Panama

Covering a land-bridge which links North and South America, the Republic of Panama is best known for its 40-mile (65km) shipping canal, which is cut along a gap between mountains, linking the Caribbean Sea to the Pacific Ocean. The country is largely unexplored by tourists; only a few hardy adventurers, researchers and spirited travellers have had the joy of discovering its amazing diversity of flora and fauna, secluded beaches, tropical beauty and historic treasures. The name, Panama, means 'abundance of fish and butterflies', in an indigenous language, which gives a good indication of the wild wonders to be found here, beyond its rather daunting, but fascinating capital, Panama City.

Panama has a significant history stretching back thousands of years, from its eight indigenous peoples (including the colourful Kunas of the San Blas Islands) to its turbulent colonial occupation. Spanish forts stand along the coastline, overlooking the blue waters once patrolled by famous pirates like Henry Morgan, and where Sir Francis Drake was buried at sea.

It is the natural beauty of the isthmus that offers so much for visitors, however. Around 30 percent of Panama is made up of 15 national parks and forest reserves, and 10 wildlife sanctuaries, like the incredible Parque Nacional Darién, just a short drive from Panama City, which is the most magnificent wilderness area in Central America. Archipelagos of about 1,500 offshore islands, their white soft beaches lapped by crystal clear waters, sport virgin rainforest and are an untouched paradise for divers, snorkellers, deep-sea fishing, water sports and sunbathers.

Those 'in the know' can be forgiven for keeping the delights of Panama a secret from the flood of modern tourism, because this has preserved the integrity of this overlooked part of the world where the sun always shines and it is possible to swim in two oceans in a single morning.

Climate

Panama has a tropical climate, with temperatures staying constant all year round, ranging from 90°F (32°C) during the daytime to 70°F (21°C) in the evening. Humidity is generally high, especially during the rainy season, which is between October and November. The best time to travel to Panama is between December and March.

Money

The official currency is the Panamanian Balboa (PAB), equal to 100 centesimos, but the US Dollar is accepted everywhere at a rate of B1 = US$1. Balboa are available only in coin denominations. The only paper currency used is US dollars. It is easy to exchange currency and travellers cheques in Panama at banks, exchange shops, hotels and the airport. Avoid the black market. The best rates are offered at the larger banks. Old, creased and dirty foreign notes may be refused for exchange. Most major credit cards, American Express, Visa, MasterCard and Diners club, are widely accepted. There are about 300 ATMs in Panama City. Banks are usually open from 8am to 1.30pm on weekdays.

Passport Visa

Travellers to Panama require a passport valid for at least three months after arrival, return or onward tickets, all necessary documents for next destination and sufficient funds. Tourist Cards can be purchased on arrival for a fee of USD 5, they are valid for 30 days but extensions are possible. Be aware that it can take as long as 30 days to obtain a visa, if it is required. Panamanian entry requirements change constantly so it is wise to check with your nearest embassy or consulate before travelling to Panama. It is highly recommended that passports have at least six months validity remaining after your intended date of departure from your travel destination. Immigration officials often apply different rules to those stated by travel agents and official sources.

Entry Requirements

• United States citizens require a US passport valid for three months after the intended date of departure. A passport is only not required if holding a Birth Certificate or Naturalization Papers, provided accompanied by official photo ID. A visa is not required for touristic stays of up to 180 days.
• A passport valid for three months after the intended date of departure is required. United Kingdom nationals do not require a visa or tourist card for stays of up to 90 days. Passports endorsed British National Overseas require a visa.
• Canadian citizens require a passport valid for three months after the intended date of departure. A visa is not required for touristic stays of up to 180 days.
• Australian citizens require a passport valid for three months after the intended date of departure. A visa is not required for touristic stays of up to 180 days.
• A passport valid for three months after the intended date of departure is required. South African citizens do not require a visa for touristic stays of up to 180 days.
• Irish citizens require a passport valid for three months after the intended date of departure. A visa is not required for touristic stays of up to 180 days.
• New Zealand citizens require a passport valid for three months after the intended date of departure. A visa is not required for touristic stays of up to 180 days.

Health

It is recommended that visitors be inoculated for typhoid. Malaria prophylaxis is advised for most parts of the country other than Panama City and the Canal, and dengue fever is on the increase; travellers should take precautions against mosquito bites, as there are a number of tropical diseases spread by mosquitoes. Yellow fever vaccination is recommended for all travellers, except those visiting Panama City and the Canal, and is a requirement for all visitors arriving from an infected area. Vaccinations against tuberculosis and hepatitis B are sometimes recommended. Leptospirosis is a risk throughout the country, particularly during periods of heavy rainfall. Tap water is not safe to drink outside the capital without being boiled, filtered or chemically disinfected, and food should be eaten peeled, cooked and piping hot. Travellers are advised to carry an anti-diarrhoea drug. Medical facilities are good in Panama City, but less so elsewhere in the country. Critical medical problems require air evacuation to somewhere with better medical facilities, and travellers are therefore advised to have a fully comprehensive medical insurance policy. Quality control of pharmaceuticals in Panama is inadequate, so travellers are advised to bring a sufficient supply of their own medications from home.

Embassy Consulates

• Embassy of Panama, Washington DC, United States: +1 202 483 1407.
• Embassy of Panama, London, United Kingdom: +44 (0) 207 493 4646.
• Embassy of Panama, Ottawa, Canada: +1 613 236 7177.
• Embassy of Panama, Jakarta, Indonesia (also responsible for Australia): +62 (0)21 2550 7800.
• Embassy of Panama, Pretoria, South Africa: +27 (0)12 346 7034.
• Consulate of Panama, Auckland, New Zealand: +64 (0)9 379 8550.

Foreign Embassies

• United States Embassy, Panama City: +507 207 7000.
• British Embassy, Panama City: +507 297 6550.
• Canadian Embassy, Panama City: +507 294 2500.
• Australian Embassy, Mexico City, Mexico (also responsible for Panama): +52 (01)55 1101 2200.
• South African Honourary Consulate, Lima, Peru (also responsible for Panama): +507 226 2559.
• Honorary Consul of Ireland, Panama City: +507 264 6633.