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 21 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