Travel Vaccines and Advice for Panama
Panama is a marvelous country to visit. The Panama Canal links the Atlantic Ocean through the Caribbean Sea to the Pacific Ocean.
With modern skylines, magnificent beaches, and scenic views, Panama has many exhilarating and entertaining activities. You can experience Carnival in spring or shopping in the Casco Viejo area. There are ballets, opera, and weekly concerts held by the National Theater. From taking a boat through the tropical rain forest to bird watching in one of the national parks, Panama has something for everyone.
On This Page:
Do I Need Vaccines for Panama?
Other Ways to Stay Healthy in Panama
Do I Need a Passport or Visa for Panama?
What Is the Climate Like in Panama?
Is It Safe to Travel to Panama?
Monkey Island Tours
What Should I Pack for Panama?
United States Embassy in Panama
Do I Need Vaccines for Panama?
Yes, some vaccines are recommended or required for Panama. The PHAC and WHO recommend the following vaccinations for Panama: typhoid, hepatitis A, polio, yellow fever, rabies, hepatitis B, influenza, pneumonia, meningitis, chickenpox, shingles, Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis) and measles, mumps and rubella (MMR).
See the bullets below to learn more about some of these key immunizations:
- Typhoid –
Food & Water –
Shot lasts 2 years. Oral vaccine lasts 5 years, must be able to swallow pills. Oral doses must be kept in refrigerator. - Hepatitis A –
Food & Water –
Recommended for most travellers. - Polio –
Food & Water –
Due to an increase in cases globally, an additional adult booster is recommended for most travellers to any destination. - Yellow Fever –
Mosquito –
Required if travelling from a region with yellow fever. Recommended for all travellers over 9 months of age travelling to all mainland areas east of the canal. - Rabies –
Saliva of Infected Animals –
Moderate risk country. Vaccine recommended for certain travellers based on destination, activities and length of stay. - Hepatitis B –
Blood & Body Fluids –
Recommended for travellers to most regions. - Influenza –
Airborne –
Vaccine components change annually. - COVID-19 –
Airborne –
Recommended for travel to all regions, both foreign and domestic. - Pneumonia –
Airborne –
Two vaccines given separately. All 65+ or immunocompromised should receive both. - Meningitis –
Direct Contact & Airborne –
Given to anyone unvaccinated or at an increased risk, especially students. - Chickenpox –
Direct Contact & Airborne –
Given to those unvaccinated that did not have chickenpox. - Shingles –
Direct Contact –
Vaccine can still be given if you have had shingles. - Polio –
Food & Water –
Considered a routine vaccination for most travel itineraries. Single adult booster recommended. - TDAP (Tetanus, Diphtheria & Pertussis) –
Wounds & Airborne –
Only one adult booster of pertussis required. - Measles Mumps Rubella (MMR) –
Various Vectors –
Given to anyone unvaccinated and/or born after 1957. One time adult booster recommended.
See the table below for more information:
Recommended Travel Vaccinations for Panama |
||
| VACCINE | HOW DISEASE SPREADS | DETAILS |
|---|---|---|
| Typhoid | Food & Water | Shot lasts 2 years. Oral vaccine lasts 5 years, must be able to swallow pills. Oral doses must be kept in refrigerator. |
| Hepatitis A | Food & Water | Recommended for most travellers. |
| Polio | Food & Water | Due to an increase in cases globally, an additional adult booster is recommended for most travellers to any destination. |
| Yellow Fever | Mosquito | Required if travelling from a region with yellow fever. Recommended for all travellers over 9 months of age travelling to all mainland areas east of the canal. |
| Rabies | Saliva of Infected Animals | Moderate risk country. Vaccine recommended for certain travellers based on destination, activities and length of stay. |
| Hepatitis B | Blood & Body Fluids | Recommended for travellers to most regions. |
Routine Vaccinations for Panama |
||
| VACCINE | HOW DISEASE SPREADS | DETAILS |
|---|---|---|
| Influenza | Airborne | Vaccine components change annually. |
| COVID-19 | Airborne | Recommended for travel to all regions, both foreign and domestic. |
| Pneumonia | Airborne | Two vaccines given separately. All 65+ or immunocompromised should receive both. |
| Meningitis | Direct Contact & Airborne | Given to anyone unvaccinated or at an increased risk, especially students. |
| Chickenpox | Direct Contact & Airborne | Given to those unvaccinated that did not have chickenpox. |
| Shingles | Direct Contact | Vaccine can still be given if you have had shingles. |
| TDAP (Tetanus, Diphtheria & Pertussis) | Wounds & Airborne | Only one adult booster of pertussis required. |
| Measles Mumps Rubella (MMR) | Various Vectors | Given to anyone unvaccinated and/or born after 1957. One time adult booster recommended. |
Specific Vaccine Information
- Typhoid – Salmonella Typhi causes typhoid, a potentially life-threatening illness spread through contaminated food and water. Vaccination is a critical preventive measure, especially for travellers heading to endemic regions or individuals with an increased risk of exposure.
- Hepatitis A – The hepatitis A virus is highly contagious, primarily transmitted through contaminated food, water, or close contact. To prevent infection, practice good hygiene and get vaccinated.
- Yellow Fever – Yellow fever, a viral illness transmitted by infected mosquitoes, can be effectively prevented through vaccination. The yellow fever vaccine offers robust and long-lasting protection for individuals travelling to regions at risk.
- Rabies – Rabies is a deadly viral disease affecting mammals, including humans, primarily transmitted through bites or scratches from infected animals. Vaccination is key to preventing rabies, with pre-exposure shots effectively preventing infection.
- Hepatitis B – Hepatitis B, a liver infection, is transmitted through contact with infected bodily fluids. Prevention includes practicing safe behaviors, but the cornerstone of protection is hepatitis B vaccination. This vaccine activates the immune system, generating antibodies that offer potent and enduring defense against the virus.
- Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR) – Measles, mumps, and rubella are highly contagious diseases with potentially severe consequences. Preventing their transmission is possible through vaccination with the MMR vaccine. This two-dose vaccine not only safeguards individuals but also helps create herd immunity, reducing the risk of outbreaks within communities.
Yellow Fever in Panama
Yellow fever vaccination is primarily recommended for travel east of the Canal Zone. Areas west of the zone and urban regions have a low risk of yellow fever.
Malaria in Panama
Malaria transmission is widespread in Panama except for in the Canal Zone, Panama City and Panama Oeste. Malaria in Panama is chloroquine resistant, be sure to speak with a travel health specialist on which antimalarial is best for your trip.
Dengue and Zika have been found in Panama. Make sure you’re protected with mosquito repellents and netting. Women who are pregnant or may become pregnant should consider avoiding travel to Panama.
While yellow fever is not present in Panama, proof of vaccination may be required if entering from a country with the virus. Consider vaccination if travelling to or from South America through Panama.
See our vaccinations page to learn more about these infections and vaccines. Ready to protect yourself? Book your travel health appointment today by calling or schedule online now.
Other Ways to Stay Healthy in Panama
Prevent Bug Bites in Panama
Safeguard against bug bites by following PHAC-recommended practices like donning long attire and using EPA-registered repellents like DEET or picaridin. Be mindful of bug activity times and bolster your sleeping space with nets and screens. In the event of bug bites, clean the area, resist itching, and use over-the-counter treatments to help with itching. Be sure to seek medical help for severe reactions.
Food and Water Safety in Panama
Safely enjoying meals abroad involves precautions like washing hands, avoiding street food, and consuming well-cooked dishes. Opt for bottled or canned drinks and stay vigilant about seal integrity. Preventing travellers’ diarrhea means maintaining hand hygiene, avoiding raw foods, and selecting reputable eateries.
Altitude Sickness in Panama
Altitude sickness, or acute mountain sickness (AMS), results from oxygen deprivation at high altitudes, leading to symptoms like headaches and nausea. Prevent AMS by ascending slowly, staying hydrated, and considering medication. If symptoms worsen, descend immediately to lower altitudes and seek medical assistance.
Infections To Be Aware of in Panama
- Chagas disease (American Trypanosomiasis) – Chagas disease, transmitted through kissing bug bites, can be prevented with insecticides and insect avoidance.
- Dengue – Dengue fever, caused by Aedes mosquito bites, poses a significant global health risk. Preventative measures, including avoiding mosquito bites, are crucial due to the lack of direct antiviral treatments.
- Leishmaniasis – Sand fly bites are the main mode of leishmaniasis transmission, but it can spread through other means. Prevention measures include using insect repellents, wearing long clothing, and minimizing outdoor activities during times when sand fly are most active.
- Zika – Zika, transmitted by Aedes mosquitoes, can lead to birth defects during pregnancy. Prevention includes mosquito bite avoidance, safe sex, and travel precautions.
Do I Need a Passport or Visa for Panama?
A passport is required for entry to Panama. A visa is only needed for stay up to 180 days.
Proof of a return ticket and proof of at least $500 in cash or a bank account may be required.
Panama Entry Requirements |
||
| Do I Need A… | For My Trip to Panama? | |
|---|---|---|
| Passport |  |
|
| Tourist Visa | ||
| Business Visa | |
|
| Vaccinations | |
|
Sources: Embassy of Panama and Canadian Travel and Tourism
Panama does reserve the right to deny entry to anyone with a previous criminal conviction.
Visit the Canadian Travel and Tourism website for more information on entry and exit requirements.
What Is the Climate Like in Panama?
Panama has a tropical maritime climate with its rainy season being May to December and its dry season only lasting January to May. No matter what elevation you’re at in the country, the temperature doesn’t fluctuate much despite the two distinct seasons. Here is what you can expect from a few major cities in Panama:
- Panama City – Located at the Pacific entrance of the Panama Canal, it is the capital of the country. The city has more of a tropical savanna climate making it drier than a tropical monsoon climate. The average temperature remains constant in the 20’s. If you’re travelling during May to December you’ll want an umbrella for the wet season. The dry season then takes places January to April.
- Colón – Sitting on the Caribbean coast, at the entrance to the Panama Canal, is this lovely city, Colón. It shares the same wet and dry season schedule as the rest of the country. Its warmest month is September and its coolest month is November, right at the end of the rainy season. If you’re worried about rain, avoid travelling in October, that’s when Colón sees the most rainfall. It has a similar temperature average year round, fluctuating between 20 and 25.
- David – The city is officially known as San José de David and is the capital of the province of Chiriquí. The city has one of the hottest climates in the Central American region. But, it still has a similar wet and dry season as the rest of the country.
Is It Safe to Travel to Panama?
Due to crime in remote areas, travelling outside cities can be dangerous. In the Darien region there have been reports of narcotic traffickers and smuggler operations. A similar situation happens along the coastline of the Caribbean.
If you’re planning on driving, don’t keep valuables in your vehicle and make sure it’s locked at all times. If you’re going to use taxis remember that regular taxis are yellow in color and that the taxis in Panama don’t use meters. You’ll need to set a fare with the driver before you get into the taxi.
If you’re out and about and there’s a demonstration, take precaution and avoid the area.
Stay alert about your surroundings and be smart with your travel plans, this will help you stay safe and enjoy Panama and all it has to offer.
Monkey Island Tours
Avoid an Embarrassing Stop
Over 70% of travellers
will have diarrhea.
Get protected with Passport Health’s
travellers’ diarrhea kit!
The guided tours through Monkey Island will give you a chance to see a variety of monkey species in one place.
There are several tours that operate all around Gatun Lake and the Panama Canal. Not only can you interact with monkeys, but to get there you’ll go on a boat ride on the Chagres River.
You’ll be able to have close contact with white-faced Capuchin monkeys, howler monkeys and Geoffrey’s Tamarin monkeys. This guided tour is perfect for all ages. You can opt for a morning or afternoon trip and it’s a great way to experience wildlife in Panama. After the tour you’ll take a return boat ride back to the Gamboa Marina and then off to the hotel. It’s a great chance to experience Panama’s rain forest and wildlife.
What Should I Pack for Panama?
Depending on where you’re visiting in Panama consider packing the following items:
- Lightweight Clothing – Lightweight clothing will keep you cool no matter what activities you have planned. Visiting mountain towns like Volcan or Boquete? Long pants and a t-shirt with a light sweater or jacket will keep you comfortable and cool no matter the time of the year.
- Umbrella/Raincoat – Check when you’ll be travelling. Afternoon showers are common during Panama’s rainy season from May through December. Make sure your umbrella or raincoat is small enough to carry around with you during your day plans.
- Swim Suit – Panama has two gorgeous coastlines with a plethora of offshore islands. If you’re staying in Panama City be sure to make a day trip to Taboga Island, also known as the “Island of Flowers.” Take advantage of the cool temperature, long sunny days, and explore some of the beautiful beaches.
Canadian Embassy in Panama
Canadian consular services can help travellers with many issues they may face including passport services. Once in Panama, the information for the Canadian Embassy is:
Embassy of Canada to Panama
Torres de las Americas
Tower A, Piso 11
Punta Pacifica, Panama, Republic of Panama
Telephone: (011 507) 294-2500
Ready to start your next journey? Call us at or book online now!
Customer Reviews
Passport Health – Travel Vaccines for Panama
“Very useful information for our trip to Panama. Very knowledgeable about the area and what travel medicine and vaccines required for travelling in this part of the world. The doctor also followed through with emailing us written information soon after our visit with her.”
“I went to the clinic as I am going on a Panama Cruise. I received a very complete,thoughtful assessment and good information. I learned far more than expected – including information about flu shot for over 65 folks! Thank you!”
“Our visit was only to receive the second of a series of vaccinations for travel to the Panama Canal region in late October. We were met on-time and all of the necessary paperwork was ready for signatures. We are pleased with your service!”
“Knowledgeable, able to answer all of my questions. Cheerful and friendly – spent time going over things unlike another clinic I had attended. We feel completely ready for Panama.”
US – English
CA – English
UK – English
Rest of World – English
