Panama’s Rules and Regulations: What to Be Aware of When You Come to visit.
If you’re embarking on your first journey to Panama, taking a moment to acquaint yourself with the entry regulations and road rules is a wise step.
In this post, I’ll address key inquiries from guests and highlight crucial information. Keep in mind that visa regulations can undergo swift changes, so a quick online search for the latest updates is highly recommended (as of December 2023, the information in this article is current).
Things you need to know about Panama – General Information:
Currency:
The official currency is the Balboa (PAB), but as it is pegged to the US dollar, American dollars (paper) are the currency used in Panama. Balboa coins, such as the $1.00 coin (known as a Martinelli), coexist with US coins.
Language:
While the official language is Spanish, English is commonly and widely spoken.
Alcohol:
The legal drinking age is 18+. Alcohol is readily available in supermarkets and shops.
Marriage:
The legal marriage age is 18+, and specific documentation is required for destination weddings.
Vaccinations:
Visitors from yellow fever-endemic countries must have a yellow fever vaccination. Refer to the CDC website for details.
Visa and Entry Requirements
USA and Canada:
- Valid Passport: needed for entry
- Visa: No visa required.
- Length of stay: up to 180 days.
- Passport longevity: Legally, 3 months beyond arrival date but recommended is at least 6 months beyond the arrival date with several free pages for your entry stamp
United Kingdom and the European Union:
- Valid Passport: needed for entry
- Visa: No visa required.
- Length of stay: up to 90 days.
- Passport longevity: 6 months beyond the arrival date with several free pages for your entry stam
All Other Countries:
Check the Embassy of Panama website for visa requirements.
Additional Requirements:
- Proof of onward travel.
- Proof of solvency (at least $500.00).
- Address of stay for customs form. (If you are staying at Villa Ibis, you enter Villa Ibis, 10 Los Portales, Buenventura).
Travel and Health Insurance
Panama no longer provides free health insurance for visitors.
Ensure you have comprehensive health coverage for the duration of your trip, including evacuation plans. Also, confirm that you have coverage for cancellations, missed flights, and lost luggage.
Driving in Panama
Panama has one single main road, the Pan-American Highway which extends from Panama City to Costa Rica, with side roads, best avoided for safety reasons. City driving can be chaotic, and most roads, including those to the beach, may have potholes. Exercise caution, especially during rush hours and at night.
Documents to Carry:
• Passport (or cedula for residents).
• Valid driving license.
• Current vehicle registration.
• Proof of liability insurance.
Driving License Details
• Drive on the right side.
• Right turns on red are allowed.
• Roundabouts or Traffic Circles: Give way to left traffic.
• Adhere to speed limits. There are many police on the open road with speed cameras.
• Do not use the phone while driving – it is illegal.
• Seat Belts back as well as front are mandatory.
• We recommend you use traffic Apps such as Google Maps and Waze for real-time traffic information.
Embark on your Panamanian adventure well-prepared with these insights into regulations, entry requirements, and safe driving practices. And if you have any questions or doubts, please do not hesitate to get in contact with me: hello@villaibisbuenaventura.com
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