Vaccination & Health requirement to visit Panama

Mandatory Vaccination Requirements

Yellow Fever

• A Yellow Fever vaccination certificate is required for all travelers aged 1 year or older who are arriving from countries with a risk of Yellow Fever transmission.
• This requirement also applies to travelers who have spent more than 12 hours in transit through an airport in a country with a risk of transmission.
• For an official list of affected countries, please consult the World Health Organization (WHO) resources. It is important to note that this is not a requirement for travelers arriving directly from the United States, Canada, or Europe, as these are not considered countries with a risk of Yellow Fever transmission.
• If required for your itinerary, the vaccination must be administered at least 10 days before your arrival in Panama to be valid.

Recommended Vaccinations & Immunizations

We strongly advise you to schedule a consultation with your doctor or a specialized travel medicine clinic 4 to 6 weeks before your departure. This allows ample time to discuss your personal health profile, travel plans, and receive any necessary immunizations.

Routine Vaccinations

Ensuring your routine vaccinations are current is a fundamental step in travel preparation. Please verify that you are up-to-date on the following:

• Measles-Mumps-Rubella (MMR)
• Diphtheria-Tetanus-Pertussis
• Varicella (Chickenpox)
• Polio
• Your yearly influenza (flu) shot

Travel-Specific Vaccinations

• Hepatitis A: Recommended for most travelers. This virus can be transmitted through contaminated food or water, regardless of where you are staying.
• Typhoid: Also recommended for most travelers, particularly if you plan to visit smaller cities or rural areas, stay with local friends or family, or are an adventurous eater.
• Hepatitis B: You should consider this vaccine if you anticipate circumstances that could expose you to bodily fluids, such as having sexual contact with a new partner, getting a tattoo or piercing, or undergoing a medical procedure.
• Rabies: This is recommended for travelers who will be spending significant time outdoors, especially in rural settings, or those who may be in close contact with animals (e.g., veterinarians, wildlife researchers). It is also a wise precaution for those engaging in activities like caving or extensive hiking.
• Yellow Fever: It is important to distinguish between the mandatory entry requirement and a medical recommendation. Even if you are not arriving from a “risk” country and do not need the certificate for entry, your doctor may still recommend the vaccine. This is particularly relevant if your itinerary includes travel to the eastern provinces of Panama, such as Darién Province, or certain areas of Colón and the Guna Yala (San Blas) region.

Other Health Considerations

Mosquito-Borne Illnesses

Mosquito-borne diseases are present in Panama, and proactive prevention is the most effective approach to staying healthy. Your primary defense is to avoid being bitten.

• Dengue, Zika, and Chikungunya:

  These viruses are found throughout the country, including in Panama City. As there are no vaccines for them, prevention is paramount.

  • Consistently use an EPA-registered insect repellent that contains an effective ingredient such as DEET, picaridin, or oil of lemon eucalyptus.
  • Wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants to cover exposed skin, particularly during the early morning and late afternoon (dawn and dusk), when mosquitoes are most active.
  • Choose accommodations that are well-screened or have air conditioning to keep mosquitoes out.
• Malaria:

  The risk of malaria is low for most visitors whose itineraries are confined to Panama City, the Canal Zone, and the San Blas Islands. However, the risk is higher in rural areas east of the Canal Zone, specifically within the provinces of Darién, Guna Yala, and eastern Colón. Based on your specific travel plans, please consult your doctor to determine if preventative anti-malarial medication is appropriate for you.

Food & Water Safety

• In Panama City and most other major towns, the tap water is treated and generally considered safe to drink. As a precaution, especially in more rural or remote areas, it is best to drink bottled or purified water.
• In rural locations, avoid ice in your drinks unless you can be certain it was made with purified water.
• To minimize risk, prioritize food that is well-cooked and served hot. Be cautious with raw or undercooked items, including salads and unpeeled fruit, particularly from street food vendors whose hygiene standards may be uncertain.
• Practice good hand hygiene by washing your hands frequently with soap and water or, when that is not possible, using an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.