribbean archipelago of Bocas del Toro, close to the Costa Rican border. Ten days covers city, islands and mountains comfortably.
Panama uses the US dollar, has good main roads and fast internet, and feels more polished than its neighbours, though prices are higher than elsewhere in Central America. The capital has rooftop bars, ceviche counters and a patch of rainforest, Parque Natural Metropolitano, within its limits. Outside the capital the pace slows: Guna communities run their islands on their own terms, and life in Bocas revolves around boats. It suits travellers who want nature without hardship, and pairs easily with Costa Rica; many are surprised by how much wildlife lives within half an hour of the city.
Map of Panama
Top 5 highlights
- 1History
Panama Canal at Miraflores Locks
Watch ocean-going ships squeeze through the 1914 locks from the visitor centre's viewing terraces, with a museum explaining the canal's French failure and American completion. Partial transits by boat give a closer look.
- 2Architecture
Casco Viejo
Panama City's old quarter, founded in 1673 on a small peninsula, now restored with plazas, churches, rooftop bars and boutique hotels. Don't miss the golden altar of San José church and sunset from Plaza de Francia.
- 3Culture
Guna Yala (San Blas Islands)
More than 300 palm-fringed islands off the Caribbean coast, governed by the Guna people. Stays are simple, in thatched huts with fresh fish for dinner, but the snorkelling, colourful mola textiles and quiet are unforgettable.
- 4Beach
Bocas del Toro
A Caribbean archipelago near Costa Rica with stilt-house hotels, coral reefs, starfish-dotted shallows and tiny red poison-dart frogs. Base yourself on Isla Colón and take water taxis to quieter islands such as Bastimentos.
- 5Adventure
Boquete and Volcán Barú
A cool highland town among coffee farms famous for Geisha beans. Hike the Quetzal Trail or the Lost Waterfalls, and climb Volcán Barú, Panama's highest point, overnight for sunrise views that can take in both oceans.
Biggest cities
Panama City
A skyscraper capital on the Pacific: stay in or near Casco Viejo, walk or cycle the Cinta Costera waterfront, eat at the Mercado de Mariscos and look for sloths in the Metropolitan Natural Park.
Colón
The canal's Caribbean terminus, with the Agua Clara visitor centre overlooking the newer locks and the road to Portobelo's Spanish forts; the city itself has little to detain visitors.
David
A hot, workaday provincial capital in Chiriquí and the transport hub of the west, with an airport and buses to Boquete, Volcán and the Costa Rican border at Paso Canoas.
Ranked by urban-area population where available. Figures are rounded estimates, and sources define city limits differently, so rankings of similar-sized cities can vary.
When to go to Panama
Best time: Jan–Mar.
Average climate in Panama City
Festivals & events
- Feb–MarCarnaval
Four days of parades, water-hosing 'culecos' and rival carnival queens before Ash Wednesday, celebrated most famously in Las Tablas on the Azuero Peninsula; book accommodation well ahead.
- May–JunCorpus Christi in La Villa de Los Santos
Masked dancers in elaborate devil costumes fill the streets of La Villa de Los Santos for several days, in a religious tradition dating back to colonial times.
- NovFiestas Patrias
November is Panama's month of national holidays, including separation from Colombia on 3 November and independence from Spain on 28 November, marked with marching bands and parades nationwide.
How much does Panama cost?
Estimates per person per day, excluding flights. Prices vary by season and city.
Food to try
Sancocho
Panama's national soup: chicken simmered with ñame (yam), corn, onion and fragrant culantro, served with white rice and reputed to cure any hangover.
Ceviche de corvina
Sea bass 'cooked' in lime juice with onion, celery and chilli; order it by the cup at the Mercado de Mariscos in Panama City.
Hojaldras
Puffy discs of fried dough, a breakfast staple, eaten with fried eggs, white cheese or a stew of shredded beef (ropa vieja).
Getting around
Panama City has a modern metro, including a branch to Tocumen airport, plus cheap Uber and inDrive rides. Long-distance buses leave the Albrook terminal for David, Boquete and the Costa Rican border. Air Panama flies from Albrook's domestic airport to Bocas del Toro and David. Guna Yala is reached by 4x4 to the port at Cartí and then by boat, usually booked as a package.
Practical information
- Plugs & voltage
- AB120V — bring a UK-to-A/B adapter
- Emergency numbers
- Telephone: 911 (ambulance, fire, police)
- You can also call specific emergency numbers. Ambulance: 103
- Fire: 103
- Police: 104
- Panamanian Tourism Authority: Telephone: +507 6330 2520
Source: FCDO “Getting help”
- Dialling code
- +507
- Time zone
- UTC-5 (standard time)
- Tap water
- Generally safe to drink
- Driving
- On the right
- Tipping
- Around 10% is customary in restaurants, but check the bill for a service charge first. Tip guides, boat captains and hotel porters a few dollars.
- Etiquette
- Panamanians dress smartly in the city, so avoid beachwear away from the coast. In Guna Yala, pay the community fees and ask before photographing people, who may request a small payment.
- Main airports
- Tocumen International Airport (PTY), Panama City
Visas & entry for Panama
Shown for a British passport.
No visa needed
You can visit Panama for up to 3 months without a visa if you arrive by land or air. There are different visa requirements for sea arrivals.
You cannot normally extend your stay, unless you apply to change your immigration status (for example, for business purposes or marriage) within the 3 months.
From the UK government's FCDO entry requirements for British passport holders — read the full page for passport validity, permits and exceptions.
Health & vaccinations
- Recommended for most travellers
- TetanusTyphoid
- Sometimes advised — depends on your trip, activities and health
- ChikungunyaDengueRabiesTuberculosisYellow fever
- Yellow fever certificate
- A yellow fever certificate is only required if you arrive from (or transit through) a country with yellow fever risk — not if you fly direct from the UK. There is a risk of yellow fever in parts of the country — vaccination may be advised.
- Malaria
- Low risk of malaria
- There is a low risk of malaria east of the Canal Zone in Panama: awareness of risk and bite avoidance recommended.
- There is a very low risk of malaria west of the Canal Zone: awareness of risk and bite avoidance recommended.
- There is no risk of malaria in Panama City or the Canal Zone itself: bite avoidance recommended.
Source: TravelHealthPro (National Travel Health Network and Centre), checked 21 October 2026. This is a summary, not medical advice.
Public holidays in Panama
The next 12 months. Banks, offices and some sights may close, and transport and hotels get busy around these dates.
| Tue 3 Nov 2026 | Separation Day |
| Thu 5 Nov 2026 | Colon Day |
| Tue 10 Nov 2026 | Los Santos Uprising Day |
| Sat 28 Nov 2026 | Independence Day |
| Tue 8 Dec 2026 | Mother's Day |
| Sun 20 Dec 2026 | National Mourning Day |
| Mon 21 Dec 2026 | National Mourning Day (observed) |
| Fri 25 Dec 2026 | Christmas Day |
| Fri 1 Jan 2027 | New Year's Day |
| Sat 9 Jan 2027 | Martyrs' Day |
| Tue 9 Feb 2027 | Carnival Tuesday |
| Fri 26 Mar 2027 | Good Friday |
| Sat 1 May 2027 | Labour Day |
National holidays only. Dates based on lunar calendars can move by a day or two depending on official announcements.
Useful phrases in Spanish
| English | Spanish | Say it |
|---|---|---|
| Hello | Hola | OH-lah |
| Thank you | Gracias | GRAH-see-ahs |
| Please | Por favor | por fah-VOR |
| Excuse me | Disculpe | dees-KOOL-peh |
| How much is this? | ¿Cuánto cuesta? | KWAN-toh KWES-tah |
Know before you go
- Carry small US dollar bills: taxis, buses and many shops struggle to change, or simply refuse, $50 and $100 notes, especially on the islands.
- In Guna Yala bring enough cash for transport, island entry fees and accommodation, as there are no ATMs and card payments are rarely possible.
- Buy a rechargeable Metro card at any station in Panama City; it also works on the Metrobus network, whose buses do not accept cash fares.
Panama travel FAQs
When is the best time to visit Panama?
The best time to visit Panama is generally Jan–Mar. Peak months are January, February and March. Average highs in Panama City range from 30°C to 32°C across the year.
How much does a trip to Panama cost per day?
Roughly £45 a day on a tight budget, £110 mid-range and £250+ for comfortable travel, per person including accommodation, food and local transport. Flights are extra.
What currency is used in Panama?
US dollar (USD).
What plug type does Panama use?
Type A and B sockets at 120V. UK visitors need a travel adapter — UK Type G plugs will not fit.
Which side of the road do they drive on in Panama?
Traffic drives on the right in Panama, unlike the UK.
Is tap water safe to drink in Panama?
Generally safe to drink.
Do I need a visa for Panama?
For British passport holders, the FCDO says: You can visit Panama for up to 3 months without a visa if you arrive by land or air. Entry rules change, so check the official FCDO entry requirements for Panama before you travel: https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/panama/entry-requirements
What vaccinations do I need for Panama?
TravelHealthPro recommends Tetanus and Typhoid for most travellers, with Chikungunya, Dengue, Rabies, Tuberculosis and Yellow fever sometimes advised depending on your trip. Make sure routine UK vaccinations are up to date and see a travel health professional 6–8 weeks before you go.
