For Canadian travelers, no visa is required for a tourist stay of 180 days or less.

Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months after entry.

Panamanian authorities may also request proof of onward travel. This means you must be able to present a return ticket or a ticket to another destination. In some cases, airlines check this requirement before boarding and may refuse entry if you cannot provide proof.

You may also be asked to show proof of sufficient funds for the duration of your stay. This can be done by presenting a credit card, a bank statement, or cash.

Upon arrival, you must complete a customs declaration, which is often handed out on the plane or available at the airport. This declaration covers items being carried, cash, and certain regulated goods.

Crossing the land border into Panama, usually from Costa Rica, is fairly straightforward.

At the border, you must go through official controls to obtain an exit stamp from Costa Rica, followed by an entry stamp into Panama. These are two separate steps, and you may need to change buildings or line up at different counters depending on the crossing point.

Entry into Panama is usually free for Canadian tourists, although some border posts may occasionally charge small administrative fees. It is therefore important to carry cash with you.

Even when entering by land, authorities often require a bus or flight ticket proving that you will leave the country. Without it, entry may be refused.

To visit the San Blas Islands (Guna Yala), you must pass an official checkpoint on the road where your identity is verified. You must have your original passport with the Panama entry stamp (copies are not accepted). You must also pay an entry tax for the Guna Yala region. For tourists, it is approximately 22 USD per person, paid on site in cash.

The best time to visit Panama is generally during the dry season, from December to April. This is when the weather is at its best: lots of sunshine, little rain, and ideal conditions for beaches and outdoor activities. It is also high season, meaning more tourists and higher prices.

The rainy season runs from April to December. Showers are often heavy but short, especially in the late afternoon, and the rest of the day can still be sunny. This period is quieter, with fewer tourists and lower prices.

It is also worth noting that hurricane season runs from mid-May to late November in the Pacific, and from early June to late November in the Atlantic, the Caribbean Sea, and the Gulf of Mexico. Panama is rarely directly affected, but it can influence weather patterns, especially on the Caribbean coast.

In terms of budget, Panama can be quite affordable, but it really depends on your travel style.

For a backpacker budget, you should plan around 40 to 70 USD per day. This includes basic hostels or small guesthouses, local meals (often between 3 and 8 USD), bus transportation, and a few activities.

For a mid-range comfort budget, it is more like 80 to 150 USD per day, with private hotels, more restaurant meals, and organized excursions.

Local transportation is inexpensive, especially long-distance buses, which usually cost between 5 and 15 USD depending on the route. Activities such as boat trips or island tours can significantly increase your budget, especially in tourist-heavy areas like Bocas del Toro or San Blas.

For 2 to 3-day stays in the San Blas Islands, the budget is often around 250 to 500 USD per person, depending on the level of comfort (basic hut or more organized setup). Everything is usually included: transport, meals, and very simple accommodation. Prices are mostly fixed, as local communities control access and services. There is not really an ultra-budget backpacker version like in other parts of Panama.

The official currency of Panama is the balboa, but in practice, the country almost exclusively uses the US dollar.

Accommodation in Panama is mainly booked through a few simple platforms.

Booking.com is the main one: most hotels and guesthouses are listed there, often with free cancellation options.

Airbnb is useful mainly for city apartments or longer stays, but it is often a bit more expensive.

Hostelworld is the go-to platform for hostels, especially in Panama City and Bocas del Toro.

On the ground, many small hotels can also be booked directly, and are sometimes cheaper than on apps.

For San Blas, it is different: there are no apps. Everything is booked through local agencies or via WhatsApp, usually in all-inclusive packages.

The main apps to use are Uber and inDrive, especially in Panama City. They are convenient, safe, and help you avoid negotiating prices with taxis.

For long-distance travel (buses, connections between cities or islands), 12Go Asia is often used to book tickets in advance.

In Panama City, the transport network is well developed. The most practical option is the MetroBus: modern, air-conditioned buses that cover most neighborhoods. It works with a rechargeable card that you can buy and top up at stations or certain shops.

There is also a metro, mainly in Panama City. It is clean, fast, and very useful for avoiding traffic, especially during rush hours. The network is still limited, but it already covers key areas of the city.

Outside the capital, transport becomes more local and more “vintage.” You will often see the famous colorful buses, sometimes called “diablos rojos.”

Yellow taxis are common in Panama and generally reliable when taken from official stands located in shopping malls, hotels, or main terminals. They do not use meters, so the fare is agreed upon in advance depending on the zone and destination. It is important to confirm the price before getting in. It is also recommended to carry small bills, as payment is in cash and drivers do not always have change.

Roads are generally in good condition between major cities and tourist areas, but they can become more uneven and winding once you leave main routes, especially in mountainous regions or toward more remote coasts. Driving can also be slower than expected due to traffic around Panama City.

As for driving, it is possible to drive in Panama with a Canadian driver’s license for up to 90 days, which is convenient for exploring the country more independently.

For my part, I rented a car with Alamo Rent A Car for about two weeks. I chose the cheapest available model, a small compact car in good condition, which was enough for the country’s roads. The total cost came to around 550 USD for 14 days, basic insurance included.

In Panama, ATMs are easy to find, especially in cities. Visa and Mastercard cards generally work without any issues, so withdrawing money is quite simple.

The country uses the US dollar, so there is no real currency conversion to worry about. Fees are almost always charged (often a few dollars per withdrawal, in addition to your bank’s fees), so it is better to withdraw larger amounts less frequently.

ATMs are generally reliable in major cities like Panama City and in tourist areas.

It is recommended to use bank ATMs rather than independent machines, which often charge higher fees. Cards are widely accepted in cities, but cash is still important in more remote areas or for small purchases.

The most common scam involves unofficial taxis or taxis without a fixed price agreed in advance. Some drivers may inflate fares for tourists, especially from airports or in very touristy areas. Always ask the price before getting in and use apps like Uber or official taxi stands whenever possible.

There are also cases of fake guides or intermediaries, especially around popular excursions (San Blas, Panama City, Bocas del Toro). Some people offer “cheaper” tours, but once you arrive, extra fees may appear or the services are not as advertised. It is better to book through reputable agencies or trusted platforms.

In some tourist areas, you may also encounter inflated restaurant or bar bills, especially when prices are not clearly displayed. Always check the menu before ordering.

Be cautious of pickpockets in crowded places, especially at bus terminals or markets.

At land borders, there may also be unofficial intermediaries offering to “help” you cross for a fee. In reality, everything can be done directly at the official counters without paying for any extra services.

No vaccine is required for Canadians arriving directly from Canada.

There is a risk of yellow fever in Panama. However, the yellow fever vaccine is not mandatory, but it is recommended.

A proof of yellow fever vaccination is required if you are arriving from a country, even if you only transited through, where the disease is present. To see the list of countries at risk of yellow fever transmission and countries requiring yellow fever vaccination Here.

Recommended vaccines: hepatitis A, typhoid, and routine updates (tetanus/diphtheria).

Regarding malaria, there is a risk in certain areas of Panama and at certain times of the year. Malaria is a serious disease transmitted by mosquitoes. Preventive medication may be recommended depending on your itinerary and the time of travel. It is advised to consult a pharmacist or a travel clinic before departure to check whether medication is necessary in your case.

The Panama is generally considered a relatively safe country for travelers, especially in tourist areas such as Panama City, Bocas del Toro or San Blas. By staying in frequented areas, using reliable transport and avoiding isolated travel at night, most trips go smoothly.

That said, some regions of the country are formally to be avoided. Authorities recommend not traveling to areas south of Metetí, in the Darién province, up to the border with Colombia, due to the extremely high number of violent crimes. It is also advised to avoid any travel in the Gulf of Mosquitoes, from Boca de Río Chiriquí to Coclé del Norte, due to significant illegal activities such as drug trafficking and human trafficking.

In tourist areas, the main risks remain opportunistic theft, especially in transport, bus stations or very crowded places. Keeping your belongings secure and avoiding displaying valuables generally helps avoid problems.

For women traveling alone, Panama is generally considered a manageable and fairly safe destination, especially in tourist areas. However, as in several Latin American countries, it is recommended to remain cautious when traveling at night, avoid isolated streets, and prioritize transport such as Uber or official taxis. In most cases, interactions are respectful, but caution is still advised in urban environments.

For my part, my sense of safety in Panama was more variable. I experienced certain moments where I did not feel completely at ease, such as once in Casco Viejo where I ventured a bit further and the police advised me to turn back — you could feel it in the atmosphere. In Panama City, especially at night, I did not always feel safe. That said, in the rest of the country, my experience was positive. As always, my experience is personal and may differ from yours, so it is important to stay attentive and inform yourself well depending on the places.

The main operators are Claro, Tigo and Más Móvil, with good coverage in tourist areas and cities. A local SIM card usually costs around 3 to 5 USD, and data plans start around 10 to 30 USD per month depending on the amount of data.

You can also use an eSIM, which activates directly online before or during your trip. It is convenient for having internet as soon as you arrive without going to a store.

Mobile coverage is generally good in cities and tourist areas, but can be weaker in remote regions or on the islands.

In Panama, the culture is generally relaxed, but respect remains important, especially outside the main cities.

In cities, casual clothing is fine, but in villages and rural areas, it is better to avoid overly revealing outfits outside of beaches. Politeness is important in everyday interactions.

In San Blas (Guna Yala), the rules are stricter because it is an autonomous Indigenous territory. You must respect the local people and their way of life. Concretely, you should always ask before taking photos of people, not collect sand, shells or coral, follow the instructions of guides and local communities, and stay within authorized areas during visits. San Blas is not a typical tourist resort, but a living territory where the Guna communities control access and rules. The expected behavior is simple: respect and discretion.

Eating local is the first real way to save money: sodas (small local restaurants) offer full meals for 3 to 7 USD, much cheaper than tourist restaurants.

For transportation, prioritizing local buses or apps like Uber/indrive in the city helps avoid more expensive taxis. Intercity buses often cost only 5 to 15 USD.

For accommodation, hostels and small hotels outside tourist areas are much more economical than resorts or beachfront hotels.

Activities can quickly increase the budget (San Blas, boat excursions), so grouping tours or choosing all-inclusive options helps better control costs. Limiting organized activities and prioritizing independent exploration (scooter, walking, local bus) also helps keep the budget much lower.

Withdraw cash in fewer transactions but in larger amounts to reduce bank fees. If possible, use a no-foreign-fee card.Withdraw cash in fewer transactions but in larger amounts to reduce bank fees. If possible, use a no-foreign-fee card.

Booking certain things directly on site can also cost less than going through online platforms, especially for small hotels and local excursions. not translated

Panamanian law does not prohibit same-sex relationships. However, 2ELGBTQI+ individuals may sometimes face discrimination due to their sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or sex characteristics.

For San Blas, I booked with Tao Travel 365 Tours.

For activities, excursions and tours, I mainly used GetYourGuide and TripAdvisor. Both are convenient, but I often found GetYourGuide to be cheaper for the same experiences.

For car rental, I went through Alamo Rent A Car, with a compact car in good condition, perfect for getting around the country.

For accommodation, I used Booking.com, Hostelworld, and Agoda depending on availability and prices. I also used Airbnb for some longer or more comfortable stays in cities.