Panama City is outside the areas where the US State Department says do not travel, but the US asks for increased caution in Panama because of crime. At Safe to Go, we see travelers misread the national level most often, when the warning is about specific regions like the Darién.
The UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) names the Panama City areas with higher levels of street crime, and the US warns that demonstrations may occur with little notice and disrupt transportation.
What Official Advisories Say About Panama City
Canada asks travelers to exercise normal security precautions in Panama, with regional advisories, while the US asks for increased caution because of crime. The live panel above shows today’s level for the country, and travelers can check Is Panama safe? to see how the broader nation compares with the capital.
The US State Department notes that crime occurs across Panama, including residential break-ins and theft. It explicitly highlights that crimes of opportunity such as pickpocketing and purse snatching happen in tourist areas. The advisory also reminds travelers that large-scale demonstrations can break out on short notice and disrupt transportation and other essential services.
The UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) goes into greater detail by naming specific neighborhoods and commercial hubs in the capital where crime rates are elevated. It warns that while street crime can happen anywhere, certain districts experience higher crime volumes. The UK FCDO also states that violent attacks, including sexual assault, have occurred in tourist destinations in Panama City and across the country.
- San Miguelito, El Chorrillo, Río Abajo, 24 de Diciembre, Santa Ana, and Juan Diaz have higher levels of street crime.
- Albrook Mall, Via España, Avenida Central, and Calidonia require extra caution against muggings.
- Casco Viejo (the old town) and Panama Viejo (the old ruins) are tourist locations where street crime occurs.
How Panama City Compares to Regional Danger Zones
The US State Department says do not travel to the Mosquito Gulf or parts of the Darién Region because of crime, and Panama City is in neither area. If your trip runs overland into either area, the US advice is not to go.
United States government employees working in Panama must receive special authorization before traveling to the Mosquito Gulf or the Darién Region, and the American government maintains limited capacity to provide emergency services in those areas.
Outside the capital, the UK FCDO says protests often involve informal roadblocks that can affect access to international airports and the Costa Rica border crossing at Paso Canoas. Demonstrations may also become especially large in Colón City, and the UK FCDO specifically warns about the Madden Dam area off the main road connecting Panama City to Colón.
Specific Crime Risks and Precautions in Panama City
Pickpocketing, purse snatching, and muggings represent safety concerns for travelers exploring Panama City.
According to the UK FCDO, there is a risk of pickpocketing in busy areas, on buses, and at bus stations. To protect yourself and your belongings, avoid carrying large sums of money or visible valuables, and leave expensive items locked in your hotel safe.
Gang-related crimes include targeted assassinations, some of which have occurred in tourist areas, though most incidents involve rival drug gangs. To reduce the risk of violent attack or sexual assault at night, the UK FCDO says to avoid poorly lit areas and not to walk on your own. You can also print out our Free travel safety checklist to organize your security measures before boarding your flight.
- ATM security: People have been attacked after withdrawing cash, so use machines located inside a bank or shopping center whenever possible.
- Accommodation scams: Criminal gangs have approached people to get access to their accommodation and commit burglaries. If you are in any doubt, call the police.
- Reporting incidents: If you become the victim of a crime, you must report it to local police before leaving the country, or authorities may decline to investigate.
- Residential burglaries: The US embassy receives occasional reports of break-ins, especially during the holiday season.
Getting Around Panama City Safely
Heavy traffic can occur in populated areas, especially in and close to Panama City, where repair work and construction sites are common.
If you are involved in a traffic accident with another driver, wait inside your vehicle for both your insurance representative and the traffic police to arrive at the scene. You must avoid any type of confrontation with other drivers or passers-by while waiting for the authorities.
If a roadblock prevents you from reaching an airport for a planned flight, contact your airline to make alternative arrangements.
Curfews and Drug Laws Visitors Must Follow in Panama
Violating local laws in Panama can result in immediate fines, arrest, or lengthy detention. Foreign visitors must carry personal identification at all times, such as a passport, though local police officers will usually accept a clear printed paper copy.
Local authorities occasionally enforce nighttime curfews for adults or unaccompanied minors under eighteen years old as part of government operations against criminal groups. Curfews usually last several weeks with limited exceptions, and violators face police arrest. While curfews are rarely imposed in primary tourist sectors, you should seek local advice if an active curfew takes effect in a neighborhood you plan to visit.
Panama strictly regulates public smoking, electronic cigarettes, and narcotics. Consuming tobacco or using an e-cigarette in public spaces is illegal, and police can issue fines between 25 and 100 US dollars for violations. The judicial process is slow, often requiring up to two years of detention before sentencing, and facilities suffer from severe overcrowding, limited healthcare, and occasional riots.
How to Check Panama City’s Advisories Before You Go
Our verdict would change if the US or the UK FCDO began advising against travel to Panama City itself. Bookmark Latest advisory changes to see each day’s advisory changes, and look through our wider catalog of City safety guides if your itinerary includes multiple stops.
You can also explore how other urban destinations stack up using our tool to Compare destinations side by side, and read How we rate safety to understand how official alerts are evaluated.
Before booking excursions outside the capital, check the official advisory pages from Canada, the UK, and the US to verify that your route avoids active roadblocks or restricted border zones.