Central America

Panama

Location

Central America, bordering both the Caribbean Sea and the North Pacific Ocean, between Colombia and Costa Rica.

You should be aware of the global risk of indiscriminate terrorist attack. Crime is rife in areas of the city. Do not venture out at night alone. Colon is renowned for danger. Local militia groups, weapons (various), vehicle security, personal security, gunfire, checkpoints, general travel, navigation, off road driving, building / office security, hot weather injuries, personal hygiene, emergency shelters, sanitation / sterilisation, clothing & equipment, emergency first aid, cultures / customs, communications.

Bottled water is preferable.

Interior mostly steep, rugged mountains and dissected, upland plains; coastal areas largely plains and rolling hills.

Tropical maritime; hot, humid, cloudy; prolonged rainy season (May to January), short dry season (January to May).

Occasional severe storms and forest fires in the Darien area.

Hepatitis A, malaria, polio, typhoid, yellow fever.
Hospital: Hospital Santo Tomas, Ave 1, Panama 1. Tel: 227 4075

Water pollution from agricultural runoff threatens fishery resources; deforestation of tropical rain forest; land degradation and soil erosion threatens siltation of Panama Canal; air pollution in urban areas; mining threatens natural resources.

Standards of driving and traffic management are poor. Roads are generally in good condition. If you are involved in a road traffic accident you are required by Panamanian law to remain at the scene until the police arrive.

For more in-depth general information please download our Preparation and Training document.