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US Travel Advisory for Panama

December 15, 2009 By DigaMe Leave a Comment

Isla Bastimentos variant spelling
Warnings and Recommendations
Panama is a constitutional democracy with an executive branch led by a president who is elected to a 5-year term, a unicameral legislature, and judicial branch. The country is divided into 11 provinces and one territory and became independent from Colombia on November 3, 1903. Panama has a rapidly developing economy but suffers from a weak, non-transparent judiciary. Outside the Panama City area, which has many first-class hotels and restaurants, tourist facilities vary in quality. The U.S. dollar is the paper currency of Panama, and is also referred to as the Panama Balboa. Panama mints its own coinage. Read the Department of State’s Background Notes on Panama for additional information regarding the people, culture, government, economy, and history of Panama.

Safety

Crime
Crime in Panama City is increasing and the Department of State recently increased its evaluation to “High” for purposes of providing increased resources to protect Embassy employees housed in Panama City. The increase in violent crime is primarily related to narco-trafficking related violence. The city of Colon is also a high crime area. Police checkpoints have become commonplace on weekends on roads in both cities. Based upon reported incidents by local police, the high-crime areas around Panama City are San Miguelito, Rio Abajo, El Chorrillo, Hollywood, Curundu, Veracruz Beach, Panama Viejo, Casco Viejo (particularly at night), Santa Librada, San Miguel, Cabo Vierde, and the Madden Dam overlook.

Crimes are typical of those that plague metropolitan areas and include shootings, rapes, armed robberies, muggings, purse-snatchings, thefts from autos, thefts of unsecured items, petty theft, and “express kidnappings” from ATM banking facilities, in which the victim is briefly kidnapped and robbed after withdrawing cash from an ATM. There has also been a recent spike in the number of credit card and ATM card fraud reports. Criminals are capturing credit and ATM card information to credit fraudulent cards. There have been several targeted kidnappings, including in Panama City, one of which involved a U.S. citizen with the complicity of corrupt law enforcement officials. If concerned for their safety when being stopped by Panamanian law enforcement, U.S. citizens should consider slowing down and turning on their hazard lights, acknowledging the request to stop, and proceeding deliberately to a safe public place at which to stop.

Panama City has a curfew for those under 18 years of age, which is being enforced with new vigor since July 2009. Under the law, students attending night classes must have a carnet or permit, issued by the school or, if employed, a Certificate of Employment. Minors who are picked up for a curfew violation are subject to detention at a police station until parents or legal guardians can arrange for them to be released into their custody. Parents or legal guardians may be fined up to U.S. $50.00 for the first violation.

Panamanian customs authorities may enforce strict regulations concerning temporary importation into or export from Panama of items such as firearms and ammunition, cultural property, endangered wildlife species, narcotics, biological material, and food products. It is advisable to contact the Embassy of Panama in Washington or one of Panama’s consulates in the United States for specific information regarding customs requirements. In many countries around the world, counterfeit and pirated goods are widely available. Transactions involving such products may be illegal under local law. In addition, bringing them back to the United States may result in forfeitures and/or fines. The Computer Crime and Intellectual Property Division in the U.S. Department of Justice has more information on this serious problem.

Local Travel

While in a foreign country, U.S. citizens may encounter road conditions that differ significantly from those in the United States. The information below concerning Panama is provided for general reference only, and may not be applicable for a particular location or circumstance.

Panama’s roads, traffic and transportation systems are generally safe, but traffic lights often do not exist, even at busy intersections. Driving is often hazardous and demanding due to dense traffic, undisciplined driving habits, poorly maintained streets, and a lack of effective signs and traffic signals. On roads where poor lighting and driving conditions prevail, night driving is difficult and should be approached with caution. Night driving is particularly hazardous on the old Panama City – Colon highway.
Buses and taxis are not always maintained in a safe operating condition due to lack of regulatory enforcement. Third party liability auto insurance is mandatory. If an accident occurs, the law requires that the vehicles remain in place until a police officer responds to investigate. Traffic in Panama moves on the right, as in the U.S., and Panamanian law requires that drivers and passengers wear seat belts.

Flooding during the April to December rainy season occasionally makes city streets impassible and washes out some roads in the interior of the country. In addition, rural areas are often poorly maintained and lack illumination at night. Such roads are generally less traveled and the availability of emergency roadside assistance is very limited. Road travel is more dangerous during the rainy season and in the interior from Carnival through Good Friday. Carnival starts the Saturday prior to Ash Wednesday and goes on for four days.
There is often construction at night on Panama’s portion of the Pan American highway. There are few signs alerting drivers to such construction and the highway is not well lit at night. When traveling on the highway, travelers should be aware of possible roadblocks. The Pan American Highway ends at Yaviza in the Darien Province of Panama and does not continue through to Colombia. The paved portion of the road ends at Santa Fe, with all-weather surface through Canglón. Travelers going to South America by car may wish to ship their cars on a freighter.

Health
Although Panama City has some very good hospitals and clinics, medical facilities outside of the capital are limited. When making a decision regarding health insurance, Americans should consider that many foreign doctors and hospitals require payment in cash prior to providing service and that a medical evacuation to the U.S. may cost well in excess of $50,000. Uninsured travelers who require medical care overseas often face extreme difficulties, whereas travelers who have purchased overseas medical insurance have found it to be life-saving if a medical emergency occurs. Some insurance policies also include coverage for psychiatric treatment and for disposition of remains in the event of death. In Panama, most hospitals accept credit cards for hospital charges, but not for doctors’ fees.

During May 2009, Panamanian health authorities placed travelers suspected of carrying the H1N1 flu in quarantine.

Entry and Exit Requirements

U.S. citizens traveling by air to and from Panama must present a valid passport when entering or re-entering the United States. Sea travelers must have a valid U.S. passport (or other original proof of U.S. citizenship, such as a certified U.S. birth certificate with a government-issued photo ID). Complete information for American citizens is available on the Passport Information page at travel.state.gov or by calling 1-877-4USA-PPT (1-877-487-2778) for information on applying for a passport.

Panamanian law requires that travelers present a passport valid for at least three months, and must either purchase a tourist card at the airport in Panama before clearing customs, or obtain a multiple entry visa from a Panamanian embassy or consulate before traveling to Panama. Further information may be obtained from the Embassy of Panama, 2862 McGill Terrace NW, Washington, DC 20009, tel. (202) 483-1407, or the Panamanian consulates in Atlanta, Boston, Chicago, Honolulu, Houston, Los Angeles, Miami, New Orleans, New York, Philadelphia, San Diego, San Francisco, San Juan or Tampa.

As of August 26, 2008, U.S. tourists are allowed to stay in Panama for 90 days, without extension. If they want to stay longer, a “change of migratory status visa” should be requested through a Panamanian lawyer before the expiration of the 90 days in country. An initial fee of $250.00 must be paid for the “change of migratory status visa.” Please note that the approval of the change in migratory status falls under the Panamanian Immigration Office’s discretion.

U.S. citizens transiting the Panama Canal as passengers who do not plan on disembarking from the ship do not need to obtain visas, report to customs, or pay any fees. If citizens plan to disembark, they need to obtain a tourist card from the cruise line or a visa at a Panamanian embassy or consulate prior to traveling. If they are piloting private craft or planes, then they need to have a pre-stamped visa from a Panamanian Embassy or consulate, as do persons crossing into Panama by land. U.S. citizens piloting private craft through the canal should contact the Panama Canal Authority at (011) 507-272-4567, (011) 507-272-4200, (011) 507-272-1111 or consult the Canal Authority web site to make an appointment.
Minors who are citizens (including dual-citizens) or legal residents of Panama are required to present birth certificates and notarized consent from both parents (in Spanish) in order to exit the country if not accompanied by both parents. This documentation is required at all land, sea, and air ports. Even if minors are not documented as Panamanian citizens and are documented as American citizens, they may be denied departure.

Some HIV/AIDS entry restrictions exist for visitors to and foreign residents of Panama. Panamanian immigration does not require an HIV/AIDS test, but Panamanian law does allow for deportation upon discovery by immigration. Embassy Panama is not aware of any American citizens who have been deported due to HIV/AIDS. Should you have questions, you may wish to inquire directly with the Embassy of Panama before you travel.

http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/cis/cis_994.html

Filed Under Travel Advisory, US

UK Travel Advisory for Costa Rica

December 15, 2009 By DigaMe Leave a Comment

Isla Bastimentos variant spelling
Warnings and Recommendations
•    Around 47,000 British nationals visit Costa Rica every year (Source:  Institute of Tourism Costa Rica).  Most visits are trouble-free.  23 British nationals required consular assistance in Costa Rica in the period 01 April 2008 – 31 March 2009 for the following types of incident; deaths (2 cases); hospitalisations (4 cases); and arrests, for a variety of offences (7 cases). During this period assistance was also requested with regard to lost or stolen passports (81 cases)..
•    Incidents of violent crime against tourists are increasing.
•    There is a low threat from terrorism.  But you should be aware of the global risk of indiscriminate terrorist attacks, which could be in public areas, including those frequented by expatriates and foreign travellers.
•    The rainy season in Costa Rica normally runs from May to November, coinciding with the hurricane season in the Caribbean.  Earthquakes are also common in Costa Rica. See the Natural Disasters (Hurricanes/Floodings and Earthquakes and Volcanic Eruptions) section and Tropical Cyclones of this advice for more details.
•    We strongly recommend that you obtain comprehensive travel and medical insurance before travelling.  You should check for any exclusions, and that your policy covers you for all the activities you want to undertake.  See the General (Insurance) section of this advice and Travel Insurance for more details.

Safety

Crime
There has been a continuing increase in crime against tourists over the past few years in Costa Rica. Opportunistic theft of personal belongings, passports and travel documents is the main problem.  However, there has also been an increase in incidents of violent crime against tourists.  Gang muggings and armed robberies can occur even in daylight on busy streets.

You can reduce the risk of becoming a victim:
•    Do not wear jewellery or carry large amounts of cash. Avoid street money-changers.  And avoid stopping in poorly lit or low-populated areas to make telephone calls or seek directions.
•    Watch your belongings carefully at all times and in all places.
•    Be particularly careful of your belongings when staying in hostels and hotels.  It is important that you lock valuable belongings, passports and travel documents in hotel safes where possible.  You should only leave your belongings in a safe for which you retain control of the key.  Keep the key on your person.
•    You should be vigilant when using buses.  Theft of bags from overhead compartments inside buses is a common problem and efficiently carried out.  Thieves have simple but effective ways of distracting a target.
•    Be particularly watchful of your valuables at the beach and in popular tourist destinations.
•    Avoid leaving unattended drinks in bars and places of entertainment.  There have been reports of “spiked” drinks resulting in assault and theft.
•    Only take official taxis.  Avoid using unofficial taxis – ‘taxi piratas’ – as several violent incidents involving tourists have been reported.  Official taxis are red with a triangular sticker and plastic box on the roof with the name and number of the taxi company.  Where possible use radio-dispatched taxis.  When getting into a taxi, ensure that the driver’s identification number, name and photograph are clearly visible on the dashboard, and ensure that the driver indicates the meter.
Personal attacks, including rape and other sexual offences, are still infrequent in Costa Rica, but there has been increasing occurrences in the last couple of years.  You are advised to maintain at least the same level of personal security awareness as in the UK We strongly advise lone visitors, in particular, never to accept lifts from strangers or passing acquaintances at any time.  For more general information see Rape and Sexual Assault Abroad.

Theft of, and from, cars is common.  Be particularly careful about leaving your valuables in hire cars and avoid leaving your belongings visible from outside the car.  It is a good idea to park in paid car parks, which have an attendant watching your vehicle.  Otherwise, park in well-lit or busy areas.  Use the car alarm, if fitted.  There have been incidents where slashed tyres have given thieves the opportunity to “assist” in changing tyres, while an accomplice steals from the car.  There has also been an increase in armed attacks on tourists leaving the airport in hire cars.

There has also been an increase in the number of short-term and opportunistic kidnapping, called “express kidnapping”, occurring in Costa Rica.  Victims are normally selected at random and are forced at gunpoint to withdraw money from ATMs.  Once the ransom is paid the victim is usually quickly released.

Political Situation
No Information Provided

Terrorism
There is a low threat from terrorism. But you should be aware of the global risk of indiscriminate terrorist attacks, which could be in public areas, including those frequented by expatriates and foreign travellers.

Local Travel
If you are visiting jungle areas you should be accompanied by experienced local guides.

If visiting volcanoes please pay strict attention to notices prohibiting entry to dangerous areas.  When there is the danger of eruptions the national park is closed to visitors until the danger has passed.

Road Travel
You can drive in Costa Rica on an UK Driving Licence or an International Driving Licence.

Road conditions are generally good on main routes, although potholes caused by heavy rains in the wet season are common.  Landslides in the wet season, which block the road between San José and Guapiles on the way to Limón are frequent and can cause delays.  However, they are cleared away quickly and there are longer alternative routes.  Drivers should be cautious when approaching bridges as these are often only one-way, even if the road is two-way.

The standard of driving is lower than in the UK.  Accidents in Costa Rica are often caused by speeding or overtaking irresponsibly. You should resist the temptation to overtake without clear visibility and adhere to speed limits, as traffic police are strict.  If you have a collision when driving a car you must not move the vehicle, not even to the side of the road, until the traffic police have come to inspect it.  The Traffic Police (Transito) and the Insurance Investigator (INS) must come to the scene of the accident to complete accident reports.

Traffic Police (Transito) – 222-9330 or 222-9245
Insurance Investigator (INS) – 800-800-8000

However, you should be aware that there have been instances of deliberate traffic accidents as a means of stopping vehicles in Costa Rica, with the intention of committing robberies or other crimes against the victims.  If you have reason to suspect that the collision was a deliberate act by another driver to make you stop, consider driving on until you reach a place eg a police station or a garage where it would be safer to stop.  In such circumstances it is essential that you are ready to explain your actions to the traffic

Sea Travel
Safety features on small boats are not always of a good standard.  If you plan white water rafting, you should arrange this with an established company.

Health
There is a dedicated Swine Flu page on the FCO website. Guidance about pandemic flu is available through the UK Department of Health.

Medical care in Costa Rica is of a high standard.  Only emergency medical treatment is available without charge for visitors.

Malaria is endemic close to banana growing areas. Dengue Fever is endemic to Latin America and the Caribbean and can occur throughout the year. San Jose and the Central Valley can be particularly affected.  There is no vaccine or immunisation to prevent dengue fever and you should take usual precautions to avoid mosquito bites.

Malaria is also common in Costa Rica, especially in areas close to banana growing areas.  In October and November 2006, there was a significant increase in the number of cases reported in Limon Province. There have been more cases, reported in June 2008, in areas around Laurel close to the border with Panama.

In the 2008 Report on the Global AIDS Epidemic the UNAIDS/WHO Working Group estimated that around 9,600 adults aged 15 or over in Costa Rica were living with HIV; the prevalence rate was estimated at around 0.4% of the adult population. This compares to the prevalence rate in adults in the UK of around 0.2%.  You should exercise normal precautions to avoid exposure to HIV/AIDS. For more general information on how to do this see HIV and AIDS.

You should seek medical advice before travelling to Costa Rica and ensure that all appropriate vaccinations are up-to-date.  For further information on vaccination requirements, health outbreaks and general disease protection and prevention you should visit the websites of the National Travel Health Network and Centre (NaTHNaC) and NHS Scotland’s Fit for Travel or call NHS Direct on 0845 46 47.

Natural Disasters
The rainy season in Costa Rica normally runs from May to November, coinciding with the hurricane season in the Caribbean.  Flooding can occur and heavy rains or hurricanes can cause landslides (though roads are normally cleared quickly).  In December 2008 there was severe flooding in the southern Caribbean coast (provinces of Limon and Talamanca), particularly in the areas alongside the border with Panama. Heavy rainfall and strong winds were experienced over parts of the country following Tropical Storm Alma in May 2008, resulting in four fatalities and damage to many homes and roads.

You should monitor local and international weather updates from the World Meteorological Organisation and the National Hurricane Centre.  For more general information see Tropical Cyclones.

There is the possibility in Costa Rica of earthquakes and volcanic eruptions.  An earthquake of magnitude 6.1 struck central Costa Rica, on 8 January 2009.  The epicentre was in Alajuela Province, 37km north of the city of San Jose.  On 11 March 2009 there were 3 earthquakes measuring between 5.2 and 6.0 just off the Pacific coast near Golfito.
Costa Rica has 16 volcanoes, four of which are considered active (Arenal, Poás, Irazú and Rincón de la Vieja).  Although there has not been serious or widespread damage caused by any of these for many years the possibility of eruptions always exists.  You should follow instructions in the national parks.  Do not go into the prohibited areas, which are clearly signposted.  Any warnings should be heeded seriously.

Entry and Exit Requirements
Visas
British nationals do not require a visa to enter Costa Rica and can stay as visitors for up to three months.  Passports should have a validity of more than six months from the date of entry.  If a longer stay is required or for employment, the Costa Rican Embassy should be contacted for advice.  The immigration authorities are strict about detaining foreigners who are undocumented or tourists who have overstayed.
Costa Rican Immigration authorities now require all foreign nationals applying for residency to register with their respective Embassy.  See Registration section below for further details on how to register through Locate.  Printed confirmation of this registration will be accepted by the Costa Rican authorities.

Passports
Passports must be valid for at least six months beyond the date of your expected departure from the country and that it has a plentiful supply of unused pages.

General

Travel Insurance

We strongly recommend that you obtain comprehensive travel and medical insurance before travelling.  You should check for any exclusions, and that your policy covers you for the activities you want to undertake.

Money
No information provided

Registration
Register with our LOCATE service to tell us when and where you are travelling abroad or where you live abroad so our consular and crisis staff can provide better assistance to you in an emergency.

http://www.fco.gov.uk/en/travel-and-living-abroad/travel-advice-by-country/north-central-america/costa-rica

Filed Under Travel Advisory, Travel Notices, UK

UK Travel Advisory for Panama

December 15, 2009 By DigaMe Leave a Comment

Isla Bastimentos variant spelling
Warnings and Recommendations

  • Travel to the Darien province should be conducted only with an organised group, and to recognised tourist destinations protected by the Panamanian police.  See the Local Travel section of this advice for more details.
  • There is a possibility of earthquakes in Panama.  The last major one struck the north of Panama on 4 July 2009, measuring 6.3 on the Richter scale.  There was no major damage caused.
  • If you transit the United States on your way to or from Panama, you must have a machine-readable passport or a valid US non-immigrant visa. Additionally if you travel to or via the USA you need to apply for travel authorisation from the US authorities prior to travel. (see below for further details).
  • There is a low threat from terrorism. But you should be aware of the global risk of indiscriminate terrorist attacks, which could be in public areas, including those frequented by expatriates and foreign travellers.
  • In 2008 14,350 British nationals visited Panama (Source: Panamanian Immigration Department).  Most visits are trouble-free. 7 British nationals required consular assistance in Panama in the period 01 April 2008 – 31 March 2009 for the following types of incident; deaths (1 cases); hospitalisations (1 cases); and arrests, for a variety of offences (4 cases). During this period assistance was also requested with regard to lost or stolen passports (14 cases).
  • We recommend that you obtain comprehensive travel and medical insurance before travelling.  You are advised to check any exclusions, and that your policy covers you for all the activities you want to undertake.  See the General (Insurance) section of this advice and Travel Insurance for more details.

Safety

Crime

There is a risk of street crime.  In the last year, the official crime statistics have shown increased levels of robberies, murders and assault.  The majority of these crimes are amongst members of rival drug gangs.  Nevertheless, travellers should take sensible precautions.

You should not carry large sums of cash or valuables in public.  Deposit them in hotel safes wherever possible.  Be vigilant when using ATM cash machines installed in public places, usually outside banks.  There have been cases of people being attacked after drawing cash from these machines.  There have also been instances of devices being inserted in ATMs, which allow cards to be cloned.  Ensure that your personal belongings, passports and other travel documents are secure at all times.

Beware of pickpockets in busy thoroughfares, on buses and at bus stations.  Be alert for muggers particularly in the main shopping areas especially Via Espana and Avenida Central, the area of Caledonia, as well as in the old town (Casco Viejo) in Panama City, and in the old Panama ruins (Panama Viejo), the Madden Dam area – off the main Panama to Colon road, and the city of Colon, where unemployment, street crime and drug usage are high.

Occasional armed hold-ups occur in restaurants in Panama City, Colon and elsewhere.  There have also been recent attacks on individuals at gunpoint in broad daylight.  Local police report that other high crime areas around Panama City are San Miguelito, Rio Abajo, El Chorillo, Ancon, Curundu, Vera Cruz Beach, and Parque Soberania.

You should use registered taxi companies, and whenever possible call a taxi company rather than hail a taxi in the street.   It is advisable to travel accompanied by someone you know and not to sit in the front seat of a taxi. Ensure that you do not get in a taxi with unknown passengers and instruct the driver not to stop and pick up any additional passengers.

Burglaries have been committed by organised criminal gangs.  It is reported that the perpetrators use ruses, such as door-to-door sales and household cleaning suppliers, to gain the trust of the victims and gain access to their homes.  The criminals then gather information about the victim’s movements and routines.  In some instances, the criminals are suspected of using various symbols or drawings marked on perimeter walls or fences to communicate with other gang members.  An organised robbery with several other gang members is then committed.  You are advised to be cautious if approached by visitors seeking access to your property.  If you are in doubt about the motives of any visitors, you should alert the police.

Political Situation

Political demonstrations occur occasionally in Panama City, mainly around Panama University, and the main road known as the Transisthmica. Demonstrations can be more of an annoyance than a major cause for concern, as demonstrators may block roads and cause inconvenience through major triffic jams. Some demonstrations by construction workers and students have turned violent in the past. You should monitor media and avoid all demonstratioins, and try to leave the area immediately should you get caught up in one.

Terrorism

There is a low threat from terrorism. But you should be aware of the global risk of indiscriminate terrorist attacks, which could be in public areas, including those frequented by expatriates and foreign travellers.

Local Travel

If travelling to the Darien province, you should do so by air, and only with an organised group to recognised tourist destinations protected by the Panamanian Police.  Please contact the British Embassy in Panama City for details.  You should not stray from the immediate vicinity of the protected resort area.  Expedition companies based in Panama also sometimes organise expeditions to Darien.  Check carefully that police protection is included.

The border area with Colombia is particularly dangerous (beyond a line drawn from Punta Carreto in the Comarca de San Blas on the Atlantic coast, through Yaviza in the eastern Darien province, to Punta Pina on the Pacific coast).  Political and criminal violence in Colombia can spill over into Panama.  There are regular incursions by Colombian guerrillas and other armed groups.  Foreign nationals and Panamanian citizens have been the victims of violent crimes, kidnapping and murder in this area.

Road Travel

Standards of driving and traffic management are both poor.  Panama has a reasonably good road system, except in Darien Province where there is hardly any paved road at all.  Road maintenance throughout the country is variable and drivers need to take precautions to avoid unseen holes or unfinished repairs.  Most of the central Inter-American Highway is still only one lane each way and it is not well lit at night.   There is often night construction on this road with few signs alerting drivers to such construction.  Drink driving is not strictly enforced and road accidents are a frequent occurrence.

By law seat belts must be worn by drivers and front seat passengers, and children under five must travel in the back in fitted child seats.  You are warned that motor insurance is not compulsory in Panama, even for third party damage and injury, and many Panamanians drive without it.  If you are involved in a car accident, Panamanian law requires that you should wait with the vehicle until the traffic police (Transito) arrive.

Buses and taxis are generally in poor condition; there have been numerous accidents involving both due to poor maintenance and driving standards

Sea Travel

You should be extremely careful when wading or swimming on Pacific and Caribbean beaches as in some locations there are strong currents and undertows.  These beaches seldom have signs warning of the dangers.  Drownings occur every year.  Do not bathe in the Bay of Panama.  It is polluted with untreated sewage and industrial waste.

Health

Panama City has some good private hospitals and clinics but medical facilities outside thecapital are limited.

Malaria and dengue fever are common to parts of Panama, including in some outlying areas of Panama City.  Dengue fever can occur throughout the year, andthere is no vaccine or treatment.  You should take normal precautions to avoid mosquito bites.

There is a risk of yellow fever transmission in the provinces of Darien, San Blas, or east Panama. This does not include Panama City and the Canal Zone.  Visitors should seek specialist advice about the need to receive Yellow Fever vaccine if travelling to these areas. Travellers planning to visit these provinces should obtain a yellow fever vaccine ten days prior to travel.

In the 2008 Report on the Global AIDS Epidemic the UNAIDS/WHO Working Group estimated that around 19,000 adults aged 15 or over in Panama were living with HIV; the prevalence rate was estimated at around 1.0% of the adult population. This compares to the prevalence rate in adults in the UK of around 0.2%.  You should exercise normal precautions to avoid exposure to HIV/AIDS. For more general information on how to do this see HIV/AIDS.

You should seek medical advice before travelling to Panama and ensure that all appropriate vaccinations are up-to-date.  You should take all precautions to avoid mosquito bites at all times of the day or night.  For further information on vaccination requirements, health outbreaks and general disease protection and prevention you should visit the websites of the National Travel Health Network and Centre (NaTHNaC) and NHS Scotland’s Fit For Travel. For more general information on how to do this see or call NHS Direct on 0845 46 47.

A (H1N1) – Swine Flu

There have been confirmed human cases of the Influenza A (H1N1) virus (Swine Flu) in Panama, including a number of deaths.  You can check for updates on the number of cases and their locations through the World Health Organisation (WHO) (whose Pandemic Threat Alert Phase has been raised to Level 6). The WHO website at http://www.who.int/csr/disease/swineflu/en/index.html has further details.  A dedicated Swine Flu page can be found on the FCO website.  Guidance on Pandemic Flu can be obtained on the UK Department of Health website at http://www.dh.gov.uk/en/index.htm.

Natural Disasters

There is a possibility of earthquakes in Panama.  The last major one struck the north of Panama on 4 July 2009, measuring 6.3 on the Richter Scale.  There was no major damage caused.  Prior to this, there was an earthquake near to the border between Panama and Costa Rica on 19 November 2008, which also measured 6.3 on the Richter scale.  In December 2003, there was a tremor in the same area measuring 6.5.  Neither of these caused any major damage.

During the rainy season (April to December) occasional flooding and land slides occur in rural areas and some city streets become temporarily impassable due to flooding.  October and November normally have the heaviest months of rainfall.  You should monitor regional weather forecasts and take local advice, and plan accordingly.

Entry and Exit Requirements

Visas

As a British national you do not require a visa to visit Panama but you are required, on arrival, to have a return or onward ticket and have the equivalent of US$500 or a credit card.  An initial stay of 90 days is granted upon entry.  Extensions are not normally granted unless the visitor applies to change their immigration status within the 90 days. (i.e. for business purposes, marriage etc).  For further information on entry requirements, you are advised to check with the Embassy of the Republic of Panama in London.

When transiting the Panama Canal, if you disembark the ship your passport will be stamped by the immigration authorities.  You do not require a visa unless staying for more than 90 days.  Immigration officials do not board transiting cruise ships to check passports.

Passports

Passports must be valid for at least six months beyond the date of your expected departure from the country and that it has a plentiful supply of unused pages.

General

Travel Insurance

We recommend that you obtain comprehensive travel and medical insurance before travelling.  You should check any exclusions, and that your policy covers you for all the activities you want to undertake.

Money

Ensure you have enough money for your stay and return.  Bank transfers are difficult, expensive and can take several days, although Western Union offers a quicker service.   Foreign cheques cannot be cashed in Panama.  Travellers cheques are difficult to exchange and rates of commission are very high, so these are best avoided.

ATM machines are widely available in banks, shopping malls, drive-thru’s etc, and they accept most major British credit and debit cards.  The daily withdrawal limit varies between banks, as does the commission or fees charged for its use.

Credit/debit cards are also widely used for payment in establishments.  Many restaurants, hotels and shops will only accept US$20 notes or require identification for use of larger value notes because of problems with counterfeit $50 and $100 notes.

Registration

Register with our LOCATE service to tell us when and where you are travelling abroad or where you live abroad so our consular and crisis staff can provide better assistance to you in an emergency.

http://www.fco.gov.uk/en/travel-and-living-abroad/travel-advice-by-country/north-central-america/panama

Filed Under Miscellaneous, Travel Advisory, Travel Notices, UK
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