Panama

Singaporeans can visit Panama for up to 90 days without a visa.

Travellers must hold a passport that is valid for at least three months from the date of departure from Panama. A return or onward ticket and proof of sufficient funds for the duration of your stay are required to enter the country. If you are travelling to Panama from or transited through a yellow fever endemic country, a yellow fever vaccination certificate is required for entry into Panama.

As entry and immigration requirements may change at short notice, we advise you to visit the Panama government’s tourism website (https://www.tourismpanama.com/plan-your-vacation/advisories/) for the most updated information and to contact your travel agency, or the Embassy of the Republic of Panama in Singapore (Email: general@panamaemb.org.sg, Tel: 6221 8677) to ensure that you have accurate information for your specific purpose prior to departure.

Be aware of your surroundings. Avoid carrying large amounts of cash, or wearing jewellery and avoid travelling alone. If robbed, it is safer to hand over your cash and valuables without resistance. Use only official taxis. Engage only reputable tour operators and local guides.

It is a requirement by law to carry identification documentation at all times.

Drug offences carry heavy penalties. It is also an offence to be in the company of someone using illegal drugs. Pack your own luggage and do not accept ‘gifts’ from strangers or new acquaintances.

Smoking is prohibited in public places.

It is illegal to take photos of official buildings in Panama.

There are curfews for minors in Panama City. During restricted hours, unaccompanied minors under 18 years of age will require a special carnet (permit) to go out.

Prior to your travel, consult your doctor for travel health advice regarding vaccinations required or recommended and purchase comprehensive travel insurance.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), there is a risk of yellow fever transmission in Panama. All travellers, including Singapore residents, who arrive in Singapore from countries with risk of yellow fever transmission (i.e. wholly or partly endemic for yellow fever) are required to have a valid yellow fever vaccination certificate. Otherwise, they are liable to be quarantined under Section 31 of the Infectious Disease Act, for up to six days upon arrival in Singapore. Non-residents who refuse quarantine will be turned away and returned to his/her place of origin or last port of embarkation.

This approach is consistent with the WHO’s recommendations in the International Health Regulations (IHR 2005).

The International Certificate of Vaccination for yellow fever is only considered valid 10 days after vaccination and the validity lasts for the life of the person vaccinated.

Please ask your doctor to review your suitability for the yellow fever vaccine.

Please refer to MOH website https://www.moh.gov.sg/diseases-updates/yellow-fever for more information on yellow fever.

Outbreaks of other mosquito-borne diseases including malaria, dengue fever and chikungunya are prevalent across Panama. Take precautions against insect bites.

Earthquakes may occur in Panama. Know what to do in the event of a natural disaster.

Hurricane season lasts from June to November each year. Monitor the local news and follow the advice of the local authorities.

Please refer to MFA’s general travel advice for Singaporeans before you travel overseas.