Entry requirements:

In order to enter Panama as a UK National holding a Great Britain Passport, Panama requires that you have at least 6 months validity on your passport, you do not need to apply for a visa to enter the country as a tourist. Once you have your tourist stamp in your passport you may stay legally within the country for 90 days and can renter the country again after being outside the country for 72 hours. Make sure you make copies of your passport and always carry a copy with you as well as copy of the entry stamp into Panama. For more information please contact the Panama Consulate in London:

http://www.panaconsul.com/

Liliana Fernandez
Consul General

Panama House
40 Hertford Street
London W1J 7SH
telephone: + 44 (0) 20 7409 2255
facsimile: + 44 (0) 20 7493 4499 (direct)
e-mail: info@panaconsul.com

What should I pack in my suitcase?

Here are some recommendations of what to pack.

- Sunglasses
- Swimsuit
- Beach towel
- A hat
- Sunscreen
- Insect repellant
- Light raincoat and/or umbrella
- Sweater/light jacket
- Long Pants: evenings can be chilly
- Clothing comfortable for hiking, touring, etc. (70-90 degree weather)
- Hiking shoes - Day pack (fanny or backpack)
- Your Passport
- Driver's license
- Credit card or traveler's checks
- English/Spanish dictionary
- A Costa Rican guidebook (Fodor's, Lonely Planet, etc.)
- Drugstore items (toothpaste, soap, lotion, razor, etc.)
- Sandals
- Camera and film

What is driving like in Panama?

Panama's road infrastructure in probably some of the best in Central America, probably due to the principal roads being built by the US during their 100 year spell in Panama. If you travel off the beaten track the roads will get worse.

Panama City-Costa Blanca: 1.5 hours in bus.
Panama City-Contadora Island: 15 mins. by plane.
Panama City-San Blas Islands: 30 mins. by plane.
Panama City-Isla Grande: 2 hours in car or bus.
Panama City-Bocas del Toro: 1 hour by plane.
Panama City-Boquete: 1 hour flight to David, then 1 hour drive. Driving from Panama City will take 8 hours.
Panama City-Anton Valley (El Valle): 2 hours in bus or car.

You can domestic airline flights with Panama Air or Aeroperlas, they leave from and to all major destinations.

Contadora Island (Pearl Islands), Bocas del Toro, Changuinola, David, Colon, La Palma/Sambu/El Real/Yaviza/Jaque (Darien), Chitre, Santiago, Pinas Bay, Isla San Jose, Achutupu/Aligandi/Povenir/Playon Chico/Ustupu (San Blas Islands).

What is the currency and how do I exchange money?

The currency in Panama is the US dollar, often called the Balboa a this was the original currency. If somebody says to you 5 balboa they mean $5 US Dollars. You can exchange money back in the UK, at the Airport or while in Panama at banks or hotels.

Most major credit cards are also excepted in Panama however if you move out of into more rural areas you may find that Credit and Debit cards are not accepted.

How much do I tip?

Some tips are included in the bill, but standard is around 10% of the total bill.