Panama FAQs

Thinking of travelling to Panama?

From the engineering marvel of the Panama Canal to the colonial streets of Casco Viejo, tropical rainforests and Caribbean islands, Panama offers a fascinating mix of history, wildlife and culture. Often combined with Costa Rica, Panama holidays are ideal for travellers looking to combine nature with vibrant cities and an important slice of Central American history.

Before You Go

Q: Do I need a visa to travel to Panama from the UK?

A: British passport holders do not currently require a visa to visit Panama for stays of up to 90 days. Your passport should be valid for at least six months from the date of entry.

Immigration officials may ask for proof of onward travel and accommodation details on arrival, so it is worth keeping copies of your itinerary and booking confirmations handy.

We recommend checking the latest Foreign Office advice before travel, as entry requirements can change.

Q: What vaccinations do I need for Panama?

A: We recommend speaking to your GP or travel clinic before travelling for the latest health advice and vaccination recommendations.

If you are travelling from or transiting through a country with a risk of yellow fever transmission, you may need proof of vaccination on arrival into Panama.

TravelHealthPro, run by the National Travel Health Network and Centre (NaTHNaC), provides useful and up-to-date travel health advice for Panama.

Q: What should I pack for a holiday in Panama?

A: Lightweight clothing is ideal for Panama’s tropical climate. We recommend bringing comfortable walking shoes, insect repellent, sunscreen and a lightweight waterproof jacket or poncho, as rain showers are possible throughout the year.

Q: What plug sockets do I need for Panama?

A: Panama uses flat two-pin US-style plug sockets and operates on 110V electricity.

Practical Information

Q: Where is Panama?

A: Panama is located in Central America, between Costa Rica and Colombia, with coastlines on both the Pacific Ocean and Caribbean Sea.

Q: What is the capital city of Panama?

A: Panama City is the capital of Panama and the country’s largest city.

Q: What is the time difference between the UK and Panama?

A: Panama operates on GMT -5 year-round. This means Panama is usually five hours behind the UK during British Summer Time (BST), and six hours behind during the winter months.

Q: How long does it take to fly from the UK to Panama?

A: Flight times to Panama vary depending on the airline and route, although journeys are typically around 11–15 hours including connections. Most flights arrive into Panama City.

Q: What language is spoken in Panama?

A: Spanish is the official language of Panama, although English is widely spoken in hotels and tourist areas, particularly in Panama City. All guides used on Llama Travel holidays speak English.

Q: What currency is used in Panama?

A: The US dollar is legal tender in Panama, although the country also has its own currency, the Balboa, which is tied to the US dollar. Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in hotels, restaurants and shops.

Q: What’s the weather like in Panama?

A: Panama has a tropical climate with warm temperatures throughout the year. The driest months are generally from January to April, whilst rain showers are more common between May and November. Panama City is typically hot and humid year-round, with daytime temperatures often around 30°C.

Q: Is Panama good for first-time visitors to Central America?

A: Yes. Panama is often considered one of the easiest countries in Central America for first-time visitors, thanks to its modern infrastructure, good transport links and relatively compact size.

Health & Safety

Q: Is Panama safe to travel to?

A: Most visitors to Panama have a completely trouble-free holiday. Panama City is modern and relatively easy to travel around, although sensible precautions should still be taken, particularly in busy areas and at night.

Q: Do I need travel insurance for Panama?

A: Yes. All travellers should have comprehensive travel insurance covering medical treatment, cancellation and emergency repatriation.

Connectivity & Communication

Q: Will my phone work in Panama?

A: Most UK mobiles will work in Panama, although we recommend checking with your provider before travel if you are unsure. eSIMs, such as Airalo or Holafly, are becoming an increasingly popular and often cost-effective way to access mobile data abroad. Local SIM cards are also widely available in Panama.

To call the UK from Panama, dial +44, followed by the UK number, omitting the first ‘0’. To call Panama from the UK, dial +507 followed by the Panamanian number.

Q: Will I get Wi-Fi in Panama?

A: Most hotels, cafés and restaurants in Panama City offer reliable Wi-Fi. Connections can be slower in more remote areas and islands.

Getting Around

Q: How do I get around in Panama?

A: Most journeys on Llama Travel holidays are by private transfer or private vehicle. In Panama City, taxis are inexpensive and widely available, and Uber also works well throughout the city.

Unlike Costa Rica, taxis in Panama are generally unmetered, so prices should normally be agreed before starting your journey.

Q: Can I combine Panama with Costa Rica?

A: Yes. Panama combines particularly well with Costa Rica. A holiday can easily combine Costa Rica’s wildlife, volcanoes and rainforests with a few days in Panama City, exploring the Panama Canal and the historic Casco Viejo district.

Food & Drink

Q: What’s the food like in Panama?

A: Panamanian food is hearty and varied, with influences from across Latin America and the Caribbean. Seafood, rice, beans and tropical fruit all feature heavily.

One of Panama’s best-known dishes is sancocho, a traditional chicken and vegetable stew.

Q: Where should I go for food in Panama City?

A: Panama City has an excellent food scene, particularly around Casco Viejo. The city’s famous fish market is one of the best places to try fresh ceviche and local seafood, whilst Casco Viejo is known for its rooftop restaurants and bars, many with fantastic views over the skyline and Pacific Ocean.

You’ll find everything from casual local restaurants to stylish cocktail bars and fine dining, making Panama City a great destination for food lovers.

Q: Can I drink tap water in Panama?

A: Tap water is generally safe to drink in Panama City and most urban areas, although bottled or filtered water is often recommended elsewhere.

What to See

Q: What are the highlights of Panama?

A: Highlights of Panama include the Panama Canal, the colonial Casco Viejo district in Panama City, tropical rainforests, Caribbean islands and excellent wildlife.

Panama combines particularly well with Costa Rica for travellers looking to combine nature, beaches and culture in one trip.

Q: Can I visit the Panama Canal?

A: Yes. The Panama Canal is one of the world’s great engineering achievements, connecting the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. Ships pass through a series of locks which raise and lower vessels between sea level and Gatun Lake.

At the Miraflores Visitor Centre, you can watch ships passing through the locks and learn more about the canal’s history and construction. There is also the option to take a Partial Panama Canal Transit excursion, travelling by boat through part of the canal itself.

Q: What is Casco Viejo?

A: Casco Viejo is Panama City’s beautifully restored colonial quarter and one of the highlights of any visit to Panama. Dating back to the 17th century, the area is known for its colourful buildings, cobbled streets, lively plazas and historic churches.

The neighbourhood is best explored on foot. Wander past small boutiques, cafés and rooftop bars, stopping at the cathedral plaza and along the waterfront promenade for views across the modern skyline and Pacific Ocean.

One of the area’s best-known buildings is the Central Hotel, also one of Llama Travel’s hotel stays in Panama City. The hotel is home to a grand staircase in the heart of Casco Viejo, designed by the same architect responsible for the famous staircase aboard the Titanic.

Q: How many days do I need in Panama?

A: Panama City can easily be explored in a few days. Llama Travel offers Panama as an extension to Costa Rica holidays, giving you the chance to experience both destinations in one trip.

Still have questions about travelling to Panama?

Our team is happy to help. Call us on 020 7263 3000 or explore our Panama holidays to start planning your trip.