Last updated: 26 Jun 2026
Panama
About
| Panama is a curious but exhilarating combination of cultural influence. It lies at the centre of the world, its isthmus constituting the last part of a natural land-bridge between the North and South American continents. Its strategic position and glorious terrain - from wildlife-rich jungle to sun-soaked beach - suggests that it will remain an important country for a long time yet. Make the most of Panama's excellent shopping. Its position as a crossing point between oceans has made it a major commercial route. Panama City's Central Avenue, Colón's Front Street, newer shopping sectors and Tocumen’s duty-free stores have grown as a result. Go bird watching: the country is considered one of the world's best bird watching spots, with about 950 species. Recommended sites include Soberanía National Park (40km/25 miles north of Panama City), and the Baru National Park in the Chiriquí Province, famous for its Quetzal birds. Take a boat trip along the Panama Canal, 80km (50 miles) long. The scenery is beautiful, and the mechanics of the canal fascinating. Crocodiles, birds and other wildlife lives along the banks. Also recommended are bus or train rides alongside the canal. |
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| Capital: | Panama City (PTY) |
| Currency: | Balboa (PAB). USD is also accepted. PAB exists in coin currency only. |
| Language: | Spanish. English is widely spoken |
| Dialling code from SA: | + 507 |
| Time Zones: | UTC / GMT -5 (7 hours behind South Africa) |
| Side of the Road: | Right |
| Best Time to go: | mid-December to mid-April |
| Best For: | Adventure Activities, Ecotourism, Diving, Cultural Exploration, Tropical Rainforest |
| Plugs: | 120 volts AC, 60Hz. Plugs are the flat two-pin American type (with or without third grounding pin) |
| Drinking Water: | Mains water in hotels and towns is safe to drink. Outside of the main towns, water may be contaminated. |
| Health: | Mosquito-borne illnesses are prevalent and travellers are advised to used mosquito nets and other preventative measures. There are adequate and well-equipped private medical facilities within the capital city, throughout the rest of the country, medical facilities are less adequate. Comprehensive health insurance is recommended. If you require any medication on your travels it is best to bring it with you, in the original packaging, with a signed and dated letter from your doctor detailing exactly what it is and why you need it. |
| Customs: | Normal social courtesies. A midday siesta is practiced and many shops and businesses will be closed during these hours. |
| Travel Warnings / Tips: | 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. |
| Duty Free: | The following items may be imported into Panama without incurring customs duty: • 10 packs of cigarettes or 2 packets of tobacco. • 5 bottles or 3.8L of alcohol. • Goods up to the value of B/.2,000. You may bring in gifts, as long as you do not have more than six of each item. |
| Prohibited Imports: | Fruit, vegetable and animal products, weapons, explosives, narcotics and hazardous materials. |
| Prohibited Exports: | Narcotics |
Issuing Authorities
Embassy of Panama
301 Aries Street, Waterkloof Ridge, Pretoria, Gauteng
Tel: 012 346 0703
E-mail: consular@panamaembassy.co.za
Web: https://embassypanama.com/
Mon - Thurs: 08:00 – 16:00
Visa Section:
Email: visas@embassypanama.com
Visa Section: Monday – Friday 10:00 – 14:00
Public Holidays 2026: Jan 1, 9; Feb 17; Apr 2-3; May 1; Nov 3-5, 10, 28; Dec 8, 20, 25
Visa Requirements
Visas are not required by South African passport holders for a stay of up to 3 months (90 days)
- Passengers are to be in possession of a return airticket
- Passport valid for a minimum of 6 months from date of entry. Ensure there are 3 blank pages in the passport
- You must also show proof of economic solvency for a minimum of US$ 500 upon entering.
SA Representative
Representation accredited from Mexico City, Mexico
Travel Health
| Compulsory: | Yellow Fever |
| Recommended Travel Vaccines: | Hepatitis A & B, Typhoid, Tetanus, Polio |
| Malaria Risk |
