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 of 14 September 2022, all pandemic-related restrictions have been lifted in 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.

eRegister

All Singapore Citizens and Permanent Residents are encouraged to register your travel itinerary abroad on the MFA eRegister system. you may login to our eRegister portal via your SingPass account and submit a registration. The information you provide us will allow us to contact you in order to make sure that you are safe and, if need be, assist you should an emergency (e.g., natural disasters. civil unrest, etc) occur.

Overseas Travel – Be Informed & Be Safe [Updated on 5 February 2024]

Singaporeans planning overseas travel are reminded to take the necessary precautions, including being prepared to deal with accidents, natural disasters or terrorist attacks. Singaporeans are also reminded to be familiar with your destination’s local laws, customs, and COVID-19 regulations.

Demonstrations do occur in major cities across the world. Such demonstrations can sometimes escalate into violence. It is important for Singaporeans to keep abreast of local news, avoid any protests or demonstrations and heed the advice of the local authorities.

When participating in outdoor leisure activities overseas, Singaporeans should be mindful that certain sporting activities, especially in open seas, may carry risks. Besides ensuring that one has the physical competencies and appropriate condition to undertake the activity, every effort should be made to ascertain if the trip organiser or guide is reliable and competent, and that appropriate safety and contingency plans are in place. When in doubt, Singaporeans should consult the relevant professional bodies or sporting associations for specific advice.

For those planning to travel, here are some tips:

Before travelling

• Familiarise yourself with our network of overseas missions.

• Purchase comprehensive travel insurance and be familiar with the terms and coverage.

• Equip yourself with research about your destination’s entry requirements, current situation, local laws and customs.

• eRegister with us on our website (www.mfa.gov.sg) so that we may reach out to you during an emergency.

While travelling

• Always take care of your personal safety, remain vigilant and monitor local weather news, advisories, and security developments.

• Exercise caution around large gatherings and avoid locations known for demonstrations or disturbances.

• Be prepared for possible delays and last-minute changes in travel plans especially during unforeseen events such as natural disasters, social unrest or terror attacks.

• Stay connected with your friends and family. Inform them of your whereabouts and provide them with your overseas contact details.

• In the event that you require consular assistance, please contact the nearest Singapore Overseas Mission or call the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Duty Office at +65 6379 8800/+65 6379 8855.

Advisory: Email Scams

There have been reports of individuals receiving scam emails/messages purportedly sent from friends in distress overseas. These emails/messages typically originate from an email address/social media known to the receiver bearing claims of the sender getting into trouble overseas and urgently requesting financial assistance. The sender would also claim to have approached a Singapore Embassy/Consulate and the local Police for help to no avail.

MFA takes the safety of all Singaporeans very seriously. Singaporeans in distress approaching our Overseas Missions for assistance will be rendered with all necessary consular assistance. If you receive such emails/messages from purported friends seeking funds transfers, we strongly advise you to call them first to verify the authenticity of the emails/messages before responding to their request. It is also not advisable to give out any personal information such as NRIC/passport numbers, address, telephone number, etc. Any form of reply, even one of non-interest, could result in more unsolicited emails. Members of the public who suspect that they have fallen prey to such scams should report the matter to the Police immediately. Should Singaporeans abroad require consular assistance, they can contact the nearest Singapore Overseas Mission or call the Ministry of Foreign Affairs 24-hr Duty Office at +65 6379 8800/+65 6379 8855.