Panama
This page contains the main health risks for travellers and general recommendations. Travel conditions are different for everyone and each patient's health condition varies. Discuss your trip during a travel consultation with your doctor or in a travel clinic, preferably six to eight weeks before departure.
Check the current security situation on the federal government website.
Important health risks
Malaria
The malaria risk is:
- moderate in certain regions east of the Panama Canal and some areas of the province Ngöbe/Bouglé in the west of the country (see map). We recommend the use of mosquito-repellent measures from dusk till morning. For people with an increased risk, we sometimes recommend preventive malaria tablets, or taking an emergency treatment with you.
- low in west of the Panama Canal, including islands San Blas, Bastimentos, Parida, and Colon. We recommend the use of mosquito-repellent measures from dusk till morning.
There is no risk of malaria in Panama City, Canal Zone, and Islands Coiba, Cebaco, Pearl Islands.
In case of fever during or after your journey, get tested for malaria as soon as possible.
Yellow fever
There is a risk of yellow fever going east of the canal zone: the whole territory of Embera and Kuna Yala, the province of Darién and areas of the provinces of Colon and Panama east of the canal zone.
There is no risk west of the Canal Zone, the city of Panama, the Canal Zone itself and the islands of Balboa (Pearl Islands) and San Blas.
Other insect-borne diseases
Insects can transmit diseases such as dengue, chikungunya, zika, leishmaniasis and Chagas disease.
Protect yourself against insects.
Ticks
Ticks can transmit diseases.
Altitude sickness
You may experience altitude sickness in areas above 2500 metres.
COVID-19
Take a look at the general preventive measures related to COVID-19.
- Carefully read the entry conditions and local measures of this country.
Other frequent health risks while travelling
Read these tips before you leave.
Vaccinations
Yellow fever vaccination is recommended for all travellers from the age of one year.
In addition, vaccination is compulsory if you have been in a country where yellow fever may be present during the last six days (see map). This is not necessary when transiting through an airport.
This vaccination must be administered at least ten days prior to arrival by an official yellow fever vaccination centre and must be registered in an International Certificate of Vaccination and Prophylaxis.
Hepatitis A
Hepatitis A vaccination is recommended for all travellers.
Update of basic vaccinations
Other vaccinations
Discuss with your doctor whether one of the following vaccinations is recommended for you: