SAFETY |
Although there is no official travel warning for Panama, the U.S. State Department advises all Panama visitors to enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) prior to traveling to Panama. STEP is a free service that will give you access to updated warnings and assistance from the U.S. Embassy in Panama. Further, STEP will also the U.S. Embassy to contact you (and even your family and friends to contact you) in case there is an emergency during your trip. To enroll in STEP, please visit the following link: https://step.state.gov/step/. In case you are planning to visit beaches and rivers while in Panama, you should exercise caution when swimming as water currents can be swift and dangerous. Most beaches and commonly traversed rivers will make use of the flag system to advise of current water conditions. Rural locations may not have such a formal system, so you should use common sense when swimming or participating in water sports. Except when attending a group trip, you should leave your passport securely stored in your room or locked in the hotel safe, if one is available. Additionally, we suggest that you refrain from carrying a large amount of cash at any time. >> Return to Safety |