Country guide
Panama
Visa
No visa needed
Vaccinations
Required
Currency
Balboa (PAB). USD is also accepted. PAB exists in coin currency only.
Time zones
UTC / GMT -5 (7 hours behind South Africa)
Dialing code
+ 507
Best time to go
mid-December to mid-April
Drinking water
Mains water in hotels and towns is safe to drink. Outside of the main towns, water may be contaminated.
Travel tips
- Some of the islands may not have ATM’s or credit card machines.
- Use only registered taxi’s and do not share a taxi with unknown passengers.
- It is best to avoid the border area with Colombia.
- Avoid political demonstrations.
Visa guide
Entry requirements
- Valid passport with at least 3 months of validity.
- Return ticket to your country of origin or next destination.
- Proof of available funds (usually USD 500 - check with airline / consulate)
- Accommodation booking / proof of reason for visit
Visa requirements
Visas are not required by South African passport holders for a stay of up to 3 months (90 days)
Visa information is available here: www.embassyofpanama.org/visas-1
Issuing authorities
Embassy of Panama
301 Aries Street, Waterkloof Ridge, Pretoria, Gauteng
Tel: 012 346 0703
E-mail: consular@embassypanama.com
Email: visas@panamaembassy.com
Web: embassypanama.com
- All enquiries will be answered during the official service hours, from 09:00 to 14:00.
- All visitors are hereby informed that a prior reservation is mandatory
SA representative
Representation accredited from Mexico City, Mexico
Health / vaccinations
Compulsory: Yellow Fever
Recommended Travel Vaccines: Hepatitis A & B, Typhoid, Tetanus, Polio
Malaria Risk
Public holidays
Public Holidays 2026: Jan 1, 9; Feb 17; Apr 2-3; May 1; Nov 3-5, 10, 28; Dec 8, 20, 25