When visiting Panama, the main things to avoid are not the country itself, but specific risky situations. Most tourist areas are manageable with normal precautions, especially Panama City, Boquete, Bocas del Toro, El Valle and organized tours. However, travelers should avoid remote border areas, walking alone late at night in poorly lit streets, using unofficial transportation, carrying too much cash, and leaving valuables visible.
You should avoid travel to parts of the Darién region near the Colombia border and parts of the Mosquito Gulf, where official advisories warn about crime and illegal activity. Canada’s travel advisory also recommends avoiding all travel south of Metetí in Darién Province and avoiding the Mosquito Gulf area. The U.S. advisory lists parts of Darién and the Mosquito Gulf as “do not travel” areas.
In Panama City, be more cautious in areas such as Calidonia, Curundú, El Chorrillo, Río Abajo, Santa Ana, Panama Viejo and 24 de Diciembre, especially at night. Canada also highlights Colón Province, San Miguelito, Veracruz City and several Panama City corregimientos as higher-crime areas where travelers should exercise greater caution.
Also avoid assuming that every “friendly helper” is official. At airports, bus terminals, tourist sites and nightlife zones, use registered transport, trusted apps, hotel-arranged taxis or official tour operators. Do not accept random offers for tours, rides or “shortcuts” from strangers, especially in isolated places.