Panama Safety: Why the Country Is Climbing 2026 Rankings — A Guide for Expats
Panama · Expats & Nomads
Key Facts
- —Safety score Panama scored 68/100 on IsMyTripSafe as of 29 July 2026.
- —Boquete score Boquete scored 77/100 in the same destination breakdown.
- —Panama City score Panama City scored 73/100, rated generally safe.
- —Visitor numbers Panama recorded 1,755,998 international visitors in H1 2026.
- —Visitor growth International visitors rose 17.4% year on year in H1 2026.
- —Stopover program Over 132,000 visitors used Panama Stopover in H1 2026.
- —Hotel occupancy Hotel occupancy reached 67.6% from January to June 2026.
Warm, practical guide to why Panama feels safer and busier than ever in 2026.
Panama safety ranks are climbing in 2026, and the country’s visitor charts are soaring right along with them. For us expats and digital nomads, that means a more vibrant, welcoming, and reassuring place to call home.
A Calmer, More Confident Country
Panama scored a solid 68 out of 100 on the IsMyTripSafe index, a number that reflects a generally stable and welcoming environment. For daily life, that translates to feeling at ease grabbing coffee in El Cangrejo or strolling through Casco Antiguo.
Panama City itself earned a 73/100 rating, described as generally safe for visitors who stay alert and stick to well-traveled neighborhoods. This gives you a comfortable baseline for exploring your new city without constant worry.
Even better, the charming highland town of Boquete topped the charts with an impressive 77/100, making it a fantastic weekend escape. It is a wonderful reminder that safety and serenity often go hand in hand outside the capital.
The Numbers Behind the Buzz in Panama Safety Ranks
Panama’s improving safety narrative is matched by an exciting surge in tourism, making the country feel more alive than ever. The first half of 2026 saw an incredible 1,755,998 international visitors arrive, a massive 17.4% jump from the same time last year.
This energy is palpable in popular spots, from the markets in Boquete to the beach towns of the Azuero Peninsula. You will meet more fellow travelers and hear more languages in the cafés, adding a dynamic, global layer to expat life.
This growth is not random; it is part of a positive cycle where a better perception of safety attracts more visitors. Creating a more vibrant and secure community for everyone.
Live Market IntelligenceChile — Live Market Board
Rio Times · Live Market Intelligence
Chile — Live Market Board
-0.38%
183,476.86
-0.27%
64,992.23
+1.13%
11,256.80
-0.38%
2,893,751
-1.57%
2,584.72
-0.95%
59,934.37
+1.27%
| Instrument | Last | Change | YoY | Prev. | High | Low | Volume |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| IPSA | 11,256.80 | -0.38% | — | 11,299.82 | 11,210 | 10,984 | 1,513,213,483 |
| USD/CLP | 913.98 | +0.04% | -5.67% | 913.65 | 915.11 | 906.68 | — |
| COPPER | 6.61 | +0.03% | +46.70% | 6.61 | 6.71 | 6.61 | 39,543 |
| SQM-B | 65,305 | -0.84% | +49.03% | 65,860 | 66,949 | 64,978 | 76,539 |
| COPEC | 5,964 | -1.09% | -11.70% | 6,030 | 6,100 | 5,960 | 634,331 |
| BSANTANDER | 78.37 | -2.28% | +35.94% | 80.20 | 81.69 | 78.34 | 36,288,711 |
| FALABELLA | 6,334 | -1.48% | +23.28% | 6,429 | 6,450 | 6,300 | 26,085,814 |
| ENELAM | 87.09 | +0.10% | -10.13% | 87.00 | 87.40 | 86.50 | 13,106,417 |
| CENCOSUD | 1,946 | -2.19% | -35.30% | 1,990 | 2,010 | 1,945 | 966,528 |
| CMPC | 1,020 | -1.96% | -29.10% | 1,040 | 1,050 | 1,015 | 3,526,677 |
| BANCO CHILE | 184.96 | -1.01% | +32.87% | 186.85 | 189.99 | 184.33 | 18,101,240 |
| LATAM AIR | 24.08 | -1.11% | +16.61% | 24.35 | 24.59 | 23.88 | 573,612,753 |
| SOUTHERN COPPER | 193.97 | -0.26% | +104.01% | 194.48 | 199.36 | 192.59 | 367,102 |
Making the Most of the Stopover Program
A fun perk of living here is the Panama Stopover program, which brings a constant stream of new energy to the city. More than 132,000 visitors used the program in the first half of 2026 alone, a 38% increase from the previous year.
These travelers often become friends, and their fresh perspectives can make you see your adopted home with new eyes. It is a reminder that you are living in a true crossroads of the Americas.
So next time you are in Casco Viejo, strike up a conversation with that traveler sipping a Balboa beer. They might just reveal a hidden gem in your own neighborhood that you have yet to discover.
Where to Enjoy the New, Lively Atmosphere
Head to the Causeway (Calzada de Amador) on a Sunday afternoon to see families. Tourists, and expats all sharing the same ocean breeze.
The safe, open spaces are perfect for a bike ride or a relaxed stroll with a view of the city skyline. In Panama City, the neighborhoods around Vía Argentina and Avenida Balboa are buzzing with new restaurants and cafés.
These well-trafficked areas are ideal for digital nomads looking for a reliable café with good Wi-Fi and a lively, secure vibe. For a change of pace, plan a trip to Boquete.
Where the mountain air and quiet streets offer a peaceful contrast to the capital. It is a great place to slow down, hike a trail, and enjoy the simpler, safer side of Panamanian life.
Smart Habits for Daily Life as an Expat
While the overall numbers are positive and encouraging, the steady trickle of local wisdom still applies: stay aware and be smart. Keeping your phone in your pocket on a busy bus and knowing your route home are habits that keep you secure.
Talk to your neighbors and local shop owners; they are your best source of real-time, neighborhood-level advice. They will tell you which streets are great at night and which ones are better to skip.
Try to learn a few more Spanish phrases each week; it opens doors and deepens your connection to the local community. And always have a backup plan for getting home late.
Whether it’s a trusted cab app or the number of a dependable driver.
Why This All Makes Panama a Great Home Base
For digital nomads, this mix of improving safety and exploding tourism creates an inspiring, comfortable place to work and play. The consistent flow of visitors keeps the economy vibrant and introduces fresh ideas and faces to the local scene.
Hotel occupancy hit 67.6% in the first half of 2026, up 14% from last year, which shows a healthy and busy market. This demand creates a lively atmosphere and more international-standard amenities for everyone to enjoy.
When you look at the big picture, the data paints a clear picture of a country on a positive path. Panama is not just a convenient hub; it is becoming a top destination in its own right.
And you’re here to enjoy that rise.
Background: our living in merida expat guide guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Panama City safe for expats in 2026?
Panama City scored 73/100 on IsMyTripSafe and is considered generally safe for visitors who stay alert. Sticking to well-traveled neighborhoods like El Cangrejo or the Causeway makes daily life feel quite secure.
Which area in Panama is considered the safest?
In IsMyTripSafe’s breakdown of Panama destinations, Boquete scored the highest with a 77/100 safety rating. This charming mountain town offers a very relaxed and secure atmosphere for those considering a slower pace.
How many visitors has Panama received this year?
Panama recorded 1,755,998 international visitors in the first six months of 2026, according to ATP figures. This represents a significant 17.4% increase compared to the same period last year.
What is the Panama Stopover program?
It’s a great initiative that encourages travelers to spend a few days in Panama on their way to another destination. In the first half of 2026, over 132,000 visitors used the program, a 38% jump from the previous year.
Connected Coverage
Sources: IsMyTripSafe, ATP (Autoridad de Turismo de Panamá), The Rio Times
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