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COVID-19: travel health notice for all travellers

Panama travel advice

Latest updates: Safety and security – updated information on petty crime

Last updated: April 24, 2024 14:10 ET

Colón and some areas of Panama City - Exercise a high degree of caution

This advisory for Panama City includes the following areas:

Curundú
El Chorrillo
Panama Viejo
Amelia Denis de Icaza
Belisario Porras
Belisario Frias
Arnulfo Arias
24 de Diciembre

Areas south of Metetí - Avoid all travel

Avoid all travel to to areas south of Metetí in Darién Province to the border with Colombia due to extremely high levels of violent crime.

Mosquito Gulf - Avoid all travel

Avoid all travel to the Mosquito Gulf, from Boca de Río Chiriquí to Coclé del Norte, due to the high level of illegal activity such as drug smuggling and human trafficking.

Region between Metetí and the Colombian border

Avoid all travel between Metetí and the Colombian border.

Organized crime groups, including human and drug traffickers, are active in this area. The level of violent crime is extremely high, with numerous reports of:

sexual asssault
kidnappings
armed robberies
disappearances

If you choose to visit this region despite the advisory:

be extremely vigilant at all times
review your security situation regularly
leave a detailed itinerary with family or friends

Mosquito Gulf

Avoid all travel to the Mosquito Gulf, from Boca de Río Chiriquí to Coclé del Norte.

This is a very remote part of the country with limited road access. There are high levels of illegal activity such as drug smuggling and human trafficking along the coast.

Petty crime

Petty crime, such as pickpocketing and purse snatching, occurs.

Ensure that your belongings, including your passport and other travel documents, are secure at all times
Avoid displaying signs of affluence or carrying large sums of cash
Use ATMs located in public areas or inside a bank or business
Don’t walk alone after dark
Remain vigilant in all public places, especially at airports and bus terminals

In Panama City, high-crime areas include bus stations and shopping areas on Avenida Central as well as the following areas:

San Miguelito, especially the following areas:

Theft from hotel rooms occurs in both urban and resort areas.

Residential break-ins and robberies also occur. They are more likely to happen when no one is home. Criminals may also try to gain your trust before entering your home.

Stay in busy, reputable and well-protected hotels
Always verify the identity of a visitor before opening your door
Ensure that windows and doors are secure and locked in both private and commercial accommodations

Violent crime

Violent crime is not frequent, but does occur. There have been violent crimes committed in the cities of Colón and David, as well as in some beach communities.

Express kidnappings have also occurred. Criminals abduct victims, usually for a few hours, and force them to withdraw money from ATMs in exchange for their release.

Demonstrations

Demonstrations occasionally occur. They can lead to disruptions to traffic and public transportation. Even peaceful demonstrations can turn violent at any time. Police may use tear gas and other methods to disperse crowds.

Avoid areas where demonstrations and large gatherings are taking place
Follow the instructions of local authorities
Monitor local and social media for information on ongoing demonstrations
Check your route before travelling and be prepared to modify your plans in case of disturbances and roadblocks

Mass gatherings (large-scale events)

Women’s safety

Women travelling alone may be subject to some forms of harassment and verbal abuse.

Incidents of assault, rape and sexual aggression against foreigners have occurred, including at beach resorts. In some cases, hotel employees have been implicated.

Avoid walking after dark, especially alone
Avoid deserted or under-populated areas
Exercise caution when dealing with strangers or recent acquaintances
Don’t accept invitations or rides from strangers or recent acquaintances

If you are a victim of a sexual assault or other crime, you should report it immediately to the police and the Embassy of Canada.

Advice for women travellers

Water activities

Lifeguards don’t usually supervise beaches. Tidal changes can cause powerful currents, and riptides are common. Several drownings occur each year.

Rescue services may not be consistent with international standards.

Consult residents and tour operators for information on possible hazards and safe swimming areas
Follow the instructions and warnings of local authorities

Tour operators may not adhere to international standards.

If you undertake adventure sports, such as diving:

choose a well-established and reputable company that has insurance
ensure that your travel insurance covers the recreational activities you choose

If in doubt concerning the safety of the facilities or equipment, don’t use them.

Water safety abroad

Adventure tourism

If you engage in adventure tourism:

never do so alone
always hire an experienced guide from a reputable company
buy travel insurance that includes helicopter rescue and medical evacuation
ensure that your physical condition is good enough to meet the challenges of your activity
ensure that you’re properly equipped
ensure that you’re well informed about weather and other conditions that may pose a hazard
inform a family member or friend of your itinerary
obtain detailed information on each activity before setting out

Road safety

Road conditions and road safety are poor throughout the country.

Drivers often drive dangerously.

Night construction on the Pan-American Highway is frequent, and the highway is not well-lit.

Keep car windows closed and doors locked at all times
Be prepared for possible roadblocks

Public transportation

Public transportation has improved in the recent years but may be unreliable.

Local buses within Panama City don’t always follow a regular route. Due to the risk of theft, when travelling by bus:

be aware of your surroundings
protect your belongings

Taxis and ridesharing

Registered yellow taxis are generally safe if located at a taxi stand, which are usually found at malls, hotels and main transport hubs.

They are not metered. Fares are calculated according to the number of zones crossed to get to a destination. It's preferable to have small bills available to pay taxi fares.

When using a taxi:.

agree to a fare before departure
tell the driver you don’t want to share a taxi, since they may attempt to pick up additional passengers
always sit in the back of the vehicle

Rideshare apps are commonly used throughout the country.

If you use a trusted ridesharing app, confirm the driver’s identity and the licence plate before getting in the car.

The following areas are known as transportation corridors for narcotics:

the southeastern coast of Comarca Kuna Yala

Coiba Island

the Mosquito Gulf
the entire length of the Pacific coast

These areas are especially dangerous at night. Boaters should be wary of vessels that may be involved in smuggling.

We do not make assessments on the compliance of foreign domestic airlines with international safety standards.

Information about foreign domestic airlines

Every country or territory decides who can enter or exit through its borders. The Government of Canada cannot intervene on your behalf if you do not meet your destination’s entry or exit requirements.

We have obtained the information on this page from the Panamanian authorities. It can, however, change at any time.

Verify this information with the Foreign Representatives in Canada .

Entry requirements vary depending on the type of passport you use for travel.

Before you travel, check with your transportation company about passport requirements. Its rules on passport validity may be more stringent than the country’s entry rules.

Regular Canadian passport

Your passport must be valid for at least 3 months beyond the date you expect to leave Panama.

Passport for official travel

Different entry rules may apply.

Official travel

Passport with “X” gender identifier

While the Government of Canada issues passports with an “X” gender identifier, it cannot guarantee your entry or transit through other countries. You might face entry restrictions in countries that do not recognize the “X” gender identifier. Before you leave, check with the closest foreign representative for your destination.

Useful links

Foreign Representatives in Canada
Canadian passports

Tourist visa: not required for stays up to 180 days Business visa: required Student visa: required

Length of stay

If you wish to stay in the country for more than 180 days, you must change your residency status.

To renew your stay as a tourist, you must exit Panama for at least 30 days. Immigration authorities may deny you re-entry if you try to renew your stay in Panama by travelling out of the country for a short period of time and returning as a tourist.

Panama National Immigration Service (in Spanish)

You need a permit from Panama’s National Authority for the Environment to access Coiba National Park. Contact your tour operator to obtain it.

Criminal record

You may be refused entry to Panama, even for transit purposes, if you have a criminal record.

Other requirements

Entry stamp.

You must obtain an entry stamp from immigration officials upon entry into Panama. You may be fined US$1,000 if you fail to do so.

Exit or onward ticket

Immigration officials may ask you to show them a return or onward ticket and proof of sufficient funds to cover your stay.

You must register your biometrics (fingerprints and facial scan) at the port of entry.

Cash or credit card

You are required to have the equivalent of US$500 or a credit card when entering Panama.

Children and travel

Learn more about travelling with children .

Yellow fever

Learn about potential entry requirements related to yellow fever (vaccines section).

Relevant Travel Health Notices

Global Measles Notice - 13 March, 2024
Zika virus: Advice for travellers - 31 August, 2023
COVID-19 and International Travel - 13 March, 2024
Dengue: Advice for travellers - 8 April, 2024

This section contains information on possible health risks and restrictions regularly found or ongoing in the destination. Follow this advice to lower your risk of becoming ill while travelling. Not all risks are listed below.

Consult a health care professional or visit a travel health clinic preferably 6 weeks before you travel to get personalized health advice and recommendations.

Routine vaccines

Be sure that your routine vaccinations , as per your province or territory , are up-to-date before travelling, regardless of your destination.

Some of these vaccinations include measles-mumps-rubella (MMR), diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, polio, varicella (chickenpox), influenza and others.

Pre-travel vaccines and medications

You may be at risk for preventable diseases while travelling in this destination. Talk to a travel health professional about which medications or vaccines may be right for you, based on your destination and itinerary.

Yellow fever is a disease caused by a flavivirus from the bite of an infected mosquito.

Travellers get vaccinated either because it is required to enter a country or because it is recommended for their protection.

There is a risk of yellow fever in this country.

Country Entry Requirement*

Proof of vaccination is required if you are coming from a country where yellow fever occurs.

Recommendation

Vaccination is recommended depending on your itinerary.
Contact a designated Yellow Fever Vaccination Centre well in advance of your trip to arrange for vaccination.
Discuss travel plans, activities, and destinations with a health care professional.
Protect yourself from mosquito bites .

About Yellow Fever

Yellow Fever Vaccination Centres in Canada * It is important to note that country entry requirements may not reflect your risk of yellow fever at your destination. It is recommended that you contact the nearest diplomatic or consular office of the destination(s) you will be visiting to verify any additional entry requirements.

There is a risk of hepatitis A in this destination. It is a disease of the liver. People can get hepatitis A if they ingest contaminated food or water, eat foods prepared by an infectious person, or if they have close physical contact (such as oral-anal sex) with an infectious person, although casual contact among people does not spread the virus.

Practise safe food and water precautions and wash your hands often. Vaccination is recommended for all travellers to areas where hepatitis A is present.

Malaria is a serious and sometimes fatal disease that is caused by parasites spread through the bites of mosquitoes. There is a risk of malaria in certain areas and/or during a certain time of year in this destination.

Antimalarial medication may be recommended depending on your itinerary and the time of year you are travelling. Consult a health care professional or visit a travel health clinic before travelling to discuss your options. It is recommended to do this 6 weeks before travel, however, it is still a good idea any time before leaving. Protect yourself from mosquito bites at all times: • Cover your skin and use an approved insect repellent on uncovered skin. • Exclude mosquitoes from your living area with screening and/or closed, well-sealed doors and windows. • Use insecticide-treated bed nets if mosquitoes cannot be excluded from your living area. • Wear permethrin-treated clothing. If you develop symptoms similar to malaria when you are travelling or up to a year after you return home, see a health care professional immediately. Tell them where you have been travelling or living.

In this destination, rabies is carried by dogs and some wildlife, including bats. Rabies is a deadly disease that spreads to humans primarily through bites or scratches from an infected animal. While travelling, take precautions , including keeping your distance from animals (including free-roaming dogs), and closely supervising children.

If you are bitten or scratched by an animal while travelling, immediately wash the wound with soap and clean water and see a health care professional. Rabies treatment is often available in this destination.

Before travel, discuss rabies vaccination with a health care professional. It may be recommended for travellers who are at high risk of exposure (e.g., occupational risk such as veterinarians and wildlife workers, children, adventure travellers and spelunkers, and others in close contact with animals).

Measles is a highly contagious viral disease. It can spread quickly from person to person by direct contact and through droplets in the air.

Anyone who is not protected against measles is at risk of being infected with it when travelling internationally.

Regardless of where you are going, talk to a health care professional before travelling to make sure you are fully protected against measles.

Hepatitis B is a risk in every destination. It is a viral liver disease that is easily transmitted from one person to another through exposure to blood and body fluids containing the hepatitis B virus. Travellers who may be exposed to blood or other bodily fluids (e.g., through sexual contact, medical treatment, sharing needles, tattooing, acupuncture or occupational exposure) are at higher risk of getting hepatitis B.

Hepatitis B vaccination is recommended for all travellers. Prevent hepatitis B infection by practicing safe sex, only using new and sterile drug equipment, and only getting tattoos and piercings in settings that follow public health regulations and standards.

Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is an infectious viral disease. It can spread from person to person by direct contact and through droplets in the air.

It is recommended that all eligible travellers complete a COVID-19 vaccine series along with any additional recommended doses in Canada before travelling. Evidence shows that vaccines are very effective at preventing severe illness, hospitalization and death from COVID-19. While vaccination provides better protection against serious illness, you may still be at risk of infection from the virus that causes COVID-19. Anyone who has not completed a vaccine series is at increased risk of being infected with the virus that causes COVID-19 and is at greater risk for severe disease when travelling internationally.

Before travelling, verify your destination’s COVID-19 vaccination entry/exit requirements. Regardless of where you are going, talk to a health care professional before travelling to make sure you are adequately protected against COVID-19.

The best way to protect yourself from seasonal influenza (flu) is to get vaccinated every year. Get the flu shot at least 2 weeks before travelling.

The flu occurs worldwide.

In the Northern Hemisphere, the flu season usually runs from November to April.
In the Southern Hemisphere, the flu season usually runs between April and October.
In the tropics, there is flu activity year round.

The flu vaccine available in one hemisphere may only offer partial protection against the flu in the other hemisphere.

The flu virus spreads from person to person when they cough or sneeze or by touching objects and surfaces that have been contaminated with the virus. Clean your hands often and wear a mask if you have a fever or respiratory symptoms.

Safe food and water precautions

Many illnesses can be caused by eating food or drinking beverages contaminated by bacteria, parasites, toxins, or viruses, or by swimming or bathing in contaminated water.

Learn more about food and water precautions to take to avoid getting sick by visiting our eat and drink safely abroad page. Remember: Boil it, cook it, peel it, or leave it!
Avoid getting water into your eyes, mouth or nose when swimming or participating in activities in freshwater (streams, canals, lakes), particularly after flooding or heavy rain. Water may look clean but could still be polluted or contaminated.
Avoid inhaling or swallowing water while bathing, showering, or swimming in pools or hot tubs.

Travellers' diarrhea is the most common illness affecting travellers. It is spread from eating or drinking contaminated food or water.

Risk of developing travellers' diarrhea increases when travelling in regions with poor standards of hygiene and sanitation. Practise safe food and water precautions.

The most important treatment for travellers' diarrhea is rehydration (drinking lots of fluids). Carry oral rehydration salts when travelling.

Typhoid is a bacterial infection spread by contaminated food or water. Risk is higher among children, travellers going to rural areas, travellers visiting friends and relatives or those travelling for a long period of time.

Travellers visiting regions with a risk of typhoid, especially those exposed to places with poor sanitation, should speak to a health care professional about vaccination.

Insect bite prevention

Many diseases are spread by the bites of infected insects such as mosquitoes, ticks, fleas or flies. When travelling to areas where infected insects may be present:

Use insect repellent (bug spray) on exposed skin
Cover up with light-coloured, loose clothes made of tightly woven materials such as nylon or polyester
Minimize exposure to insects
Use mosquito netting when sleeping outdoors or in buildings that are not fully enclosed

To learn more about how you can reduce your risk of infection and disease caused by bites, both at home and abroad, visit our insect bite prevention page.

Find out what types of insects are present where you’re travelling, when they’re most active, and the symptoms of the diseases they spread.

There is a risk of chikungunya in this country. The risk may vary between regions of a country. Chikungunya is a virus spread through the bite of an infected mosquito. Chikungunya can cause a viral disease that typically causes fever and pain in the joints. In some cases, the joint pain can be severe and last for months or years.

Protect yourself from mosquito bites at all times. There is no vaccine available for chikungunya.

American trypanosomiasis (Chagas disease) is a risk in this country. It is caused by a parasite spread by infected triatomine bugs. The infection can be inactive for decades, but humans can eventually develop complications causing disability and even death.

Risk is generally low for most travellers. Protect yourself from triatomine bugs, which are active at night, by using mosquito nets if staying in poorly-constructed housing. There is no vaccine available for Chagas disease.

In this country, dengue is a risk to travellers. It is a viral disease spread to humans by mosquito bites.
Dengue can cause flu-like symptoms. In some cases, it can lead to severe dengue, which can be fatal.
The level of risk of dengue changes seasonally, and varies from year to year. The level of risk also varies between regions in a country and can depend on the elevation in the region.
Mosquitoes carrying dengue typically bite during the daytime, particularly around sunrise and sunset.
Protect yourself from mosquito bites . There is no vaccine or medication that protects against dengue.

Zika virus is a risk in this country.

Zika virus is primarily spread through the bite of an infected mosquito. It can also be sexually transmitted. Zika virus can cause serious birth defects.

During your trip:

Prevent mosquito bites at all times.
Use condoms correctly or avoid sexual contact, particularly if you are pregnant.

If you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy, you should discuss the potential risks of travelling to this destination with your health care provider. You may choose to avoid or postpone travel.

For more information, see Zika virus: Pregnant or planning a pregnancy.

Animal precautions

Some infections, such as rabies and influenza, can be shared between humans and animals. Certain types of activities may increase your chance of contact with animals, such as travelling in rural or forested areas, camping, hiking, and visiting wet markets (places where live animals are slaughtered and sold) or caves.

Travellers are cautioned to avoid contact with animals, including dogs, livestock (pigs, cows), monkeys, snakes, rodents, birds, and bats, and to avoid eating undercooked wild game.

Closely supervise children, as they are more likely to come in contact with animals.

Person-to-person infections

Stay home if you’re sick and practise proper cough and sneeze etiquette , which includes coughing or sneezing into a tissue or the bend of your arm, not your hand. Reduce your risk of colds, the flu and other illnesses by:

washing your hands often
avoiding or limiting the amount of time spent in closed spaces, crowded places, or at large-scale events (concerts, sporting events, rallies)
avoiding close physical contact with people who may be showing symptoms of illness

Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) , HIV , and mpox are spread through blood and bodily fluids; use condoms, practise safe sex, and limit your number of sexual partners. Check with your local public health authority pre-travel to determine your eligibility for mpox vaccine.

Medical services and facilities

Good health care is available in private hospitals and clinics in Panama City. Quality of care varies greatly in public hospitals throughout the country, which are limited outside Panama City.

You may have to pay in advance, in cash, to obtain medical services.

Medical evacuation can be very expensive and you may need it in case of serious illness or injury.

Make sure you get travel insurance that includes coverage for medical evacuation and hospital stays.

Travel health and safety

Keep in Mind...

The decision to travel is the sole responsibility of the traveller. The traveller is also responsible for his or her own personal safety.

Be prepared. Do not expect medical services to be the same as in Canada. Pack a travel health kit , especially if you will be travelling away from major city centres.

You must abide by local laws.

Learn about what you should do and how we can help if you are arrested or detained abroad .

Panama’s legal system is complex. Reporting a crime differs greatly from reporting a crime in Canada and may vary among Panama’s provinces. Local authorities generally do not speak English or French. Therefore, you may require a translator or legal representation.

Penalties for possession, use or trafficking of illegal drugs are severe. Convicted offenders can expect heavy fines and long jail sentences.

Drugs, alcohol and travel

Identification

Panamanian law requires all individuals to carry official identification documents at all times. Authorities may jail and fine you if you fail to produce identification upon request.

There may be curfews for minors (under 18 years old) in Panama City.

Police may arrest minors who are outside alone late at night in Panama City if the police believe they’re involved in suspicious activities. Police may detain minors until they can contact the parents, who may receive a fine.

Photography

Indigenous persons may ask you for a small fee if you take picture of them.

Ask permission before taking photographs of individuals, particularly of children and women.

2SLGBTQI+ travellers

Panamanian law does not prohibit sexual acts between individuals of the same sex.

However, 2SLGBTQI+ travellers could be discriminated against based on their sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression or sex characteristics.

Travel and your sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression and sex characteristics

You can drive in Panama with your Canadian driver’s licence for a period of up to 90 days.

Although vehicle insurance is mandatory, many Panamanians drive without it. In the event of an accident:

call the police
don’t move the vehicle until a police officer tells you to do so

You should carry an international driving permit.

International Driving Permit

Investments

If you plan on buying property or making other investments in Panama, seek legal advice in Canada and in Panama. Do so before making commitments. Related disputes could take time and be costly to resolve.

Dual citizenship

Dual citizenship is legally recognized in Panama.

If you are a Canadian citizen, but also a citizen of Panama, our ability to offer you consular services may be limited while you're there. You may also be subject to different entry/exit requirements .

Travellers with dual citizenship

International Child Abduction

The Hague Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction is an international treaty. It can help parents with the return of children who have been removed to or retained in certain countries in violation of custody rights. The convention applies between Canada and Panama.

If your child was wrongfully taken to, or is being held in Panama, and if the applicable conditions are met, you may apply for the return of your child to the Panamanian court.

If you are in this situation:

act as quickly as you can
contact the Central Authority for your province or territory of residence for information on starting an application under The Hague Convention
consult a lawyer in Canada and in Panama to explore all the legal options for the return of your child
report the situation to the nearest Canadian government office abroad or to the Vulnerable Children’s Consular Unit at Global Affairs Canada by calling the Emergency Watch and Response Centre

If your child was removed from a country other than Canada, consult a lawyer to determine if The Hague Convention applies.

Be aware that Canadian consular officials cannot interfere in private legal matters or in another country’s judicial affairs.

List of Canadian Central Authorities for the Hague Convention
International Child Abduction: A Guidebook for Left-Behind Parents
Travelling with children
The Hague Convention - Hague Conference on Private International Law
Canadian embassies and consulates by destination
Emergency Watch and Response Centre

The currency in Panama is the balboa (PAB).

It is used interchangeably with the U.S. dollar (USD).

There have been issues with counterfeit US$50 and US$100 bills. Carry only small bills of U.S. dollars.

Hurricane season

Hurricanes usually occur from mid-May to the end of November. During this period, even small tropical storms can quickly develop into major hurricanes.

These severe storms can put you at risk and hamper the provision of essential services.

If you decide to travel to a coastal area during the hurricane season:

know that you expose yourself to serious safety risks
be prepared to change your travel plans on short notice, including cutting short or cancelling your trip
stay informed of the latest regional weather forecasts
carry emergency contact information for your airline or tour operator
follow the advice and instructions of local authorities
Tornadoes, cyclones, hurricanes, typhoons and monsoons
Large-scale emergencies abroad
Active storm tracking and hurricane watches and warnings - United States’ National Hurricane Center

Rainy season

The rainy season extends from April to December. Seasonal flooding can hamper overland travel and reduce the provision of essential services. Roads may become impassable and bridges damaged.

Earthquakes and tsunamis

Western Panama is located in an active seismic zone. Earthquakes and tsunamis can occur.

A tsunami can occur within minutes of a nearby earthquake. However, the risk of tsunami can remain for several hours following the first tremor. If you’re staying on the coast, familiarize yourself with the region’s evacuation plans in the event of a tsunami warning.

In the event of a natural disaster, follow the advice of the local authorities.

Earthquakes - What to Do?
Tsunami alerts - U.S. Tsunami Warning System
Latest earthquakes - U.S. Geological Survey

Local services

Emergency services exist but may be limited. In case of emergency, dial:

police: 104
medical assistance: 911
firefighters: 103

Consular assistance

For emergency consular assistance, call the Embassy of Canada to Panama, in Panama City, and follow the instructions. At any time, you may also contact the Emergency Watch and Response Centre in Ottawa.

The decision to travel is your choice and you are responsible for your personal safety abroad. We take the safety and security of Canadians abroad very seriously and provide credible and timely information in our Travel Advice to enable you to make well-informed decisions regarding your travel abroad.

The content on this page is provided for information only. While we make every effort to give you correct information, it is provided on an "as is" basis without warranty of any kind, expressed or implied. The Government of Canada does not assume responsibility and will not be liable for any damages in connection to the information provided.

If you need consular assistance while abroad, we will make every effort to help you. However, there may be constraints that will limit the ability of the Government of Canada to provide services.

Learn more about consular services .

Risk Levels

take normal security precautions.

Take similar precautions to those you would take in Canada.

Exercise a high degree of caution

There are certain safety and security concerns or the situation could change quickly. Be very cautious at all times, monitor local media and follow the instructions of local authorities.

IMPORTANT: The two levels below are official Government of Canada Travel Advisories and are issued when the safety and security of Canadians travelling or living in the country or region may be at risk.

Avoid non-essential travel

Your safety and security could be at risk. You should think about your need to travel to this country, territory or region based on family or business requirements, knowledge of or familiarity with the region, and other factors. If you are already there, think about whether you really need to be there. If you do not need to be there, you should think about leaving.

Avoid all travel

You should not travel to this country, territory or region. Your personal safety and security are at great risk. If you are already there, you should think about leaving if it is safe to do so.

Is It Safe in South America?

Pierre-Yves Babelon / Getty Images

South America—home of the famous Machu Picchu , Rio de Janeiro , Buenos Aires , Patagonia , and more—attracts roughly 37 million tourists per year. Naturally, due to the presence of rebel groups and its notoriously violent illegal drug trade, parts of the continent have been deemed unsafe for tourism. But even Colombia , widely avoided as a travel destination until the early aughts, has turned its reputation around in recent years. There are many places to visit in South America if you practice basic safety and stay away from certain areas and activities.

Travel Advisories

The U.S. Department of State has issued a Level 3 Travel Advisory ("reconsider travel") for all South American countries except Uruguay , which remains a Level 2 ("exercise increased caution"), and Argentina , Brazil , and Venezuela , all under a Level 4 ("do not travel").
Prior to 2020, all but one were under a Level 2 due to crime, terrorism, kidnapping, and/or civil unrest. Venezuela has been placed under a Level 4 due to "crime, civil unrest, poor health infrastructure, kidnapping, arbitrary arrest, and detention of U.S. citizens," the advisory says .

Is South America Dangerous?

While some parts of South America have been deemed dangerous by the U.S. Department of State, much of the continent is perfectly safe to visit. Travelers are advised to avoid the entire country of Venezuela due to ongoing political instability. Parts of Colombia—Arauca, Cauca (except Popayan), Chocó (except Nuquí), Nariño, and Norte de Santander (except Cucuta)—are also under a Level 4 because of crime, terrorism, and kidnapping . In 2019, the U.S. Department of State warned of "K risks" in 35 countries following the kidnapping of American tourist Kimberly Sue Endicott in Uganda . Venezuela and Colombia were the only two South American countries on the list.

The safest places in the continent seem to be the stunning beaches of French Guiana, Uruguay, the volcano-laden nation of Chile, Suriname (South America's smallest), Paraguay, and Argentina. Wherever you go, leave your valuables at home and travel with an abundance caution.

Is South America Safe for Solo Travelers?

South America is safe for solo travelers so long as they stick to low-risk areas and remain vigilant. Many of its cities and countries are popular tourist destinations with countless hostels frequented by the backpacker set. Solo travelers should stick to these areas— Bogota, Colombia ; Jijoca de Jericoacoara, Brazil; Santiago de Chile , Chile; Mendoza, Argentina; and Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, for instance—and only travel to more remote or dangerous areas with a licensed tour guide. As with any city, solo travelers should avoid going out alone at night and taking solo taxi rides. Kidnappings happen, so use the buddy system as often as possible.

Is South America Safe for Female Travelers?

Women travel to South America all the time—often in groups, sometimes alone—and many of them return home with only positive experiences. Women's rights are not as progressive in South America as they are in the U.S. and there are frequent reports of domestic violence in many countries; however, this doesn't generally put female travelers at risk. Because of South America's very macho, chauvinistic culture, women may experience cat calling or other hassle from men. What they should really keep an eye out for, though, is pickpocketing and other non-violent crime. Female travelers are vulnerable, especially when alone, so they should keep their guards up and travel in groups when possible.

Safety Tips for LGBTQ+ Travelers

Homosexuality is legal in every South American country except Guyana, where it is punishable by life imprisonment (although that rule is rarely enforced). Same-sex marriage is illegal in seven countries: Bolivia, Chile, Guyana, Paraguay, Peru, Suriname, and Venezuela. Anti-discrimination laws are in place everywhere except Guyana, Paraguay, and parts of Argentina. Travelers should know the laws of the countries they intend to visit, and try to avoid public displays of affection even where it's legal as violence towards LGBTQ+ individuals and couples still occurs.

Safety Tips for BIPOC Travelers

Demographics vary by country—for instance, Argentina is 85 percent white whereas Suriname is primarily Black and East Indian . Bolivia is 55 percent Amerindian while 75 percent of Paraguay's population identifies as mestizo . South America, as a whole, is a melting pot of races and ethnicities, and the vast majority of it is extremely hospitable and welcoming. That being said, racism is prevalent (as it is throughout the world), and exists in various forms. So long as BIPOC travelers stick to the tourist-centric places where locals are more exposed to diversity and are therefore more accepting, they shouldn't encounter any trouble.

Safety Tips for Travelers

Colombians have a saying, no dar papaya (don't give papaya), which means "don't be stupid," or—in other words—don't put yourself in a position to be taken advantage of. Travelers should walk with confidence, stay aware, and avoid looking like a target.
Educate yourself on the current affairs of your destination and avoid demonstrations or any unrest while there.
Keep in mind that pickpockets often work in pairs or groups. One or more will distract you while another does the stealing.
Learn and practice basic Spanish or Portuguese in case of an emergency.
Wear appropriate clothing for the locale and situation. Dress like the locals and conceal any valuable possessions (iPhones, cameras, jewelry, etc.).
It's always a good idea to register with your embassy or consulate before traveling abroad.

U.S. Department of State. " Uruguay Travel Advisory ." November 23, 2020.

U.S. Department of State. " Argentina Travel Advisory ." August 6, 2020.

U.S. Department of State. " Brazil Travel Advisory ." August 6, 2020.

U.S. Department of State. " Venezuela Travel Advisory ." October 30, 2020.

U.S. Department of State. " Colombia Travel Advisory ." October 30, 2020.

U.S. Department of State. " Introduction of K Risk Indicator ." April 9, 2019.

United Nations. " More women in Latin America are working, but gender gap persists, new UN figures show ." October 28, 2019.

Centro de Investigación en Ciencias Sociales y Humanidades, UAEM. " Composición Étnica de las Tres Áreas Culturales del Continente Americano al Comienzo del Siglo XXI ." 2008.

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Iguazu Falls Travel Guide: Planning Your Trip

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Advice for Canadians: Register when travelling abroad

From: Global Affairs Canada

News release

It’s much easier for us to help if Canadians have registered with us and let us know where they are travelling. That is why the Government of Canada has a helpful service that can directly notify Canadian travellers during an emergency.

February 28, 2019 - Ottawa, Ontario - Global Affairs Canada

The government takes seriously its responsibility to support Canadians travelling abroad.

Registration of Canadians Abroad should definitely be part of any travel plans:

When there is an emergency abroad, such as a natural disaster or civil unrest, we notify registered Canadians and provide them with important information, such as instructions during emergencies and updates to the Travel Advice and Advisories for the country they are visiting.
If there is an emergency at home, we can notify travellers and facilitate contact between them and their family and friends in Canada.
The service is free, fast, mobile-friendly and confidential.
The best time to register is before leaving Canada, but it is also possible to register while travelling, whether online or in person at a Canadian government office abroad.

In addition to signing up for the service, before leaving, consider:

giving a detailed travel itinerary and contact details to family or friends in Canada;
providing family or friends with the telephone number for our Emergency Watch and Response Centre ; and
carrying contact information for the closest Canadian government offices abroad in the countries you plan to visit.

Quick facts

Every year, Global Affairs Canada helps thousands of Canadians who run into problems while travelling, working, studying and living in other countries.

In 2018, our consular officers abroad opened cases for:

more than 10,000 passports reported lost or stolen abroad; and
approximately 1,000 Canadians requiring medical assistance abroad; nearly one third of these cases occurred in popular sun destinations.

Canadians requiring emergency assistance abroad can contact the Emergency Watch and Response Centre in Ottawa anytime and from anywhere by calling collect +1 613 996 8885 or by sending a message to [email protected] .

Travel.gc.ca has up-to-date travel advice and advisories for more than 230 destinations worldwide—a key reference for Canadians and the travel industry.

Associated links

Winter travel - Plan ahead, stay safe
Registration of Canadians Abroad
Registration of Canadians Abroad FAQ
Travel Advice and Advisories
Embassies and consulates
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Travel Smart app

Media Relations Office Global Affairs Canada 343-203-7700 [email protected] Follow us on Twitter: @CanadaFP and @TravelGoC Like us on Facebook: Canada’s foreign policy - Global Affairs Canada and Travel.gc.ca - Travel advice from the Government of Canada

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Routine Vaccines

It’s important to be up to date on recommended routine vaccines prior to travel, including Flu, RSV and COVID-19.

Find a Clinic

Advice for Travelers

Personalized Health Information Tool for Global Travel

Disease Directory

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Learn about CDC’s Traveler Genomic Surveillance Program that detects new COVID-19 variants entering the country.

See the full list of Travel Health Notices , including:

Level 2 - Practice Enhanced Precautions

Updated Global Polio April 26, 2024
Diphtheria in Guinea April 23, 2024
Chikungunya in Timor-Leste April 05, 2024

Level 1 - Practice Usual Precautions

Updated Global Measles April 26, 2024
Updated Oropouche Fever in South America April 24, 2024
Dengue in Asia and the Pacific Islands April 18, 2024

There are no Warning , Alert, Watch, COVID-19 Very High, COVID-19 High, COVID-19 Moderate, COVID-19 Low, COVID-19 Unknown, Level 4, or Level 3 notices currently in effect.

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Update April 12, 2024

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Colombia Travel Advisory

Travel advisory january 2, 2024, colombia - level 3: reconsider travel.

Reissued with updates to the country summary.

Reconsider travel due to  crime  and  terrorism . Exercise increased caution due to civil unrest  and  kidnapping . Some areas have increased risk. Read the entire Travel Advisory.

Do Not Travel to:

Arauca, Cauca (excluding Popayán), and Norte de Santander departments due to crime and terrorism.
The Colombia-Venezuela border region due to crime, kidnapping, and risk of detention when crossing into Venezuela from Colombia.

Country Summary: Violent crime, such as homicide, assault, and armed robbery, is widespread. Organized criminal activities, such as extortion, robbery, and kidnapping, are common in some areas.

Terrorist groups and criminal organizations continue operating and carrying out attacks in Colombia. They may attack with little or no warning, targeting transportation hubs, markets/shopping malls, local government facilities, police stations, military facilities, hotels, clubs, restaurants, airports, other public areas, and U.S. government facilities.

Demonstrations occur regularly throughout the country and can be about a variety of political or economic issues. They can shutdown roads and highways, often without prior notice or estimated reopening timelines. Demonstrations and road closures may significantly reduce access to public transportation and may disrupt travel within and between cities. Protests can become violent and can result in fatalities and injuries.

U.S. direct-hire government employees must adhere to the noted restrictions:

They are not permitted to travel by road between most cities.
Colombia’s land border areas are off-limits to U.S. government personnel unless specifically authorized.
They may not use motorcycles.
They may not hail street taxis or use public buses.

Read the  country information page  for additional information on travel to Colombia.

If you decide to travel to Colombia:

Avoid protest areas and crowds.
Monitor local media for breaking events and adjust your plans based on new information.
Keep a low profile.
Be aware of your surroundings.
Enroll in the  Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP)  to receive Alerts and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
Follow the Department of State on Facebook and Twitter
Review the  Country Security Report  for Colombia.
Prepare a contingency plan for emergency situations. Review the  Traveler’s Checklist .

Arauca, Cauca, and Norte de Santander Departments – Level 4: Do Not Travel

Violent crime, including armed robbery and homicide, is widespread. Terrorist groups are active in some parts.

The U.S. government has limited ability to provide emergency services to U.S. citizens as U.S. government-personnel travel to these areas is severely restricted due to security concerns.

Colombia - Venezuela Border – Level 4: Do Not Travel

U.S. citizens are advised not to travel to the border of Colombia and Venezuela. U.S. citizens are at risk of detention when crossing into Venezuela.

The Colombia-Venezuela border is not clearly marked, and U.S. citizens should not go near the border due to the risk of crossing into Venezuela accidentally.

U.S. citizens attempting to enter Venezuela without a visa have been charged with terrorism and other serious crimes and detained for long periods. For more information, see the Venezuela Travel Advisory.

Visit our website for  Travel to High-Risk Areas .

Travel Advisory Levels

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The Ultimate South America Itinerary – Plus Useful Travel Tips

Planning your south america itinerary.

South America has long been on my bucket list and therefore 9 months ago I found myself putting together my ultimate South America itinerary – determined to cram as many life-changing experiences into a 10 week trip as possible.

I started by listing all my South America must-sees and prioritising those I had lusted after for the longest, namely Machu Picchu and the Galapagos Islands. I knew I wanted a good mix of wildlife, landscapes and culture with a few cities thrown in for good measure. As a keen dancer, the opportunity to dance would be a real bonus so Argentina and Brazil made it onto my South America bucket list .

An important thing to consider when planning your ultimate South America itinerary is the climate. It varies wildly from country to country and you need to take this into account when planning your route through South America. For example, the Inca Trail is actually closed for part of the rainy season as it’s too slippy and dangerous. When it dry and sunny in Brazil, you’ll find it’s sub-zero up a mountain in the Andes.

So for me, leaving in October, the route had to start west and work eastwards. This meant I could fit in some Andes mountain trekking before the rainy season hit and also meant that I got my fix of sunshine and caipirinhas on the beach in Rio before my flight home. Win-win.

** Pssst, this article may contain affiliate links. If you have no idea what this means, click here and everything will be explained!**

What you can expect from this article...

1.1 South America by Plane
1.2 South America on Tour
1.3 South America by Hop on Hop off Bus
1.4 South America by Local Bus
2 Planning Your South America Itinerary Budget
3.1 The Galapagos Eastern Islands
3.2 The Galapagos Central Islands
3.3 The Galapagos Southern Islands
4.2 Machu Picchu
4.3 Lake Titicaca
4.5 Salar de Uyuni Salt Flats
4.6 The Bolivian Altiplano
5.1 San Pedro
5.2 El Cafayate Wine Tasting
5.3 Stay on a Ranch or Estancia in rural Argentina
5.4 Get your Tango on in Buenos Aires
6.2 How long?
6.3 Foz do Igauzu Falls
6.5 South Pantanal
6.7 Rio de Janeiro
7.1 Guatapé, Colombia.
7.2 The W trek, Torres del Paine, Patagonia
7.3 Ushuaia, Argentina
7.4 The Amazon Jungle
7.5 More Useful Resources and Links for Planning your South American Trip
7.6 Further Reading

How to get around South America

If you’ve travelled in South East Asia or Europe , you are probably used to getting about by train. However, there aren’t many trains in South America so you will be better off getting about by bus or plane.

South America by Plane

Whilst South America, in general, is not that cheap, getting about by plane is not as expensive as you may imagine as long as you don’t mind small rickety planes! Booked well in advance, you can get short international flights such as Cuzco to La Paz for $50-70. The airports are pretty straightforward.

I booked my flights with trusty Skyscanner – personally, I find this to be the best tool to find the biggest variety of flights at the best prices.

South America on Tour

To save the hassle of finding your own way about, one option is to join a tour . This is possibly the easiest way to pack a LOT of highlights into your South America itinerary in a short time period. You can focus on enjoying the highlights and not having to worry about the practicalities.

I’ve taken a few G Adventures tours in South America and they were great! Brilliant informative tour leaders , well organised and decent transport (mostly air-conditioned minibuses!)

Whilst I haven’t used Intrepid in South America, I have sampled their trips in Africa and South East Asia and again, I was very impressed. Their trips are actually very similar. Check them out and see if any of their South America Itineraries takes your fancy!

I spent a large chunk of my own Latin America itinerary travelling with Dragoman . These are participation, overlanding tours where you camp 50% of the time and stay in hotels and guesthouses the rest.

These are slightly cheaper than G Adventures and Intrepid so great if you’re on a tight budget. However, my preference is still for G Adventures as you get more included activities, smaller groups and local guides. They also work with more local projects to give back to the countries where you travel. That said I would definitely do another overlanding tour as they are a lot of fun!

Check out the trip I took HERE .

South America by Hop on Hop off Bus

Perhaps the best of both worlds, this style of travel will allow you the freedom of doing it your own way with the convenience of jumping on a bus headed straight for the tourist attractions of hot spots in South America. The Bamba Experience is one of the most popular companies that organise hop on hop off trips.

South America by Local Bus

Sometimes it can be tricky finding the right bus and understanding timetables and prices when you don’t speak the local lingo. BusBud has provided a great solution for that – a website where you can search for local bus journeys in almost any country and in multiple currencies.

Planning Your South America Itinerary Budget

Without a doubt, the most expensive place to visit in South America is going to be The Galapagos Islands but boy is it worth it!! Being 1000Km off the mainland and with restricted numbers of visitors allowed on the islands at any given time, a trip to The Galapagos comes with a hefty price tag!

Spending time in Brazil is also pretty pricey with Chile and Argentina not far behind. If you want to make your pennies stretch further, you’ll want to spend more time in Bolivia and Peru. Bolivia particularly is cheap as chips. I would say if you are being careful, you could survive on $20-25/day in Bolivia whereas Brazil will set you back $50-70 per day.

My 9-week trip set me back $14000 which may seem like a lot of money, however, this included a week’s cruise in The Galapagos (which accounted for a whopping $3000) and I took several budget tours in order to pack a lot into a limited amount of time.

If I had the luxury of time, I would have travelled solo and I expect it would have been significantly cheaper! It really depends on what your priorities are! At that particular time, seeing as much as possible in a short time frame was mine.

For more practical tips for your trip to South America, check out my article: 20 Useful Tips for Travel in South America. Whatever you do, don’t forget to invest in a decent camera before your trip to South America! There are SO many great photo opportunities! I use a Sony A7iii yet but it’s pretty pricey so if you’re newer to photography I recommend this one or this one .

Ok so let’s get onto the good bit… What should be on your South America Bucket list?! Let’s get planning your South America Itinerary!

The Great Big South America Bucket List

South america itinerary 1 – the galapagos islands.

Best for Wildlife and Scenery

$200-300 per day if you take a cruise and $160+ for a land-based Galapagos island hopping trip . Remember to factor in tips for your crew! Read more about travelling the Galapagos on a budget and booking a budget Galapagos cruise

7-10 days. Most trips will start from Quito on the mainland so factor a day or two either side of your boat trip. A week actually exploring the Galapagos Islands is about right.

You could easily spend longer but a week will allow you to tick off most of the big wildlife and scenic attractions and will give you a good flavour of the islands. If you cut your trip short, there’s a chance you’ll miss out on the best bits like getting the opportunity to snorkel with sea lions!

Where to stay

Most Galapagos trips are boat based so your board and food will all be included. So it might be pricey but at least you know exactly how much money you will need.

You will undoubtedly save money by staying on dry land and arranging day trips but be warned, you’ll likely have to deal with bigger crowds and will spend a lot of time on the boats getting to the islands. There may also be certain highlights which you’ll miss without taking a boat.

The cruise ships and stay-onboard boats will sale overnight to maximise your time exploring the islands and get you there before the other tourists arrive which was a huge perk.

Since I have been desperate to visit the Galapagos for over 10 years, I really went to town on my research to get the best trip covering the most highlights but at the best price. I settled on a Gadventures boat called The Monserrat – I highly recommend it. I didn’t find any better prices and the trip was fantastic from start to finish! (The food by-the-way was to die for!) Check out the Galapagos tour I took .

To see other Galapagos options for all budgets, click here .

For a Galapagos packing list, click here .

The Galapagos Eastern Islands

Best for beautiful scenery

Visit Isla Lobos for some close encounters with frigate birds and blue-footed boobies. There are SO many sea lions here. A great place to start your Galapagos adventure!

Another eastern highlight is Cerro Brujo – possibly the prettiest beach I’ve ever had the privilege to visit. Unspoilt bright white sand and azure ocean in stark contrast with the black volcanic rock dotted with the occasional marine iguana or sea lion. I think this was one of my biggest ‘Wow’ moments in South America!

See a sample eastern island itinerary here .

The Galapagos Central Islands

Best for rugged scenery

The scenery in the central islands is more varied and rugged. See the black lava formations at Sullivan Bay on Santiago and whilst you’re there, snorkel off the beach – this is where I spotted my first shark!

Take a hike to the viewpoint on the volcanic islet Bartolome island. The views are beautiful but beware the wind!

If you want to catch sight of the elusive land iguana (much harder to spot than marine iguanas,) head to Cerro Dragon. We were lucky to see two on our nature walk here!

For giant tortoises, head over to Puerto Ayora on Santa Cruz. Here you will find the Charles Darwin Conservation Centre, a great place to start and learn about the tortoises’ history on the island. Then head into the hinterlands to spot some in the wild!

If you are lucky you might spot a pod of wild orcas as we did. They may even put on a show for you like we were lucky to witness. That said, you are more likely to see whales on the western islands which I didn’t get chance to visit.

Check out a sample central islands itinerary here .

The Galapagos Southern Islands

Best for wildlife

For me, the best snorkel trip I took in The Galapagos was off the boat, not far from Espanola island. The most colourful coral I’ve ever seen but the best part was swimming with sea lions. There were so many of them and all fairly young which meant they were super playful.

I’m going to go out on a limb here and say this was the absolute TOP moment of my South America trip! Between Cerro Brujo and here, The Galapagos Islands were scoring pretty high marks!

Another highlight of the Southern Islands was Floreana. This was absolute wildlife paradise. Here you can see the rarely spotted Galapagos Albatross and you will see so many marine iguanas – they lie on top of each other to keep warm so there will actually be piles of them! Hundreds of iguanas basking in the sun, careful not to step on them! Don’t worry, they are a lot more placid than they look!

Check out a sample southern islands itinerary here .

South America Itinerary 2 – Peru to Bolivia

Best for Scenery Seekers

$20-40. You can do it really cheap but this budget will allow you a decent hotel room and the occasional luxury.

2-4 weeks. You can cover the main highlights (Inca Trail, Lake Titicaca, Bolivian Altiplano) in a fortnight but you may want to allow yourself longer to travel at a more relaxed pace.

Where to Stay

Since accommodation is cheap as chips here, I’d recommend splashing out on budget hotels and guesthouses . Save the hostels for the more pricey countries!

Top Tip: If you plan to do the Inca Trail, you will need to be super organised! Inca Trail permits need to be bought well in advance – often as early as 6 months! On writing this article in April, the next available permits are for October! If you don’t get yours in time, there are plenty of great alternative treks so don’t panic!

And another Top Tip (I’m good to you like that…) Pack lot’s of layers! The temperature can vary from glorious 25 degrees plus to minus figures within just a matter of hours. This can make it tricky to pack for South America but fear not, I’ve got you covered with my South America Packing Guide !

Previously the capital of the Inca Empire, this attractive city is made beautiful by the well preserved Spanish colonial architecture and is well-positioned in the stunning Andes Mountains in Peru.

Beware it is at 3400 metres altitude so take your time climbing the stairs here!

There are oodles of beautiful churches and colourful markets to explore but you can also use Cuzco as a great base for getting out into the surrounding mountains and visiting a few Inca sites.

Check out these day trips from Cuzco – everything from day hikes to pisco sours tasting!

Machu Picchu

Okay, you can’t really miss out this iconic site from your South America Itinerary, let’s face it! The question is not really IF you should visit it, but more HOW.

You could catch a scenic train ride or you could (and should in my humble opinion) take a trek to get there. Why you ask?! Well because the scenery is stunning and you won’t really get the full experience by seeing it from a train window! So providing you are in a reasonable state of fitness, book yourself onto one of the several treks in the area. You won’t regret it!

The Inca Trail is obviously the most well known. Book well ahead and prepare to be one of many of the trail. The scenery is diverse, beautiful and leads you straight to Machu Picchu plus you can say you did the actual Inca Trail which totally gives you street cred! Check out options for the Inca Trail here .

Another great alternative is the Lares Trek.

The Lares is much quieter, it’ll be just you, your team and the llamas. You may see an occasional farmer but otherwise, you’ll have the trail pretty much to yourself. It goes to a higher altitude 4800 metres so you can brag about that to your Inca trail friends! The scenery is absolutely mind-blowing. I asked my guide which trail he preferred, his answer? The Lares Trek every time!

Read about my Lares experience here .

Or see the G Adventures trip that I took here .

Lake Titicaca

Situated at 3800 metres altitude, Lake Titicaca is really unique and not just because it is the worlds highest lake. What makes it truly unique are the local’s who live by it and even on it! You can take a tour of the local reed villages – yes made ENTIRELY of reed. The local inhabitants make a living by fishing and trading the fish at local markets.

You can easily arrange a homestay at one of the farming villages on the lakeside. See inside a traditional Peruvian farm, eat with the family and experience traditional cuisine that you won’t get in restaurants and then help out with the farm work the next day.

Don’t be put off by the fact that many won’t speak English. We muddled by using a mixture of English words the children learnt in school, my VERY poor Spanish, lots of miming and showing photos on our phones of our homes, pets and families!

The capital city of Bolivia, La Paz, is quite an experience especially if you take a taxi from the airport… Whilst you’re here, visit the Witches markets – dried llama fetus, anyone?! Also, take a cable car trip and get amazing views of this huge city!

Check out tours of La Paz and nearby HERE

Salar de Uyuni Salt Flats

Visit the worlds largest salt plane – 11000 sq Km of bright white desert created when a prehistoric lake dried up leaving these vast salt planes dotted with little cacti islands! Enjoy taking some great perspective photos here. If you visit in the rainy season, you may get beautiful reflection photos.

Check out tours to Salar De Uyuni here .

The Bolivian Altiplano

The scenery here will have you speechless. There’s not a lot to ‘do’ here per se but I personally was entranced by the scenery that the long drive from Salar de Uyuni was actually one of my trip highlights. See the spurting bubbling geysers, find aqua and red lakes filled with flamingos and see desert which stretches for miles. For more inspiration, see my photos to inspire your trip to Bolivia.

Click here for tours to the Bolivean Altiplano

I travelled in Bolivia with Dragoman , see the exact trip here .

South America Itinerary 3 – San Pedro to Buenos Aires

Best for wine and dancing

$30-60. Chile and Argentina are much more expensive than Bolivia but slightly cheaper than Brazil so expect to pay a bit more in some restaurants and for tours.

The prices are not dissimilar to western countries so expect to pay similar to what you pay back home (unless home is Bolivia.)

This route will take 2-3 weeks to cover properly.

As prices are beginning to rise, this may be the time to consider staying in hostels. Most hostels have private rooms if you like a bit of privacy on a budget. Hostels are also a great way to meet people! I use booking.com to find hostels and hotels and usually find they have a great selection of accommodations and you can easily search for your specification – a swimming pool and a hot tub puh-lease!

Ah, I LOVED this place. From the cute little shops lining the streets to the drinking holes that look like they’ve been taken straight from a western movie, San Pedro certainly has character. You definitely shouldn’t miss this one off your South America Itinerary!

I also didn’t have a single bad meal here – the food was Ah-mazing! It’s a great place to arrange trips to Moon Valley and into Bolivia for the Altiplano.

There are so many outdoorsy activities to do here, you won’t be short of things to do! The scenery at Moon Valley, in particular, is just stunning! See my San Pedro guide for more info.

There are so many things to do in this area from horse riding to star gazing. Check out some options HERE.

El Cafayate Wine Tasting

Head to Argentina next and so some wine tasting in the beautiful countryside at El Cafayate. Then go out for a juicy Argentinian steak washed down with some delicious merlot! There are wineries both in the countryside and in town that you can visit. Some trips need to be pre-arranged but often you can just turn up and join the next tour or tasting session.

Stay on a Ranch or Estancia in rural Argentina

Experience the real rural Argentina on an estancia stay. Several estancias (or cattle ranches) offer accommodation and activities such as horse riding and wildlife watching. Check out these estancias near Buenos Aires .

Learn to swing a lasso like a real cowgirl or indulge in an Argentinian BBQ. I stayed at Estancia Los Potreros and had an absolute ball! In addition to the activities above, we also had more wine tasting and a music session with some local cowboys. Read about it here.

Get your Tango on in Buenos Aires

Buenos Aires is a brilliant city! Colourful and diverse, traditional yet cosmopolitan, this city has a lot to offer travellers.

This super colourful neighbourhood is popular with tourists so it can get busy – go early in the morning to escape the crowds. Visit markets, enjoy street tango performances and enjoy the colourful buildings and street art. But make sure you go home before dark as it can be a little unsafe here at night time.

San Telmo Market

Learn argentine tango.

There is no better place to learn to Tango than Buenos Aires! Watch a street show, attend a formal show or take a lesson. But if you want to see the real tango, find a milonga. These are like afternoon tea dances where everyone will be dancing for fun – not for the tourists.

Check out day trips in and around Buenos Aires here , from stadium tours to tango shows.

South America Itinerary 4 – Brazil

Best for eco-tourism

$50-100 Brazil is pretty pricey so unless you are happy to rough it, expect to spend a bit of money here!

2-3 weeks should be enough to cover most of the highlights in South Brazil but of course, there are plenty more places to explore in Brazil if you have time.

To keep costs low, I’d recommend staying in hostels or even camping. I stayed at a few campsites in Brazil which were great and the weather is nice and warm.

Foz do Igauzu Falls

Foz do Igauzu falls are the largest waterfall system in the WORLD, this will surely be a highlight of your South America itinerary! Bordering both Argentina and Brazil, it’s worth visiting from both sides.

From The Argentina side, you can get close to the falls to appreciate their power. From the Brazil side, there are some great opportunities to see it from afar and appreciate the overall beauty! I’ve written a detailed guide to Igauzu falls, see it here .

Also on the Brazil side, there is a great tropical bird park Parque das Aves where you can get up close to some beautiful birds including the colourful macaws and toucans!

Book your tickets to Iguazu falls HERE .

Did you know Bonito is the eco-tourism capital of Brazil? And rightly so! There are so many amazing places to see in this area!

Rio da Prata

One of the best places worldwide to try freshwater snorkelling with an average visibility of 50 metres. You will drift for 90 minutes along with the current enjoying the underwater garden seeing colourful fish and if you’re lucky a caiman or anaconda! Read more about it in my Bonito Guide .

Buraco Das Araras

This limestone sinkhole is a meeting place for hundreds of brightly coloured and NOISY macaws!

Grotto de Azur

South pantanal.

If you are a big fan of wildlife, head over to The South Pantanal, Brazilian wetlands where you stand a reasonable chance of seeing one of the big cats, possibly even a jaguar!

You will undoubtedly see plenty of caiman crocs and birdlife and there are plenty of chances to see capybara, anteaters and even cute little river otters which apparently are not so cute after all!

Did you know river otters are territorial so they are actually more dangerous than the caimans or anacondas if you were to fall in the river!

Explore by 4WD safari vehicle, on foot, by boat or on horseback. I highly recommend a night safari for your best chance of seeing a jaguar!

Check out tours to The Pantanal here .

Paraty is a really lovely well preserved Portuguese colonial coastal town with cobbled streets and only horse and cart for transport. Spend time exploring the shops and cafe and take a day trip in one of the colourful wooden boats stopping at beaches and islands.

Check out day trips from Paraty here , from jungle treks to boat trips to beautiful beaches and islands.

Rio de Janeiro

Rio de Janeiro is one of the fastest paced, diverse, colourful, lively cities you could visit.

There are so many iconic viewpoints you will want to visit such as Sugar Loaf Mountain and The Christ Redeemer statue – two of the most popular sights in Brazil !.

There are so many things to do in Rio but I suggest you start by visiting the colourful Escadaria Selarón steps and then have a caipirinha on Copacabana or Ipanema beach.

Other Places you might want to put on your South America Itinerary

There are still so many places on my South America bucket list that I need to go back and tick off at some point! I would love to see more of Chile and I didn’t even step foot in Colombia and I’ve heard so many great things about it. Here are a few places that will be on my next South America itinerary!

Guatapé, Colombia.

I seem drawn to any colourful town – Cinque de Terre in Italy, by the way, is awesome! Guatape in Colombia is possibly the most colourful of them all. Not only that but it overlooks Penol-Guatape a beautiful man-made reservoir and a great place for water sports. Read more here about planning your Colombia itinerary .

The W trek, Torres del Paine, Patagonia

Landscapes don’t get more dramatic than in Patagonia – think snow-capped mountains and bright blue glacial lakes. The W trek in Patagonia is a challenging 5-day trek but surely worth the effort for views like this?!

Click here for advice if you are planning to travel to Patagonia .

Ushuaia, Argentina

In the South of Argentina, is Ushuaia, the starting point for many cruises to the Antarctic. But you don’t have to go that far to see penguins!

The Amazon Jungle

Head deep into the Amazon in Peru, Equador or Brazil to get close to the wildlife and creepie crawlies. Take night walks and river safaris but perhaps not if you are an arachnophobe…

For more itineraries on the places I’ve not been able to cover yet, you should head over to The Broke Backpackers site. He’s got some great information too!

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Adventure bucket list experiences to make 2024 amazing, the changing of the guard ceremony in quito – what to expect, a perfect new zealand north island itinerary for 7-10 days, this post has 34 comments.

Wow I’ve been literally DYING to go to all these places in South America and you’ve just planned my trip for me. Now I have no excuse not to go, THANK YOU, pinning this for later!

Glad you found it useful Constance! Let me know if you need any more tips!

I love this post! So thorough and so helpful!! Sourh Amerixa is huge and it can be so tricky to navigate. But saving this for when I finally make it back.

Thanks! Glad you found it helpful and I hope you get there soon!

I’m planning a RTW trip and this guide is exactly what I’ve been looking for. Thanks for taking to time to write such an in-depth article!

I’m so glad you thought it was useful! As a lazy researcher, I love having everything in one place! Have an amazing RTW trip – I’m SO envious!! Where’s first?!

Thanks for the great info! We’re hiking the Inca trail in September!

Ah have an AMAZING time!! I want to go back!!

Wow! What a guide! I’ll have to share it with my friend who’s currently living in BA and using that as a base to travel.

I hope she’ll find it useful too! Igauzu falls is reachable in a weekend trip from BA!

Great post Leanne. I would love to visit South America someday. I’ll definitely give some thought to the changing climates when planning my visit.

It’s incredible how different the climate from 1 country to the next!

I really enjoyed reading through this! You did a fantastic job! I will definitely pin this to my Pinterest board and share!

Thanks Elizabeth! Kind words ? I’m glad you enjoyed it!

What an incredibly detailed post. This is AMAZING. Saving this everywhere for one day when I go!

Thanks so much! I’m glad it’ll be useful for you! You will LOVE South America! It’s so diverse!

Absolutely love your post. South America is my absolute favorite continent and your pictures make me miss it so much right now. Can’t wait to go back and so all the places I haven’t ssen yet.

Glad you enjoyed it! I want to go back now to see more of chile and Patagonia!

What a fantastic itinerary to South America! I’ve never beenbefore but it’s on my bucketlist with the Galapogos being at the top!

They were at the top of mine too and so worth the price tag!!

Wow this is the most in depth guide of South America I have ever read. So far I ve only been in Central America jut I hope to visit soon

Oh wow thank you! That’s such a lovely compliment! Central America is awesome too – I need to visit there more often!

Wow! This is thorough, and great! I haven’t done South America yet and it’s on my list to do in the next two years. Totally saving this as a reference for planning.

Thanks amy! I bet you’ll have an awesome trip. South America is such an amazing place!

Looks like you put a lot of effort in to create such a detailed post. Thanks for sharing! <3

No problem! I just hope it can be helpful! ?

Wow, this is incredible! All that in 10 weeks, I feel you could write a book from so many experiences! I am myself toying with the idea of going to Argentina later this year, to see the spring (and penguins!), I will bookmark this post for future use!

I’d love to write a book one day – it’s on my bucket list. But I was thinking more of a novel! Argentina will be amazing. I definitely need to go head south and see those penguins soon!

Such a great post. I haven’t yet step foot in South America so this is a great help. Thanks?

Wow that is detailed! what a great overview of travel through south america. I love the salt flat pics, some corkers!

I’m SO glad I’ve found this blog post! South America is the last continent I haven’t been to and I’m in the planning stage of a big trip there. This covers pretty much everything I was hoping for, even the Galapagos Islands, which looks absolutely incredible so thank you so much it all looks insane!

You will have such an amazing time! I just made a video about the Galapagos – it’s on my twitter page @globetrottergp if you want more inspiration! (and videos of tiny tiny baby sea lions…) I hope you’ll have the most amazing trip!

Hi Leanne Great Post! Me and my girlfriend will be travelling to South America October 10th to the end February and will be looking to cover as much as possible, do you have any suggestions on where to start our trip ? I see you began your trip in October too and im a little worried about the changing seasons / rain ! Thanks

The main thing to coisder is the inca train opening times as it closes for some of the wet season. working west to east worked for me in oct

Travel Vaccines and Advice for Central and South America

Passport Health offers a variety of options for travellers throughout the world.

Machu Picchu, Rio de Janiero, the Panama Canal. Central and South America is one of the best regions for exotic travel. It provides multiple Wonders of the World and a wide variety of cuisines and cultures to explore. But, there are some risks involved.

Passport Health offers all the medications and vaccinations you may need to travel safely throughout Central and South America. See our What Vaccines… section to learn more.

Countries in this region include:

What Vaccines Do I Need for Central and South America?

The PHAC and WHO recommend the following vaccinations for travellers to Central and South America: hepatitis A , hepatitis B , typhoid , cholera , yellow fever and rabies .

Some routine vaccinations are also recommended, this includes: measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) , tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis (Tdap) , influenza , chickenpox , shingles , pneumonia , meningitis and polio .

Proof of yellow fever vaccination may be required for some travellers, based on their specific itinerary.

See the tables below for more information:

Are There Other Health Concerns in Central and South America?

While a beautiful destination, there are some additional risks for travel to Central and South America.

Dengue and Zika are present in most countries in the region. Unfortunately, there is no vaccination or medication to prevent these infections. Make sure to bring and use mosquito repellent and netting. Avoid being outside at dawn and dusk when mosquitoes are most active.

Malaria is prevalent in some regions, especially jungles. Be sure to speak with a travel health specialist about your antimalarial options. Your specialist will be able to provide you with the best information based on your specific travel plans.

Travellers’ diarrhea is a risk for all travellers. Recent studies show up to 70 percent of travellers will contract some form of diarrhea during their trip. This can lead to missed work days, travel experiences and more. Make sure to take precautions by eating at reputable establishments, washing hands regularly and brining a travellers’ diarrhea kit.

What Are the Entry Requirements in Central and South America?

Many of the most popular destinations in Central and South America do not require visas. But, major countries like Brazil and Paraguay do. Make sure you to verify your travel document requirements before leaving on your trip.

Many countries require proof of yellow fever vaccination for entry when arriving from a country with transmission or upon entry. Check with your travel health specialist or the specific destination advice page to learn more about your specific destination’s requirements.

See the below table for more information:

Embassy information for each country is available on its own destination advice page.

Travelling to Another Destination?

Travelling outside of Central and South America? Learn more about your destination with our full compliment of destination advice pages!

Afghanistan
American Samoa
Antigua and Barbuda
British Virgin Islands
Burkina Faso
Canary Islands
Cayman Islands
Central African Republic
Christmas Island
Cocos (Keeling) Islands
Cook Islands
Cote d’Ivoire
Democratic Republic of the Congo
Dominican Republic
Easter Island
El Salvador
Equatorial Guinea
Falkland Islands
Faroe Islands
French Guiana
French Polynesia
Guinea-Bissau
Liechtenstein
Madeira Islands
Marshall Islands
Netherlands
New Caledonia
New Zealand
Norfolk Island
North Korea
North Macedonia
Northern Mariana Islands
Palestinian Territories
Papua New Guinea
Philippines
Pitcairn Islands
Puerto Rico
Republic of the Congo
Saint Barthelemy
Saint Helena
Saint Kitts and Nevis
Saint Lucia
Saint Martin
Saint Pierre-et-Miquelon
Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
Sao Tome and Principe
Saudi Arabia
Sierra Leone
Sint Eustatius
Solomon Islands
South Africa
South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands
South Korea
South Sudan
Switzerland
Trinidad and Tobago
Turkmenistan
Turks and Caicos Islands
U.S. Virgin Islands
United Arab Emirates
United Kingdom
United States
Wake Island
Western Sahara

On This Page: What Vaccines Do I Need for Central and South America? Are There Other Health Concerns in Central and South America? What Are the Entry Requirements in Central and South America? Travelling to Another Destination?

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Canada issued travel advisories for these 8 popular tourist spots and here's what to know

Be aware of these risks and updates before you travel. 🇨🇦

Canadian passports. Right: The Eiffel Tower in France.

Planning a trip? Before you jet off to Europe or South America, you may want to take note of the Government of Canada's latest travel advisories.

Canada has issued travel advisories for several popular vacation spots, advising travellers of security risks, new visa requirements , natural disasters and more.

Knowing what to expect can make all the difference on your trip, and the travel advice may even impact your plans.

Before you get going, here are eight travel advisories issued by the government that you'll want to know.

Volcanoes in Indonesia.

Siraphat | Dreamstime

Risk Level: Exercise a high degree of caution

Details: The Government of Canada updated its travel advisory for Indonesia with information about a recent eruption.

According to the advisory, since April 16, 2024, Ruang Volcano in the North Sulawesi province has erupted multiple times.

The government warns that further eruptions may occur and tsunami warnings could be issued, and that transportation and access to essential services are disrupted in the affected area.

Those travelling in affected areas are advised to take official warnings seriously and respect exclusion zones, monitor local media to stay up-to-date on developments and volcanic activity levels, and follow the advice of local authorities, including evacuation orders.

Government of Canada website

United Arab Emirates

The Dubai marina in Dubai.

Ashraf Jandali | Dreamstime

Details: On April 16, 2024, heavy rainfall and strong winds caused severe flooding in the UAE, resulting in significant damage to buildings and infrastructure.

According to the Associated Press , the desert nation experienced the heaviest rain ever recorded in the country in the span of hours as it flooded out portions of major highways and Dubai’s international airport.

Canada's travel advisory for the UAE warns that there may be disruptions to services including transportation, power distribution, water and food supply, telecommunications networks, emergency services and medical care.

Those near the affected areas are advised to exercise caution, monitor local news and weather reports, contact their airline or tour operator to check the status travel plans, and follow the instructions of local authorities, including evacuation orders.

The Taj Mahal in India.

Photo by Julian Yu | Unsplash

Details: The Government of Canada has updated its travel advisory for India amid general elections in the country.

"General elections are scheduled to take place between April 19 and June 1, 2024. Demonstrations could occur before, during and after the elections," says the advisory.

Polls opened on April 19, according to CNN , in the first and largest phase of India’s election, which will be the biggest in the world.

The travel advisory warns that disruptions to traffic and public transportation may occur, and curfews may be imposed without notice.

Those travelling to India during this time are advised to avoid areas where demonstrations and large gatherings are taking place, follow the instructions of local authorities, and monitor local media for information on ongoing demonstrations.

Victoria Harbour in Hong Kong.

Andres Garcia | Unsplash

Details: The Canadian government updated its travel advisory for Hong Kong with information on new national security laws recently passed in the country.

According to the advisory, the 2024 Safeguarding National Security Ordinance and the 2020 National Security Law have broadened the range of national security offences in Hong Kong.

A statement from Global Affairs Canada issued last month expressed concern about the new law and its impacts on human rights, saying that its "broad definitions of national security offences and national security threats raise concerns about the potential for enforcement overreach."

According to the government, under the new law, national security offences could include activities that are not considered illegal in Canada and that occurred outside of Hong Kong, and could include social media posts.

"If you are suspected of endangering national security, you could be detained without charge for up to 16 days and denied access to a legal representative for up to 48 hours," says the advisory .

Canadians travelling or even transiting through Hong Kong are advised to exercise a high degree of caution in the country due to "the risk of arbitrary enforcement of local laws."

Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

Renato Machado | Dreamstime

Details: Canada recently updated its Brazil travel advisory to include new information for Canadians about the country's entry requirements.

As of April 10, 2025, Canadian passport holders will be required to obtain a visa for tourist visits to Brazil.

Currently, tourist visas are not required for stays of up to 90 days in the country. Previously, the visa requirement was set to be implemented on April 10, 2024, after being postponed in January .

Once the visa comes into effect, Canadians looking to travel to the country will have to request an electronic visa from Brazil's e-visa website and pay a fee of US$80.90 (CA$110.64) to visit the country as a tourist.

The Government of Canada's travel advisory for the country warns Canadians to exercise a high degree of caution in Brazil due to high crime rates and regular incidents of gang-related and other violence.

The advisory warns that crime rates are highest in urban centres, particularly in areas adjacent to the neighbourhoods of Rio de Janeiro, Sao Paulo, Brasilia, Recife and Salvador.

Those travelling in the country should exercise a high degree of caution at all times, avoid travelling alone, especially at night, and be aware of their surroundings at all times.

Petra, Jordan.

Brian Kairuz | Unsplash

Details: Canadians travelling to Jordan are advised to exercise a high degree of caution due to the threat of terrorism, civil unrest and demonstrations.

According to the Canadian government, since October 13, 2023, protests related to the ongoing conflict in Israel, the West Bank and the Gaza Strip have been taking place regularly at various locations across Jordan.

Major gathering places have included places of worship, especially certain mosques in Aman.

While most protests have been peaceful and contained by security forces, the government says that "isolated incidents of minor clashes with security forces" have been reported.

The government warns that authorities in Jordan may employ enhanced measures to respond to demonstrations, including deploying additional security forces, using crowd dispersal methods and establishing checkpoints and roadblocks.

Those in or near affected areas are advised to expect heightened security measures, avoid demonstrations and gatherings, and follow the instructions of local authorities.

Paris, France.

Bogdan Lazar | Dreamstime

Details: Canadians are advised to exercise a high degree of caution when travelling to France due to the elevated threat of terrorism in the country.

Paris will be hosting the Olympic and Paralympic Games from July to September 2024. According to the government, public events will take place across France starting on May 8 and will continue until the opening ceremony.

Canadians are advised to plan their travel accordingly, and should expect major disruptions to traffic and movement, large crowds and public gatherings.

They should also expect to see an increased presence of security forces during this time. Earlier this year, France activated its " Vigipirate plan ," a set of measures established by the French government to prepare and protect the population, infrastructure and institutions in the event of a terrorist attack.

According to the advisory, terrorists may target government buildings, exhibition galleries, museums, concert halls and theatres, or public areas such as tourist attractions.

The government advises travellers to always be aware of their surroundings when in public places and be particularly alert during public gatherings and demonstrations.

A beach in San Blas, Panama.

Niels van Altena | Unsplash

Risk Level: Take normal security precautions

Details: The Government of Canada has updated its travel advisory for Panama to include regional risk information for the country.

While Canadians are advised to take normal security precautions in Panama in general, they'll want to "exercise a high degree of caution" when travelling in Colón and some areas of Panama City due to "high levels of crime."

The advisory for Panama City includes the areas of Calidonia, Curundú, El Chorrillo, Panama Viejo, Rio Abajo, San Miguelito, Santa Ana, Veracruz and 24 de Diciembre.

Canadians are also advised to avoid all travel to areas south of Metetí in Darién Province to the border with Colombia due to "extremely high levels of violent crime."

"Organized crime groups, including human and drug traffickers, are active in this area," says the government.

They should also avoid all travel to the Mosquito Gulf, from Boca de Río Chiriquí to Coclé del Norte, due to the "high level of illegal activity such as drug smuggling and human trafficking."

Before you get going, check out our Responsible Travel Guide so you can be informed, be safe, be smart, and most of all, be respectful on your adventure.

10 tips for Canadians travelling to Europe in 2024, from visa requirements to tipping culture ›
Canada's Mexico Travel Advisory Warns Tourists To Avoid Visiting This Popular Vacation Spot ›
9 countries Canadian passport holders can visit visa-free for up to a year ›

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Travel Advisory , According to the Gov of Canada [09/2019] [OC] : MapPorn
(OC) All Countries by Canadian Travel Advisories : r/MapPorn
[Map] Government of Canada's Travel Advice and Advisories, as of August
Understanding How Government Advisories Affect Your Travel Insurance
Canadian Travel Advisory Country Safety Ratings : vzla
US travel advisories for North and South America [4752x6510] [OC] : MapPorn

COMMENTS

Travel advice and advisories
The Government of Canada's official source of travel information and advice, the Travel Advice and Advisories help you to make informed decisions and travel safely while you are outside Canada. Check the page for your destination often, because safety and security conditions may change. See Travel Advice and Advisories - FAQ for more ...
Travel advice and advisories for Colombia
Unauthorized roadblocks and bandits also pose a threat. If you're planning to travel by land in Colombia: dial 767 from your cell phone to receive advice on current road closures from the Colombian Highway Police information line (in Spanish) never hitchhike. consult local media.
Travel advice and advisories for Peru
Regional advisory - Avoid non-essential travel. Avoid non-essential travel to the following areas due to instances of domestic terrorism and criminal activity such as drug trafficking, robberies, kidnappings, extortion and raids:. Huallaga and Tocache provinces in the department of San Martín; the Upper Huallaga and Ene river valleys in the departments of Huánuco and San Martín
Travel advice and advisories for South Africa
Travel on foot is inadvisable in most areas. If walking is unavoidable, use only brightly lit, busy streets in popular tourist areas and maintain awareness of your surroundings. If you choose to drive in South Africa: always drive defensively. plan your trip in advance, especially if you are visiting a rural area.
Travel advice and advisories for Ecuador
While you're in Ecuador: be aware of your surroundings at all times. ensure that your belongings, including your passport and other travel documents, are secure at all times. avoid travelling after dark, and in isolated or deserted areas. avoid showing signs of affluence. avoid carrying large amounts of cash.
Travel advice and advisories for Panama
Exercise a high degree of caution in Colón and some areas of Panama City, due to high levels of crime. This advisory for Panama City includes the following areas: Calidonia. Curundú. El Chorrillo. Panama Viejo. Rio Abajo. San Miguelito, especially the following areas: Amelia Denis de Icaza.
Is It Safe to Travel to South America?
Travel Advisories . The U.S. Department of State has issued a Level 3 Travel Advisory ("reconsider travel") for all South American countries except Uruguay, which remains a Level 2 ("exercise increased caution"), and Argentina, Brazil, and Venezuela, all under a Level 4 ("do not travel").; Prior to 2020, all but one were under a Level 2 due to crime, terrorism, kidnapping, and/or civil unrest.
Adjustments to Canada's border and travel measures
November 19, 2021. Today, the Government of Canada announced upcoming adjustments to Canada's border measures. This backgrounder provides additional context to support travellers in understanding COVID-19 testing and vaccine requirements, as well as other border measures, which are an important part of Canada's response to the global COVID ...
Travel Health
The Public Health Agency of Canada's Travel Health Notices outline potential health risks to Canadian travellers and recommend ways to help reduce them. Notices remain in effect until removed. Travel Advice and Advisories. Country-specific information on safety and security, local laws and customs, entry requirements, health conditions and ...
Canada Travel Advisory
Reissued with obsolete COVID-19 page links removed. Exercise normal precautions in Canada. Read the Country Information page for additional information on travel to Canada.. If you decide to travel to Canada: Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program to receive Alerts and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.; Follow the Department of State on Facebook and Twitter.
Advice for Canadians: Register when travelling abroad
Canadians requiring emergency assistance abroad can contact the Emergency Watch and Response Centre in Ottawa anytime and from anywhere by calling collect +1 613 996 8885 or by sending a message to [email protected]. Travel.gc.ca has up-to-date travel advice and advisories for more than 230 destinations worldwide—a key reference for ...
Central and South America Travel Restrictions: A Country-by-Country Guide
Central America Costa Rica has been open to all travelers since last year, with visitors arriving by air or land no longer required to bring a negative PCR test or to quarantine upon arrival ...
Stranded in South America as COVID-19 spreads, Canadian travellers
The South American country has closed its borders, forcing residents into quarantine to limit the spread of COVID-19, the disease caused by the novel coronavirus. ADVISORY TO CANADIANS IN PERU:
Message to U.S. Citizens in Canada: Update on Canadian Entry
These requirements are: proof of approved COVID-19 vaccination(s) at least 14 days prior to entry to Canada, proof of a negative COVID-19 PCR test within 72 hours prior to arrival, and submittal of travel information in Canada's ArriveCAN travel app. Travelers must be asymptomatic upon arrival. Travelers are encouraged to hand carry original ...
Travelers' Health
More. Learn about CDC's Traveler Genomic Surveillance Program that detects new COVID-19 variants entering the country. Sign up to get travel notices, clinical updates, & healthy travel tips. CDC Travelers' Health Branch provides updated travel information, notices, and vaccine requirements to inform international travelers and provide ...
South America Travel Guide
Top 20 Hotels in South America: RCA's 2022. Condé Nast Traveler readers rate their top hotels in South America, from Buenos Aires to Cartagena.
Travel Advisories
South Sudan Travel Advisory: Level 4: Do Not Travel: July 31, 2023: Turks and Caicos Islands Travel Advisory : Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution: July 17, 2023: ... Canada Travel Advisory: Level 1: Exercise Normal Precautions: July 17, 2023: Central African Republic Travel Advisory : Level 4: Do Not Travel: July 31, 2023:
Colombia Travel Advisory
Read the entire Travel Advisory. Do Not Travel to: Arauca, Cauca (excluding Popayán), and Norte de Santander departments due to crime and terrorism. The Colombia-Venezuela border region due to crime, kidnapping, and risk of detention when crossing into Venezuela from Colombia. Country Summary: Violent crime, such as homicide, assault, and ...
Canada Updates Travel Advisory for Travelers Heading to the US
While Canada still considers the United States the lowest risk level a country can have, it updated its advisory page on May 26, 2023 with new information about the country's widespread gun violence, warning travelers to be vigilant and review what to do in the case they get caught in the fire. "The rate of firearm possession in the US is high.
The Ultimate South America Itinerary
South America by Plane. Whilst South America, in general, is not that cheap, getting about by plane is not as expensive as you may imagine as long as you don't mind small rickety planes! Booked well in advance, you can get short international flights such as Cuzco to La Paz for $50-70. The airports are pretty straightforward.
Travel Vaccines and Advice for Central and South America
Specific. Advice. Travellers'. Diarrhea Kits. Available. Machu Picchu, Rio de Janiero, the Panama Canal. Central and South America is one of the best regions for exotic travel. It provides multiple Wonders of the World and a wide variety of cuisines and cultures to explore. But, there are some risks involved.
Canada issued travel advisories for these 8 popular tourist ...
Planning a trip? Before you jet off to Europe or South America, you may want to take note of the Government of Canada's latest travel advisories. Canada has issued travel advisories for several popular vacation spots, advising travellers of security risks, new visa requirements, natural disasters and more. Knowing what to expect can make all ...
South America & Central America Trips
South & Central America. Find the fiery countries of South and Central America beyond the northern tip of Mexico, between two oceans and the Caribbean Sea. Let the lush rainforests of Costa Rica, the passionate spirit of Colombia, and the picturesque parks of Panama lure you in, to the world's most unpredictable and breathtaking destinations.

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Panama travel advice

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Colón and some areas of Panama City - Exercise a high degree of caution

Areas south of Metetí - Avoid all travel

Mosquito Gulf - Avoid all travel

Region between Metetí and the Colombian border

Mosquito Gulf

Petty crime

Violent crime

Demonstrations

Women’s safety

Water activities

Adventure tourism

Road safety

Public transportation

Taxis and ridesharing

Coiba Island

Regular Canadian passport

Passport for official travel

Passport with “X” gender identifier

Other travel documents

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Length of stay

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Exit or onward ticket

Cash or credit card

Children and travel

Yellow fever

Relevant Travel Health Notices

Routine vaccines

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Update April 12, 2024

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The Ultimate South America Itinerary – Plus Useful Travel Tips

How to get around South America

Canada issued travel advisories for these 8 popular tourist spots and here's what to know