Which vaccines do you need for Panama?
Information checked against: TravelHealthPro · CDC Travelers’ Health · WHO where relevant. Last checked: 7 October 2026. Entry requirements can change at short notice. Always verify current rules before departure.
1. Routine vaccinations
Everyone should be up to date with routine vaccines for their age — including measles (MMR) and diphtheria-tetanus-polio. Bring your records so missing doses can be caught up.
2. Recommended for most travellers
- TetanusCheck your course is complete; a booster may be advised if your last dose was over 10 years ago and care may be limited.
- TyphoidLinked to food and water hygiene; particularly relevant for longer stays, visiting family or rural travel.
3. Recommended for some travellers, based on risk
- ChikungunyaVaccine may be considered for some travellers during outbreaks or long stays; bite avoidance is key.
- DengueVaccine suitability depends on previous dengue infection and other factors; bite avoidance is key.
- Hepatitis ASpread through contaminated food and water; advised for previously unvaccinated travellers.
- RabiesFor likely animal contact, remote travel, longer stays or limited access to urgent rabies treatment.
- Tuberculosis (BCG)For some children and adults planning long stays with close local contact.
- Yellow feverFor travel to risk areas; suitability depends on age and health. Certificate rules are covered separately below.
Entry requirements and certificates
A certificate is required only from travellers aged 1 year and over arriving from a country with yellow fever transmission risk. Travelling directly from Malta does not normally trigger this rule.
Entry rules can change at short notice; confirm them close to departure.
Yellow fever in Panama
Transmission risk
Yellow fever transmission occurs in parts of Panama.
Vaccine recommendation
Yellow fever vaccine is recommended for some travellers to Panama, depending on the areas visited. Suitability depends on age and health, so it needs a clinician’s assessment.
Certificate
A certificate is required only from travellers aged 1 year and over arriving from a country with yellow fever transmission risk. Travelling directly from Malta does not normally trigger this rule.
Malaria in Panama
- Low risk
Low risk of malaria east of the Canal Zone in Panama.
Awareness of risk and mosquito bite avoidance; tablets usually not needed. - Very low risk
Very low risk of malaria west of the Canal Zone.
Awareness of risk and mosquito bite avoidance; tablets usually not needed. - No risk
No risk of malaria in Panama City or the Canal Zone itself.
Mosquito bite avoidance.
This is not a prescription. Discuss malaria prevention with a travel-health clinician. If you develop a fever during or up to a year after visiting a risk area, seek medical help urgently and mention your travel.
Other travel health risks
- Altitude
- Biting insects or ticks
- Influenza
- Outdoor air quality
- Sexually transmitted infections
- Zika virus
What travellers to Panama should consider
Current notice from the source: Oropouche virus disease outbreak. Re-check the latest guidance shortly before you leave Malta.
Malaria risk in Panama is limited and uneven, so the exact places you visit matter more than the country name.
Yellow fever occurs in parts of Panama, which is a separate question from any entry certificate rule.
Rabies vaccination is usually discussed for travellers with likely animal contact, adventurous or remote trips, or limited access to urgent care.
Day-biting mosquitoes can spread infections such as dengue, so bite avoidance is worthwhile throughout the trip.
Tell us about your trip
Book travel-health consultationTravelling to Panama?
Your exact vaccination needs depend on your previous vaccines, itinerary, trip length and individual health circumstances. Book a travel-health consultation at Spinola Clinic in Malta. Vaccine availability and prices should be confirmed with the clinic.
Book travel-health consultationSources and review
Information checked against official sources on 7 October 2026. Next scheduled check: 7 October 2027.
Travel Vaccine Malta is independent and not affiliated with these organisations. Guidance is summarised in our own words.