Emergency Help Abroad – Panama

Crime & Legal Awareness

A concise overview of the key laws, legal expectations and enforcement practices travellers should understand before visiting Panama — including behaviours that may be acceptable in the UK but carry stricter penalties or different interpretations abroad.

1. STRICT DRUG, WEAPON & ALCOHOL  LAWS

• Possession, trafficking or use of illegal drugs is severely punished. Even small amounts can lead to long prison sentences, and sentences may take many months or years to resolve.

• Carrying unlicensed weapons, ammunition or restricted arms without proper authorisation is strictly prohibited.

• Drink-driving is illegal and strictly enforced; being caught could lead to heavy fines, license suspension, or arrest.

• Public intoxication or disorderly behaviour under the influence may draw police attention — especially at night and in tourist areas.

• Trying to buy or supply illegal substances — including drugs — to locals or tourists is extremely risky and may lead to arrest and detention.

2. RESPECT FOR CULTURE, PUBLIC MORALS & ENVIRONMENT

• Disrespecting local customs, cultural norms, or behaving in a way considered indecent (especially in conservative or rural areas) can attract police or social backlash.

• Public displays of explicit behaviour, excessive noise or public drunkenness may be frowned upon or result in intervention.

• Damaging or removing cultural or historic artefacts, monuments or public-heritage zones is forbidden.

• Littering, especially in natural reserves, beaches, heritage areas or urban zones, is punishable.

• Behaving in a manner that disturbs public order — particularly at night — may lead to police warnings or fines.

3. PUBLIC BEHAVIOUR & CIVIL ORDER

• Police may request identification — as a foreign national, you must carry your passport or a copy plus entry card.

• Avoid walking alone at night, especially in high-risk neighbourhoods, poorly lit areas or parts of cities known for crime. There have been documented violent attacks, including sexual assault and mugging, in some urban zones.

• Theft, pickpocketing and bag-snatching are common in crowded areas, markets, public transport and tourist zones.

• Engaging in confrontations, loud disputes or aggressive bargaining may be viewed as disorderly conduct.

• Ignoring or refusing police instructions — even over minor issues — can escalate quickly and may lead to arrest or detention.

4. TRAVEL, TRANSPORT & ADMINISTRATIVE OFFENCES

• Driving without a valid licence, proper registration or insurance is illegal and can result in fines or confiscation.

• Road accidents must be properly reported; leaving the scene of an accident is a serious offence.

• Using unlicensed taxis or informal transport — especially at night — increases risk of scams, overcharging, or danger. Recent travel advice explicitly warns travellers to take official taxis.

• Travelling after dark on remote roads or through risky regions (especially near border areas or less-populated zones) can be dangerous and is discouraged.

• Overstaying your visa or failing to comply with immigration or entry/exit rules may result in fines or difficulties when leaving the country.

5. PHOTOGRAPHY, DRONE & SECURITY RESTRICTIONS

• Photographing or filming police, security installations, government buildings or checkpoints may attract unwanted attention or cause legal issues.

• Using drones or aerial photography without checking local regulation or obtaining authorisation may result in confiscation or legal consequences.

• Taking photos of locals — especially in rural, indigenous or private-property areas — without permission can cause offence or conflict.

• Filming protests, security operations or violence may attract police attention and result in questioning or arrest.

• Visiting or photographing restricted zones, heritage sites or protected areas requires respect for local rules — failure to comply can bring penalties.

6. ENVIRONMENTAL & SAFETY LAYS

• Removing shells, corals, plants, animals or natural materials from beaches, reefs, forests or protected nature reserves is illegal.

• Feeding, disturbing, or capturing wildlife — including marine life — is forbidden and harmful to ecosystems.

• Entering protected forests, reserves or marine zones without proper permission or outside authorised areas can result in fines or deportation from the zone.

• Lighting fires on beaches or in natural or forested areas without permission is often banned because of risk to environment and wildlife.

• Ignoring safety advice — for example regarding sea currents, tides, reefs, cliffs or remote zone hazards — may endanger both you and others; rescue services may have limited reach.

7. RESPECT FOR NATURE, CULTURE & HERITAGE SITES

• Climbing on monuments, historic buildings or sacred sites is forbidden.

• Taking sand, stones, artefacts or any natural materials from beaches, heritage zones or protected sites is prohibited.

• Damaging or vandalising community-heritage sites, religious or cultural monuments, shrines or public art is likely to be punished.

• Trespassing on private property, farms, conservation lands or indigenous territories without permission may be treated as a serious offence.

• Disregarding conservation rules at UNESCO-listed sites, marine parks or protected reserves — including noise, smoking, littering or walking off-path — may lead to fines, removal or prosecution.

What You Shouldn’t Do - Behaviours Travellers Should Avoid.

These are important behaviours and actions to avoid to stay respectful, safe and aligned with local expectations. Remember that what feels normal or relaxed in the UK may be understood quite differently in Panama.

• Don’t carry, buy, use or transport illegal drugs — even small amounts risk imprisonment and harsh sentences.

• Don’t carry unlicensed weapons or restricted items while travelling.

• Don’t drive under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

• Don’t walk alone at night in high-risk or poorly lit areas.

• Don’t use unlicensed taxis or informal transport — especially after dark.

• Don’t leave valuables visible in public; keep cash, passport and bags secure.

• Don’t flash expensive electronics, jewellery or cameras in crowded or tourist areas.

• Don’t exchange money with unofficial or street dealers; use ATMs or authorised exchange services.

• Don’t drink untreated tap water if you’re unsure — stick to bottled or filtered water.

• Don’t swim in unsafe or unpatrolled beaches, or ignore sea- and reef-safety warnings.

• Don’t remove shells, coral, plants or natural souvenirs from beaches, reefs, forests or protected zones.

• Don’t feed or disturb wildlife, or attempt to capture or touch marine/forest animals.

• Don’t take photographs or video of police, security forces, checkpoints or sensitive infrastructure without permission.

• Don’t film, photograph or participate in protests, demonstrations or political gatherings.

• Don’t overstay your visa or permitted stay — always check entry/exit stamp regulations.

• Don’t travel on remote roads after dark, especially alone.

• Don’t ignore local advice or safety warnings about areas with higher crime or environmental hazards.

• Don’t rely solely on card payments — cash may be more reliable, especially outside main cities.

• Don’t attempt bribery or offer illicit payments to officials or police — this can worsen situations dramatically.

• Don’t assume local emergency services will respond quickly — always have travel insurance and keep contacts handy.