Panama Crime Rate & Safety
Homicide statistics, crime trends, and travel safety for Panama
US State Department Travel Advisory
Exercise Increased Caution
Updated September 23, 2024
Panama recorded 11.7 intentional homicides per 100,000 people in 2023, a rate that is high by global standards. That places Panama #34 of 195 countries by homicide rate, compared with the Americas average of 20.8 per 100,000 and a world average of 5.2. Homicide rates have fallen 32% over the past decade (from 17.3 in 2013). For travelers, the US State Department currently rates Panama at Level 2 of 4: Exercise Increased Caution.
Homicide Rate
11.7 /100k
Safety Rank
#162 of 195
Travel Advisory
Level 2 of 4
Data Year
2023
Homicide Rate Trend (1990-2023)
Intentional homicides per 100,000 people. Homicide rates have fallen 32% over the past decade (from 17.3 in 2013). Source: UNODC via World Bank.
How Panama Compares
Intentional homicides per 100,000 people, latest available year per country.
Who Is Affected
In Panama, the homicide rate for men is 12.8× higher than the rate for women — 21.7 vs 1.7 per 100,000 (2023).
Homicide victims per 100,000 of each sex. Source: UNODC via World Bank.
Safety for Travelers
Summary of the current US State Department advisory for Panama:
Updated to reflect information on areas of civil unrest. Exercise increased caution in Panama due to crime and potential for civil unrest. Some areas have increased risk. Read the entire travel advisory. Do not travel to: Parts of the Mosquito Gulf due to crime . Parts of the Darin Region due to crime . Read the country information page for additional information on travel to Panama. Country Summary: Crime occurs in Panama, including theft and residential break-ins. Crimes of opportunity such as pickpocketing and purse snatching can happen in tourist areas.
Level 1
Exercise Normal Precautions
Level 2
Exercise Increased Caution
Level 3
Reconsider Travel
Level 4
Do Not Travel
Safety Guidance for Panama
Practical safety information for visitors, from US State Department country information (last updated May 13, 2025).
The “Mosquito Gulf” and the Darien Region
are extremely remote and inaccessible areas. Drug trafficking, human trafficking, and other criminal activities occur here. Police and emergency services are extremely limited. The “Mosquito Gulf” is only accessible by boat or aircraft The Darien Region has few roads and is only accessible by river or on trails by foot. The U.S. Embassy has limited ability to provide emergency services to U.S. citizens in these regions.
Demonstrations
occur frequently. They may take place in response to political or economic issues. Past demonstrations have disrupted travel and the availability of goods and services in some parts of Panama. Police have used tear gas and other riot control tools. Demonstrations can be unpredictable. Avoid areas around protests and demonstrations. Past demonstrations have turned violent. Check local media for updates and traffic advisories.
Beach and Maritime Safety
Panama’s beaches on the Pacific and Caribbean coasts can have large waves and dangerous currents. Conditions can change rapidly, and drowning deaths occur. Few beaches have lifeguards. Avoid boats that may be connected to drug trafficking, human trafficking, or other illegal activity. Packages containing drugs have been found in open water and on remote beaches. Never pick up or move unknown packages. Report them to the police. Emergency search and rescue capabilities are limited. In a maritime emergency near the Panama coast, contact local police.
Scams
Internet romance and financial scams exist in Panama. Review the Department of State’s Protecting Yourself from Scams and the FBI pages for information.
Crime
Crime in Panama includes theft and residential break-ins. Crimes of opportunity such as pickpocketing and purse snatching can happen in tourist areas. Remove valuables from your car. Keep windows up and doors locked while driving.
Victims of Crime
Report crimes to the local police by dialing 104 or 511-9260 for the tourist police in Panama City. Contact the U.S. Embassy at +507-317-5000. Local authorities are responsible for investigating and prosecuting crimes. See our webpage on help for U.S. victims of crime overseas. We can: Help you find appropriate medical care. Contact relatives or friends with your written consent. Provide a list of attorneys. We do not endorse or recommend any specific attorneys. Provide information on victim’s compensation programs in the United States. Help you contact Panama’s Office of Assistance to Victims of Crime. Call 512-2222 or visit Oficina de Asistencia a Víctimas de Crímenes, Policia Tecnica Judicial, Ancon, Panama City. Provide an emergency loan for repatriation to the United States and/or limited medical support in cases of destitution. Help you find accommodation and arrange flights home.
Domestic Violence
Contact local police at 104 if you are in immediate danger. U.S. citizen victims of domestic violence are encouraged to contact the Embassy for assistance.
Tourism
The tourism industry is not well regulated. Safety inspections for equipment and facilities are rare. Dangerous areas/activities are not always labeled properly. Staff may not be trained or certified by the host government or recognized authorities. If you get injured, you will likely only find appropriate medical treatment in or near major cities. First responders cannot reach areas outside major cities to provide urgent medical care. U.S. citizens are encouraged to purchase medical evacuation insurance. See our webpage for more in formation on insurance coverage overseas .
About This Data
Homicide figures are intentional homicides per 100,000 people, compiled by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) and published by the World Bank (indicator VC.IHR.PSRC.P5). Homicide is the most reliably comparable crime statistic across countries because definitions of other offences (assault, theft, robbery) vary widely between national legal systems and reporting practices.
Travel advisory levels are issued by the US Department of State and updated continuously. They reflect risks to travelers including crime, terrorism, civil unrest, health, and natural disasters — not only crime rates. Countries report crime data with different lags; the most recent available year is shown for each metric.
Panama Population & Demographics
Population of 4,515,577, growth trends, economy, and more.
Crime & Safety in Neighboring Countries
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Panama safe to visit?
The US State Department rates Panama at Level 2 of 4 (Exercise Increased Caution). Cited risks include civil unrest. The homicide rate of 11.7 per 100,000 is high by global standards.
What is the crime rate in Panama?
Panama has an intentional homicide rate of 11.7 per 100,000 people (2023, World Bank/UNODC), ranking #34 of 195 countries.
What is the US travel advisory level for Panama?
Panama is currently at Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution. Advisory levels range from Level 1 (Exercise Normal Precautions) to Level 4 (Do Not Travel).
How does crime in Panama compare to other countries?
Panama's homicide rate of 11.7 per 100,000 is above the world average of 5.2 and below the Americas average of 20.8.