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With recent news about cartel violence in Mexico, many people thinking about relocating abroad have asked a common question: “Is Panama safe?” The good news is that the overwhelming majority of Panama is peaceful, secure, and welcoming to residents, families, and travelers alike.
Safety by the Numbers and Official Data
Panama ranks among the more stable countries in Latin America. According to the Global Peace Index, Panama is positioned above several regional neighbors in terms of safety and peacefulness, with crime largely localized rather than nationwide.
Violent crime in Panama tends to be concentrated in a few specific areas, with the overall homicide rate declining over recent years. Most violent crime is linked to drug trafficking and occurs far from the towns and cities where expats and tourists live and visit.
What the Government Is Doing
The Panamanian government actively enforces laws against drugs, gangs, and organized crime.
✅The Policía Nacional (national police) maintains patrols in urban and tourist areas.
✅Specialized units operate at border zones and key transport hubs.
✅Tourism police are present in places like Casco Viejo and along major transit routes, ensuring safety for visitors and residents.
✅The government proudly displays drug busts to let the world know that drug activity is not tolerated in Panama.
These strategies help keep the country’s cities and towns safe, even amid broader regional challenges.
Every day, Migracion Panama walks the streets and boards buses to check IDs and verify that people are in the country legally. They check Interpol to see if there is an arrest warrant anywhere in the world for anyone in Panama or trying to enter Panama. All of these things help to keep “bad people” out of Panama.
Areas With Higher Crime (Mentioned Honestly)
No honest safety discussion would skip the areas where crime rates are known to be higher:
Colón: This port city has a higher concentration of violent crime and gang activity.
Darien Province: The jungles near the Colombian border are not a place for casual travel due to transnational criminal activity.
Puerto Armuelles & Paso Canoas: These border towns tend to see more property crime and occasional violent incidents compared with other regions.
Certain neighborhoods in Panama City also have elevated crime rates and are typically avoided by expats, namely San Miguelito. One time, we had tour clients venture into this area. The police stopped them, told them they should not be there, and drove them back to the hotel in Panama City in their police car.
These are specific local hotspots — not the norm across the rest of Panama.
Panama shows drug busts on social media to let the world know that the drug trade is not tolerated in Panama.
Shipping containers are always inspected, and sometimes drugs are found concealed within them. This gives Panama clues into the flow of drugs and cartel activity outside of Panama. This sends a message to the cartel that drugs and drug activity are not tolerated.
Panama does not have a military. Today, safety and national security are handled by the Panamanian National Police, the National Aeronaval Service (SENAN), the National Border Service (SENAFRONT), and other public security agencies under the Ministry of Public Security. These forces are well-trained and focused on law enforcement, border protection, maritime patrol, and anti-drug operations.
Panama works closely with international partners to combat drug trafficking and organized crime, especially given its strategic location and the importance of the Panama Canal. The result is a country that prioritizes internal security and public safety without maintaining a traditional military, while most communities across Panama experience low crime rates and a strong day-to-day police presence.
What Expats Actually Say About Safety
One of the strongest voices on safety comes from the people who live in Panama — the expats themselves. In online expat forums and community discussions, a clear theme emerges: most expats feel safe in Panama — especially when they use common-sense precautions like anywhere else in the world.
Here are representative quotes from expats who have lived in Panama:
“I’ve lived here over ten years and I have always felt very safe. You just use common sense, avoid sketchy areas and enjoy life.”
“I’ve been in Panama City for 26 years this month and really haven’t had any issues. I’m aware when I’m out and about, but I feel safe here.”
“It is safe for the most part. Occasionally you will hear about a home break-in, but you hear the same sort of stuff in Canada or the U.S. — you just be smart.”
“You have to know where not to go, but if you stick to normal areas and take basic precautions, you’ll be fine.”
These firsthand insights — from people who’ve spent years living and working in Panama — reflect a common sentiment: Panama feels safe for daily life when you make informed choices about where you live and how you move around.
Day-to-Day Living and Expat Communities
In many expat-friendly neighborhoods — from Panama City districts like Costa del Este and Obarrio to beach towns like Coronado, Pedasí, and Bocas del Toro or mountain towns like Boquete and Volcán — residents report low crime rates and a relaxed, typical daily life. Casual strolls, outdoor cafés, local markets, beaches, and social events are part of normal routines without incident.
That’s been reflected in global surveys as well: Panama is consistently ranked among the top expat destinations in the world, with high satisfaction rates for quality of life and overall safety — and many expats plan to stay indefinitely.
Final Takeaway
Panama is not free of crime, and there are neighborhoods and zones where caution is needed — but by and large, most of Panama is safe for families, retirees, digital nomads, and long-term residents. The law enforcement presence is real, government policies aim to curb violence and drug trafficking, and the everyday experiences of expats living there show that life can be both secure and fulfilling.
Most expats don’t hesitate to walk their neighborhoods, patronize local businesses, bring their families, and make Panama their home. With a bit of research and thoughtful planning, Panama can deliver both peace of mind and a rich, enjoyable lifestyle.
In short, while no place is completely free from crime, Panama’s overall safety profile is strong, and many residents feel safer there than in large cities in North America or Europe.
