Panama City remains a major transit hub for drug trafficking and organized crime, with violent incidents concentrated in neighborhoods like El Chorrillo, San Miguelito, and Curundu. While tourist areas like Casco Viejo and the banking district maintain visible security, petty crime and express kidnappings targeting business travelers persist as serious threats in 2026.
Safety overview — Panama City 2026
Risk score
6.7/10
Night safety
Be careful
Tap water
Not drinkable
Country
Panama
Safety tips for Panama City
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Warning
Avoid neighborhoods east of Avenida Central including San Blas, El Chorrillo, and Curundu entirely after dark—these areas experience frequent gang violence unrelated to tourism.
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Scam Alert
Express kidnapping (express secuestro) targeting wealthy visitors and business people remains active; criminals pose as police or taxi drivers requesting ATM withdrawals. Use only registered Uber/Didi, never hail cabs on the street.
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Safety
Stick to Casco Viejo, Amador Causeway, and Panama Viejo during daylight hours; these tourist zones have visible police presence but remain targets for pickpockets and bag snatchers in crowded areas.
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Caution
Darién Gap region near Colombian border is extremely dangerous due to narco-trafficking and kidnapping; absolutely no travel there regardless of adventurous intent.
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Health
Healthcare quality varies dramatically—use only private hospitals like CIMA or Galenia for serious issues; public hospitals are under-resourced. Dengue fever and malaria cases spike during rainy season (May-November).
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Traffic
Panama City traffic is chaotic with reckless driving and nonexistent lane discipline; avoid renting cars or driving at night. Pedestrian deaths are elevated; use sidewalks cautiously and never cross against lights.
Best neighborhoods to stay in Panama City
Casco Viejo
Historic, vibrant, touristy · Mid-range to Upscale · $80-180/night USD
★★★★☆
Culture seekers, first-time visitors
💡 Beautiful colonial architecture but heavily touristed; visit plazas early morning to avoid crowds
💡 Less touristy than Casco Viejo but still good restaurants and services; best value for accessibility
⭐ Top pick: Amador (Causeway) for unbeatable safety, canal views, and an escape from downtown chaos while remaining accessible.
Getting around Panama City
✈️ Airport transfer — Best option: Metro for budget travelers; Uber for convenience
MetroB/.0.25 (~USD0.25)· 45-60 mins
UberB/.25-40 (~USD25-40)· 30-40 mins
TaxiB/.35-50 (~USD35-50)· 30-40 mins
🚇
Metro B/.0.25 single trip (~USD0.25)
Covers San Miguelito, El Dorado, Tocumen to Albrook; modern, clean, reliable
🚌
Bus (Diablo Rojo & Official Routes) B/.0.25-0.50 (~USD0.25-0.50)
Extensive city-wide coverage; colorful local buses serve all neighborhoods
🚕
Taxi B/.15-30 typical fare (~USD15-30)
Yellow cabs available; use Uber app for digital booking
🚲
Bicycle & Scooter Share B/.5-10 per ride (~USD5-10)
Available in Casco Viejo and modern districts; growing network
⛴️
Ferry (Amador Causeway & Island Routes) B/.3-8 (~USD3-8)
Scenic transport to islands and coastal areas
Health and medical in Panama City
Panama City is a modern, cosmopolitan capital with excellent healthcare infrastructure and well-equipped private hospitals catering to international standards. The city has low disease risks and safe water/food systems in most established areas, making it a relatively safe destination for travelers.
Recommended: Hepatitis A, Typhoid, Yellow Fever
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Hospital Nacional
Private · English spoken
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CIMA Hospital
Private · English spoken
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Clínica Hospital Camillus
Private · English spoken
🚨 Dial 104 for ambulance or emergency services. Major hospitals have 24/7 emergency departments. Medical care quality is high but expensive without insurance. Tourist areas have nearby clinics.
Panama City remains a major transit hub for drug trafficking and organized crime, with violent incidents concentrated in neighborhoods like El Chorrillo, San Miguelito, and Curundu. While tourist areas like Casco Viejo and the banking district maintain visible security, petty crime and express kidnappings targeting business travelers persist as serious threats in 2026.
Is Panama City safe at night?
Night safety in Panama City: Be careful. Always take standard precautions in any major city.
Is tap water safe to drink in Panama City?
Tap water status in Panama City: Not drinkable.
What is the best area to stay in Panama City?
Our top pick for staying in Panama City is Amador (Causeway) for unbeatable safety, canal views, and an escape from downtown chaos while remaining accessible.. Book accommodations 2-3 weeks ahead during December-April peak season. Use Uber/InDriver for transport rather than street taxis; metro card (CIMA) is cheapest for frequent travel.
Do I need vaccinations to visit Panama City?
No required vaccinations for most nationalities. Recommended: Hepatitis A, Typhoid, Yellow Fever.
What is the emergency number in Panama City?
In Panama City: Police 104, Ambulance 911, Tourist Police +507 511-9260 (POLITUR).
How do I get from the airport to Panama City city centre?
Best option: Metro for budget travelers; Uber for convenience. Metro: B/.0.25 (~USD0.25), 45-60 mins. Uber: B/.25-40 (~USD25-40), 30-40 mins. Taxi: B/.35-50 (~USD35-50), 30-40 mins
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