TRAVEL INFO

Practical Info for Your Panama Trip

  • Getting There
  • Panama has excellent air connections with North, Central, South America, and Europe.
  • Copa Airlines (Panama’s flag carrier) connects Panama City with major cities in the Americas.
  • International airlines such as American Airlines, Delta, United, Air France, Iberia, Lufthansa, KLM, Avianca, Air Canada also operate frequent flights.
  • Air Panama serves domestic routes, linking Panama City with Bocas del Toro, San Blas, Darién, Boquete, and more.
    Tip: Always check with your airline for updated routes and schedules.
  • By Land
  • From Costa Rica, the Interamericana Highway runs directly into Panama City.
  • From Colombia, overland travel is not recommended due to the Darién Gap.
  • By Sea
  • Two major ports: Colón (Caribbean) and Balboa (Pacific), linked by the Panama Canal.
  • Small vessels also arrive from Costa Rica and Colombia.
  • Documents & Visas
  • Valid passport + return ticket required.
  • Proof of funds: minimum USD 500.
  • Tourist stays: 90 days (sometimes extendable to 180).
  • Depending on nationality, a visa may be required.
  • Money
  • Major credit cards accepted in most tourist areas.
  • ATMs widely available in cities and airports.
  • Health
  • No major vaccines are required.
  • For trips to Darién, Guna Yala, Emberá, Colón, or some islands, yellow fever and tetanus vaccines are recommended (at least 15 days before travel).
  •  Practical Info
  • Time Zone: GMT -5 (no daylight savings).
  • Electricity: 110V, US-style plugs (two flat pins).
  • Climate: Tropical, warm, and humid. Dry season: Dec–Apr. Rainy season: May–Nov. Avg. temps in Panama City: 24–29 °C (75–84 °F). Cooler in highlands like Boquete.
  • Official Holidays & Festivals
  • Jan 1 – New Year’s Day
  • Jan 9 – Martyrs’ Day
  • Feb/March – Carnival (Mon & Tue before Ash Wednesday)
  • Apr – Good Friday
  • May 1 – Labor Day
  • Nov 3–5 – Independence Celebrations
  • Nov 10 – First Cry of Independence
  • Nov 28 – Independence from Spain
  • Dec 8 – Mother’s Day
  • Dec 25 – Christmas

Key Festivals: Pollera Festival (July, Las Tablas), Festival de la Mejorana (September, Guararé), Festival del Manito (August, Ocú), Corpus Christi (June), Torito Guapo (October, El Valle), Diablos & Congos (February, Portobelo), Cristo Negro (October, Portobelo).

  • Internal Transportation
  • Domestic flights from Albrook Airport to Bocas del Toro, San Blas, Darién, Boquete, Contadora, and more.
  • Buses connect Panama City with major cities (night routes available).
  • Road network: safe and extensive, but in remote regions, flying is recommended.

EMBASSIES IN 

PANAMA CITY