Visas & entry
U.S., Canadian and British visitors generally do not need a tourist visa for ordinary short visits, but published permitted stays differ: Panama’s migration rules and UK guidance commonly cite up to 90 days, while U.S. and Canadian advice may cite up to 180 days. Treat 90 days as the conservative assumption and verify current requirements, passport-validity rules, onward-ticket and proof-of-funds requirements with Panama immigration before travel.
Getting in
- Panama City — Tocumen International Airport: The main international gateway by a huge margin, with the broadest North American, Latin American and European connections. It is the sensible arrival point for nearly every first trip; allow for city traffic rather than assuming the airport is next door to Casco Viejo.
- Paso Canoas border crossing, Costa Rica–Panama: The principal overland entry for travelers moving between Costa Rica and western Panama. It is useful for David, Boquete and onward travel to Bocas, but it is a working land border rather than a scenic shortcut; expect paperwork, queues and onward transport coordination.
- Bocas del Toro International Airport: A small island airport used mainly for domestic connections from Panama City, with limited regional service. Use it when Bocas is a main destination, not as a convenient stop tacked onto a road trip.
- David — Enrique Malek International Airport: The practical domestic-air gateway for Boquete and the Chiriquí highlands. From David, Boquete is still roughly a 50-minute road transfer, so arrange that final leg rather than treating the airport as the destination.
Getting around
A rental car is worthwhile on the Pacific side, Azuero and around the highlands, where public transport is slow and scattered sights are awkward without wheels. Use domestic flights when linking Panama City with Bocas or David if time matters; boats are part of the transport system in Bocas, Guna Yala and Coiba, where weather can cancel plans. Do not schedule an international departure on the same day as an island flight or boat connection.
Money
Panama uses the balboa alongside the U.S. dollar; in practice, dollar notes are the everyday currency. Cards work well in Panama City and established hotels, but carry small cash for taxis, markets, rural areas, boats and islands; tipping around 10% for good restaurant service is normal when it is not already included.
Book before you land
Coiba National Park boat trips, diving trips and required visitor arrangements · Guna Yala / San Blas overnight stays, especially in the December–April and holiday peaks
- Keep buffer time in wet season: small-plane flights, San Blas transfers, boat trips and hiking plans are vulnerable to weather.
- Use cash beyond Panama City; remote islands may have limited ATMs, patchy card acceptance and no reliable connectivity.
- Do not treat Bocas or Guna Yala as interchangeable beach resorts: transport is boat-based, services are uneven and weather has real consequences.
- Avoid driving or arriving at isolated beaches after dark, particularly on the Colón/Portobelo side; ask accommodation staff about current local conditions.
- For Indigenous territories such as Guna Yala, use community-run or reputable local operators, ask before photographing people, and respect local rules on beaches and villages.
Entry rules change — verify visa requirements for your passport before booking this country.