Although most places in Panama to be safe, you should be careful when walking the streets of big cities after dark. Pickpocketing should be avoided, and keep in mind that violent crimes and robberies are also common on the streets of this country.
Areas to avoid
The high crime areas in Panama City include:
- Calidonia
- San Miguelito
- Rio Bajo
- El Chorrillo
- Ancon
- Curundu
- Veracruz Beach
- Parque Soberania
- Tocumen
- Panama Viejo
- Casco Viejo
- shopping areas on Avenida Central
LATEST UPDATES / NEWS from Panama
January 26 – Eurojust and Panama sign a working agreement to strengthen their joint efforts to combat organized crime
There was a work arrangement signed by Eurojust and Mr. Javier E. Caraballo Salazar, Attorney General of the Republic of Panama, to facilitate a more organized and closer cooperation in the fight against organized crime.
The agreement ensures better communication to expedite the execution of judicial cooperation requests on both sides and formalizes Eurojust’s current contact points in Panama. The first country in Latin America to sign a working agreement with the agency is Panama.
“With Panama’s rich tradition as a bridge builder between continents in mind, I am pleased to sign the working agreement that will bring the European and Panamanian communities of prosecutors and judges closer together. We share a similar view of the criminal threat on both sides of the Atlantic, as well as a determination to intensify our joint judicial response. Eurojust is therefore looking forward to working with colleagues in Panama; for example in the fight against organized crime and drug trafficking,” said the President of Eurojust, Mr Ladislav Hamran
US Travel advice – Level 2: Be extra careful
Avoid going within ten miles of the coast from Boca de Rio, Chiriqui to Cocle del Norte. This region is home to drug trafficking and other illegal activities.
Because U.S. government personnel must obtain prior authorization before traveling to this region and face additional restrictions before such travel is approved, the U.S. government’s ability to provide emergency services to U.S. citizens is limited.
Parts of the Darien Region – Level 4: Do not travel
Do not travel to the following areas of the Darien:
- All areas south from Jaque to Manene to Yaviza to Lajas Blancas towns to the Colombian border
- The town of Lajas Blancas
- The town of El Salto
Colón and some parts of Panama City:
Due to high crime rates, exercise extreme caution in Colón and some parts of Panama City.
Area beyond Yaviza: Stay clear of all travel
Due to the extremely high rate of violent crimes, we recommend that you avoid traveling to any area outside the city of Yaviza in Darién province, all the way to the Colombian border.
Mosquito Gulf: Avoid all travel
Avoid traveling to the Mosquito Gulf, which stretches from Boca de Río Chiriquí to Coclé del Norte, as many illegal activities take place, including drug and human trafficking.
Violent attacks, including sexual assault, have occurred in Panama City and other popular tourist destinations across the country. If you travel at night, be as careful as you would be in the UK. Stay away from dimly lit areas and never walk alone.
There is a risk that political and criminal violence from Colombia will spread to Panama. Colombia’s guerrillas and other armed groups pose a threat. In this region, murders, kidnappings and violent crimes have been committed against both foreigners and Panamanian citizens.
Only take organized group tours to Darien Province. Do not deviate from your group and listen to any safety advice from the area.
Tips for staying safe in Nicaragua
- Stay away from protests and demonstrations as they have the potential to escalate into violence. Stay informed through local media and follow the guidelines of local authorities.
- Petty crime is more common than violent crime. Be vigilant with your belongings, especially in transit hubs. Violent crimes, such as armed robberies and robberies, can occur. Only use ATMs in banks or shopping centers and do not go out alone.
- The Darien Gap, located near the Colombian border, is actively visited by Colombian guerrilla groups and drug traffickers. It is strongly discouraged to travel to this region.
- Panama is prone to earthquakes and tsunamis can occur. Familiarize yourself with tsunami warning signals and move to higher ground immediately without waiting for official warnings.
