What vaccines do I need for Panama?

Required: Yellow Fever (required for travelers 1 year or older arriving from countries with yellow fever transmission risk). Recommended by the CDC: Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, Typhoid, Yellow Fever (recommended for all areas east of the Canal Zone including Darien, Guna Yala, and Embera provinces), Rabies (for travelers with expected animal contact in rural areas), Malaria prophylaxis (for Darien, Guna Yala, and Embera travel).

Is tap water safe to drink in Panama?

Tap water is not safe to drink in Panama. Drink bottled or treated water throughout your trip, including in resort areas.

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Central America

Panama Travel Health

Reviewed by Alexander Webber, Chief Epidemiologist · Updated 2026-08

Panama is a transit hub and biodiverse destination whose health risk profile splits sharply along the Panama Canal. Panama City, the Canal Zone, and the Pacific coast resort areas carry low infectious disease risk for most travelers. Eastern Panama, particularly Darien Province, the Comarca Guna Yala, and the Comarca Embera, present meaningful risk for malaria, yellow fever, and other vector-borne illnesses.

Food Safety: Moderate Risk Tap Water: Unsafe Malaria Risk Present

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Vaccines for Panama

Required for Entry

Yellow Fever (required for travelers 1 year or older arriving from countries with yellow fever transmission risk)

CDC Recommended

Hepatitis A
Hepatitis B
Typhoid
Yellow Fever (recommended for all areas east of the Canal Zone including Darien, Guna Yala, and Embera provinces)
Rabies (for travelers with expected animal contact in rural areas)
Malaria prophylaxis (for Darien, Guna Yala, and Embera travel)

Source: CDC Travelers' Health — Panama

Malaria Risk

Risk is present in Darien Province, Comarca Guna Yala, Comarca Embera, and parts of Colon and Panama provinces east of the Canal. P. vivax accounts for approximately 97% of cases. Panama City, the Canal Zone, and areas west of the Canal are malaria-free.

Food and Water Safety

Moderate Risk Tap water: not safe to drink

Tap water is generally treated in Panama City but bottled water is recommended for all travelers. In rural and indigenous areas, treat all water before drinking. Seafood is widely available and generally safe from reputable restaurants.

Key Health Tips for Panama

Carry yellow fever vaccination certificate if coming from an endemic country; border officials enforce this.
If visiting Darien or indigenous comarcas, start malaria prophylaxis before departure per your physician's schedule.
Use high-strength DEET repellent and sleep under insecticide-treated bed nets in jungle areas.
Medical facilities outside Panama City are limited; consider medical evacuation insurance.

Disease Risks in Panama

Official Resources

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