North and Central America and Caribbean

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.  

 

For more general information see Terrorism Abroad.

 

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. 

 

For more general information see Victims of Crime Abroad. 

 

Political Situation

 

Panama Country Profile

 

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.
 

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.  

 

For more general information see Driving Abroad.

 

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.

 

For more general information see River and Sea Safety.