All country guides
- Capital
- Panama City (PTY)
- Dialing Code
- + 507
- Time Zone
- UTC / GMT -5
- Language
- Spanish
- Best Time to Go
- December - April
- Currency
- Balboa (PAB)
Travel Tips
- USD is also accepted. PAB exists in coin currency only. Some of the islands may not have ATM’s or credit card machines.
- Use only registered taxi’s and do not share a taxi with unknown passengers
- It is best to avoid the border area with Colombia
- Avoid political demonstrations
- Mains water in hotels and towns is safe to drink. Outside of the main towns, water may be contaminated
- English is widely spoken
- Mosquito-borne illnesses are prevalent and travellers are advised to used mosquito nets and other preventative measures
Last updated 7 October 2026
Visa Guide
Foreign Representation in South Africa
Embassy of Panama
301 Aries Street, Waterkloof Ridge, Pretoria, Gauteng
Telephone: 012 346 0703
E-mail: consular@embassypanama.com
/Or: visas@panamaembassy.com
Website: embassypanama.com
- All enquiries will be answered during the official service hours, from 09:00 to 14:00.
- All visitors are hereby informed that a prior reservation is mandatory
Public Holidays
2026
January: 1, 9
February: 17
April: 2 - 3
May: 1
November: 3 - 5, 10, 28
December: 8, 20, 25
Visa Requirements
Visas are not required by South African passport holders for a stay of up to 3 months (90 days)
- Visa information is available here: www.embassyofpanama.org/visas-1
Entry Requirements
- Valid passport with at least 3 months of validity
- Return ticket to your country of origin or next destination
- Proof of available funds (usually USD 500 - check with airline / consulate)
- Accommodation booking / proof of reason for visit
Health / Vaccinations
Compulsory:
Yellow Fever
Recommended Travel Vaccines:
Hepatitis A & B, Typhoid, Tetanus, Polio
Malaria Risk
South African Representative Abroad
Representation accredited from Mexico City, Mexico