Hello HPMALM,
While I can't anticipate what special needs your group might have here is some important information. (I'm including some resources you can reach out to for further information, scroll all the way down.)
Re your other question here's all the info I have about firearms (I am fairly certain there would be zero recognition in Panama of any permits you hold in the U.S.):
"Hunting is not allowed in Panama. The fauna is protected here, and illegal hunting
will subject you to arrest and the imposition of heavy fines.
Importing firearms and obtaining permits for use of firearms have always been
arduous processes in Panama. At present, there is a moratorium on the importation
of certain firearms—consult a reputable Panama attorney to ensure you have the
latest info before attempting to ship or bring in any type of weapon.
In mid-2018 the government also announced new requirements and restrictions on gun permits.
Applicants are subject to biometric facial recognition exams and must provide DNA in
addition to fingerprints. Again, for the most up-to-date information, consult with your
Panama attorney.
Keep in mind that very few countries outside the US are liberal about gun
ownership and use. Bringing a gun into Panama without an importation permit is
considered gun running, with stiff penalties. Having a gun without a gun permit is a
serious offense. Shooting an intruder or trespasser could land you in prison with no
recourse. And while Panama is modern in many ways, its jails are not."
IMPORTANT INFO FOR YOUR PANAMA TRIP
Dear Panama Enthusiast,
International Living (IL) takes pride in being your best resource for info about life in Panama & other locations around the world. I’d like to take this opportunity to share some important information with you.
Immigration
US/Canadian citizens: You must have a passport to visit Panama. You do not need a tourist visa. Check your passport expiration date—it must be valid for 6 months from your date of arrival. Be prepared to show proof of solvency & of intended departure. Panama law requires adults to carry ID. Panama’s tourist law states that Americans/Canadians can stay for 90 days but for many years now immigration has been granting 180 days, meaning you are welcome to stay up to six months with no visa required.
All information in this message is subject to change.
Always check travel info and advisories before you go (see US State Dept - travel.state.gov or Government of Canada - travel.gc.ca). It’s wise to also double-check websites/social media for updates from airlines/airports, embassies/consulates, etc.
Additional resources you may find helpful:
US Embassy in Panama: https://pa.usembassy.gov.
Panama Tourism Authority: www.tourismpanama.com.
Resources & Trip Planning
Airport: Most travelers fly into Tocumen International (PTY), aka the Hub of the Americas, located east of the Panama City center. Copa, Panama’s flag carrier and Latin America’s largest airline, helped transform Tocumen into the region’s best and busiest hub with an incredible selection of international flights (and domestic flights between Panama City & David).
Many other airlines also serve Tocumen, including United, Delta, Air Canada, Air France, KLM, and Turkish Airlines. If flying from Canada, Sunwing or Air Transat might offer packages/charter flights direct to the beach (Scarlett Martinez airport, Rio Hato, about 30 mins from Coronado).
*If you need help planning your visit, contact a travel agent or make use of travel and airfare tracker websites/apps such as Kayak.
Hotels/accommodations: Use online services like TripAdvisor, Airbnb, or Google Maps reviews to ensure your pick has good, recent reviews.
Panama City: The Crowne Plaza Panama Airport and Riande Airport Hotel are far from city conveniences. You may want to choose central/downtown areas for ease of exploration. Obarrio and El Cangrejo are popular neighborhoods for metro access, walkability, & good value hotels like Best Western Plus Panama Zen Hotel (there are MANY other options). Bella Vista is also walkable and offers ocean/Cinta Costera views/access (luxury hotels here include the Hilton Panama and the Waldorf Astoria Panama). Casco Viejo is very romantic with its historic plazas and colonial architecture. It’s generally expensive and can be noisy (loud music). It’s beautiful and walkable and fun.
I use Uber to get around Panama City as it's inexpensive and GPS-tracked. I also use the metro for easy access to the city center and Albrook. I do not recommend yellow taxis in Panama City. I do use yellow taxis in other parts of the country.
White "tourism taxis" are the only ones authorized for pickup right outside airport doors. These & private ground transport companies charge $35 and up to/from city center. I don’t use them as Ubers tend to be cheaper & nicer. Uber pick up is from the middle lane or airport parking lot.
Domestic air travel: Marcos A. Gelabert Airport (“Albrook airport”) is a hub for Air Panama with domestic flights to Bocas del Toro, Chitré, and David.
Boquete/David: You can drive, take a bus, or fly to David from Panama City (Copa Airlines/Tocumen Airport or Air Panama/Albrook Airport). The Enrique Malek airport in David is mostly domestic (Costa Rica being the exception). There are several car rental agencies at the airport. The drive/bus ride from David to Boquete is about 40 mins.
Coronado/Arco Seco Pacific beach region: Drive or take a bus from Albrook bus terminal (Gran Terminal Nacional de Transporte, Grantnt.com). The Scarlett Martinez/Rio Hato airport is used for private/charter flights only (no regular commercial flights). The drive to Coronado is about 1.5 hours. Avoid rush hour (heavy traffic, lane reversals).
Tours/ground transportation: There are many providers offering road trips, tours (day tours, eco-tours, etc.), ground transportation, airport pickups, trip planning assistance, etc. Here are a few options, and you’ll find more on review websites like TripAdvisor:
• Ancon Expeditions anconexpeditions.com
• Roadrunner Panama panamaroadrunner.com
• Inside Panama transport@insidepma.com
• Namu Travel Group namutravel.com
• (Coronado beach region) Services Coronado servicescoronado.com
Kindly note I am a writer and not a tour guide.
Rental Cars: There are many options, including National Rent A Car (www.nationalpanama.com/english/index.htm), which in my experience tends to have good rates/service.
Navigation/connectivity: Waze is a great driving app to help you navigate Panama City if you get local data. Download Panama to your smartphone’s Google Maps app for offline access. For local cell/data service, you can buy an esim or get a local sim card/cheap cell at the airport or local malls. Many restaurants have WiFi if you don’t have data or don’t want to incur roaming charges.
Money matters: Panama uses the US dollar ($). It is locally referred to as the Balboa (B/.). Paper currency is all US but you will see Panama-minted coins.
Visa/Mastercard are widely accepted. Amex is not. Outside the city you may need cash for expenditures including lodging (as always in travel, assume nothing & ask before you go).
Foreign exchange: You can withdraw USD from ATMs, use your credit card for purchases, or take care of your exchange needs on arrival in Tocumen Airport. ATMs are easy to find in most cities but some small towns/islands do not have ATMs. Plan ahead.
Climate & weather: Average temp at sea level in Panama City: 88F daytime/78F nighttime. The Coronado beach region is generally a few degrees cooler. Boquete and other mountain towns are generally 10-15 degrees cooler than Panama City and can drop to 60F at night. Wherever you go, bring a light cardigan/jacket. Bus, boat, & plane rides in Panama are often extremely cold.
Dry/summer season: December through April in most parts of the country.
Rainy/green season: starts in May, most of the country outside of the Caribbean gets afternoon showers (an hour or so).
July: Often there’s a “second summer” (three weeks or so with no rain).
Heaviest rains and storms (no hurricanes): usually from August through November.
Mountains and Caribbean get nearly 2x as much rain as the Pacific region.
For current weather information consult a trusted news/weather source like Weather.com.
**Important resources for potential expats: **
Here are some providers that will be happy to hear from you and help with relevant matters:
VISAS/ATTORNEYS: If you plan to live or buy a home here, you'll need a reputable, reliable Panamanian lawyer to assist you with legal matters. You can send Panama-related legal questions (about residence, real estate, business, estate planning, etc.) to:
Rainelda Mata-Kelly
Mata-Kelly & Partners
Local tel: +(507) 216-9299
Dailing from the US/Canada: (011 507) 216-9299
rmk@mata-kelly.com
www.mata-kelly.com
Ted Baumann is IL’s Global Diversification Expert, focused on strategies to find the right country for residence, expand your investments, lower your taxes, and preserve your wealth overseas. To book a consultation visit https://internationalliving.com/author/ted-baumann/.
Real estate/rentals: International Living does not sell/broker real estate/rentals. You can write to Pangea, exclusive real estate advertiser to IL, to request broker information or to ask questions about real estate, developments, and renting:
Email: info@pangearesearchgroup.com
Website: https://pangearesearchgroup.com
Serious about Panama? Step it up with IL’s best-selling book on Panama.
Escape to Panama by Jess Ramesch is the ultimate resource, with detailed chapters on everything from high-value destinations with active expat communities to property law, taxes, cost of living, healthcare, and visas. Learn about important regions that are worth exploring now… and get insider tips for a smooth move, along with info on Panamanian culture, language, etiquette, and more. See www.ilbookstore.com.
Information on the next International Living seminar in Panama City, Panama will be posted at https://internationalliving.com/conferences as it becomes available. The next event will be in 2026. To contact IL Events see Internationalliving.com/events-questions/, or call toll free from the US/Canada: 1-800-681-2402. International/direct dial (not toll-free): + 443-353-4232.
Panama Holidays*
2025
Jan 1, 2025: New Year's Day
Jan 9, 2025: Martyr’s Day (Dry - no alcohol sold for 24 hours)
(Feb 7-9: International Living’s Fast Track Panama Event**)
Feb 28-March 4, 2025: Carnival
Mar 5, 2025: Ash Wednesday
Apr 17-20, 2025: Holy Week (Dry - no alcohol sold for 24 hours Good Friday)
May 1, 2025: Labor Day
Aug 15, 2025: Founding of Panama La Vieja (Original Site of Panama City)
Nov 2, 2025: Day of the Dead (Dry - no alcohol sold for 24 hours)
Nov 3-5, 10, 28, 2025: Fiestas Patrias (Independence/national holidays)
Dec 8, 2025: Mother’s Day
Dec 20, 2025: National Day of Mourning (Dry - no alcohol sold for 24 hours)
Dec 25, 2025: Christmas Day (Many businesses close at noon Dec 24 & 31)
Subject to change. If a holiday falls on a Sunday observance may be moved to the following Monday via executive decree (dates in parentheses). May be announced only days ahead of time.
Best of luck with all your Panama plans!
IL Panama Editor Jess Ramesch