Panama

Central America · Updated April 2026

See a travel doctor 4–6 weeks before you leave.

Current alert — Oropouche in the Americas

CDC has issued a Level 1 notice for Oropouche virus in the Americas; travellers should prevent insect bites.

Current alert — Global Measles

Measles cases are rising in many countries; all international travellers should be fully vaccinated against measles (MMR).

For most travellers to Panama, CDC recommends hepatitis A and typhoid vaccines. Depending on your itinerary, hepatitis B, rabies or chikungunya vaccination may also be advised, and malaria prevention is recommended in certain provinces. Yellow fever vaccination is recommended for areas east of the Canal Zone and required if you arrive from a country with risk of transmission. See a travel doctor 4–6 weeks before departure.

Malaria risk is limited to specific provinces and indigenous areas, so antimalarial medication is only needed for some itineraries.

Required for entry

No vaccines are currently required for entry to Panama from most countries.

Exception: Proof of Yellow Fever vaccination — Required for travellers aged 1 year and older arriving from a country with risk of yellow fever transmission; not required for direct travel from the United States. CDC also recommends the vaccine for travel to mainland areas east of the Canal Zone.

Recommended for most travellers

CDC advises these for all visitors to Panama.

Food & Water

Hepatitis A

A contagious liver infection spread through contaminated food and water. Most travellers to regions with less reliable sanitation should get this vaccine.

Two doses at 0 and 6–12 months. Over 90% of people develop protective antibodies within a month of the first dose, so one dose is usually enough for the trip itself. No booster needed after the full series.

Food & Water

Typhoid

A bacterial infection spread through food and water contaminated with the faeces of an infected person. Risk is higher in rural areas and when eating with locals.

The injected vaccine is a single dose at least 2 weeks before travel and lasts 2 years. The oral version is four capsules taken every other day, completed at least a week before travel, and lasts 5 years. Neither is 100% effective — safe food and water habits still matter.

Recommended for some travellers

Depends on your itinerary, activities, duration, or health.

Blood & Body Fluids

Hepatitis B

A liver infection spread through blood, sexual contact, and contaminated medical or cosmetic equipment. Recommended for most travellers, especially those with longer stays or possible medical exposure.

Animal Contact

Rabies

A fatal viral disease spread through the bite or scratch of an infected animal — most often dogs, bats, or monkeys. Pre-travel vaccination simplifies treatment after exposure.

Mosquito

Chikungunya

A mosquito-borne virus causing sudden fever and severe joint pain. Symptoms usually resolve in 7–10 days but can linger for months.

Malaria

Not a vaccine

Malaria risk exists in specific provinces and indigenous areas, mostly P. vivax. Chloroquine resistance occurs east of the Panama Canal; recommended medications vary by region, and no prophylaxis is needed in the remaining transmission areas.

Discuss prescription chemoprophylaxis with a travel doctor if your itinerary includes risk areas.

Food & water safety

High risk

Tap water and ice are generally unsafe. Stick to sealed bottled water, boiled water, or water from a reliable filtration system. Avoid raw salads, unpeeled fruit, raw shellfish, and street food from vendors with poor hygiene. Wash hands thoroughly before eating.

Routine vaccines to be up to date on

CDC advises every international traveller to have these current.

Measles-Mumps-Rubella (MMR)
Two doses at least 28 days apart, ideally completed at least 2 weeks before travel. Adults born before 1957 or with documented immunity are already considered protected.
Diphtheria-Tetanus-Pertussis
A single Tdap or Td booster, effective within days. Adults should have a booster every 10 years — or after 5 years if you've had a dirty wound or burn. Pregnant travellers should receive Tdap during every pregnancy.
Polio
A single lifetime adult IPV booster for travellers to at-risk countries. For some destinations, the booster must be received 4 weeks to 12 months before departure and documented on an International Certificate of Vaccination.
Flu (Influenza)
An annual dose at least 2 weeks before travel to areas with active flu circulation. A single current-season vaccine covers travel to either hemisphere.
Chickenpox (Varicella)
Two doses at least 28 days apart for adolescents and adults without immunity. Children get doses at 12–15 months and 4–6 years. Two documented doses protect most people for life.
Shingles
Two doses of Shingrix 2–6 months apart. Protection stays high for at least 7 years. Adults 19+ with weakened immune systems can use a faster schedule (2nd dose 1–2 months after).
COVID-19
Follow the current CDC schedule for your age and risk group. If you had COVID-19 recently, you may delay vaccination for up to 3 months from the onset of infection.

Entry requirements

For US citizens. Non-US travellers should check their government's guidance.

Yellow fever certificateOnly if arriving from a YF-risk country

Dengue, Zika and chikungunya are mosquito-borne risks, with leptospirosis, melioidosis, Chagas disease and leishmaniasis also present. Prevent insect bites, avoid contaminated water and soil, and follow safe food and water practices.

Also in Central America

Costa RicaBelizeEl SalvadorGuatemala

Source: CDC Travelers' Health — Panama.

Disclaimer:This information is for general guidance only, based on CDC Travelers' Health. It does not replace advice from a qualified travel health professional. Consult a doctor 4–6 weeks before your trip.