Moderate riskAmericas · Central AmericaPanama Travel Health Guide
Moderate risk
Panama carries a CDC Level 1 travel health notice. Malaria risk exists in certain provinces of Panama. Key travel vaccines: COVID-19, Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B. Yellow fever vaccine recommended for travelers ≥9 months going to mainland areas east of Canal Zone. Required for entry if coming from countries with yellow fever risk.
Overall risk
Moderate risk
Malaria
Present
Best time to visit
Year-round
Recommended vaccines
Routine Vaccines
Ensure all routine vaccines are up to date before travel including chickenpox, DTP, flu, MMR, polio, and shingles vaccines.
COVID-19
All eligible travelers should be up to date with COVID-19 vaccines.
Hepatitis A
Hepatitis A vaccine recommended for all unvaccinated travelers 1 year and older. Special dosing for infants 6-11 months and high-risk travelers.
Hepatitis B
Hepatitis B vaccine recommended for unvaccinated travelers under 60. Those 60 and older may consider vaccination.
Measles
All international travelers should be fully vaccinated against measles with MMR vaccine. Infants 6-11 months need early dose.
Typhoid
Typhoid vaccine recommended for most travelers, especially those staying with friends/relatives or visiting smaller cities or rural areas.
Chikungunya
Chikungunya vaccination generally not recommended. Focus on preventing mosquito bites.
Rabies
Rabies vaccine may be needed for high-risk activities or limited access to medical care. Dogs with rabies not commonly found, but rabies present in bats.
Yellow Fever
Yellow fever vaccine recommended for travelers ≥9 months going to mainland areas east of Canal Zone. Required for entry if coming from countries with yellow fever risk.
Disease risks
Malaria
Malaria risk exists in certain provinces of Panama. Take prescription medicine to prevent malaria depending on your destination. No risk in Canal Zone or Panama City.
Traveler's Diarrhea
Eastern provinces (e.g., Darién, Kuna Yala); low risk in Panama City.
Malaria risk
Malaria is present in this destination. Prophylaxis medication is recommended.
Malaria risk exists in certain provinces of Panama. Take prescription medicine to prevent malaria depending on your destination. No risk in Canal Zone or Panama City.
Emergency numbers
Police
911
Medical / Ambulance
911
Fire
911
Tourist Police
511
U.S. Embassy
+507-317-5000
Panama travel health FAQ
Do I need vaccines to travel to Panama?▼
For travel to Panama, Routine Vaccines, COVID-19, Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, Measles and Typhoid are recommended; Chikungunya, Rabies and Yellow Fever may be advised depending on your itinerary. Make sure your routine vaccinations (such as MMR, Tdap, polio and seasonal flu) are up to date, and see a travel-health provider about 4–6 weeks before you leave.
Is there malaria in Panama?▼
Yes — malaria is present in Panama. Antimalarial prophylaxis is recommended for most travelers, alongside insect-bite precautions such as repellent and treated bed nets.
Is it safe to travel to Panama?▼
From a travel-health standpoint, Panama is currently rated moderate risk. Panama carries a CDC Level 1 travel health notice. Malaria risk exists in certain provinces of Panama. Key travel vaccines: COVID-19, Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B. Yellow fever vaccine recommended for travelers ≥9 months going to mainland areas east of Canal Zone. Required for entry if coming from countries with yellow fever risk.
What are the emergency phone numbers in Panama?▼
Key emergency numbers in Panama are Police 911, Medical / Ambulance 911, Fire 911, Tourist Police 511 and U.S. Embassy +507-317-5000. Save them before you travel and confirm the current numbers with your accommodation on arrival.
More country guides
BelizeModerate riskBelize carries a CDC Level 1 travel health notice. Malaria risk exists in some parts of Belize. Key travel vaccines: COVID-19, Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B.
Costa RicaModerate riskCosta Rica carries a CDC Level 1 travel health notice. Malaria risk exists in Alajuela and Limón provinces. Key travel vaccines: COVID-19, Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B. Yellow fever vaccine is not needed for travel to Costa Rica, but is required if arriving from countries with yellow fever risk
El SalvadorLow riskEl Salvador carries a CDC Level 1 travel health notice. No malaria risk. Key travel vaccines: COVID-19, Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B. Yellow fever vaccine is not needed for protection in El Salvador, but is required if you're coming from a country with yellow fever risk, including airport layovers over 12 hours.
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Build my Trip KitSources: CDC Travelers' Health · WHO International Travel and Health. Last updated 2026-07-31. Health conditions and entry rules change — verify with the CDC, WHO and your destination’s authorities before travel. This page is informational and not a substitute for advice from a travel-medicine provider.