For most tourists, Panama does not require a vaccination card to enter the country. Panama’s tourism authority states that the yellow fever vaccine is no longer mandatory as a general entry requirement, although the country may still recommend or request it in certain situations.
The vaccine most travelers should pay attention to is yellow fever. It is especially relevant if you are arriving from, or have recently traveled through, countries where yellow fever transmission is a risk, such as parts of South America or Africa. Panama also recommends yellow fever vaccination for travelers visiting areas with greater natural exposure, including Darién, Guna Yala and Panama Este.
Travel health authorities also recommend that visitors be up to date on routine vaccines such as measles, tetanus and other standard immunizations before international travel. Depending on your itinerary, length of stay and activities, a travel clinic may also suggest vaccines such as hepatitis A, hepatitis B, typhoid or rabies.
If your trip is limited to Panama City, the Canal area, Bocas del Toro, Boquete, Chiriquí, Pacific beaches or other common tourist areas west of the Canal, yellow fever vaccination is generally not recommended by travel health guidance. If you are going into jungle, remote or eastern regions, check with a travel doctor before your trip.