Panama is a country that blends tropical adventure with urban sophistication, and like anywhere, it has its own set of laws and cultural norms that might surprise travelers. While most regulations are fairly standard, a few stand out as unusual or even quirky to foreign visitors. Being aware of them can help you avoid unwanted trouble, fines, or just a few raised eyebrows from locals.
One of the strangest laws in Panama is that it is illegal to walk on the street or drive a car without a shirt. While this might sound funny to travelers used to beach towns where shirtless wandering is common, Panama takes this seriously. Even men who go shirtless while driving or strolling through the city can face fines, as public decorum is valued highly. Keep your shirt on outside of the beach, and you’ll avoid unnecessary run-ins with the police.
Another surprising rule relates to alcohol. Drinking in public spaces like parks, sidewalks, or even outside convenience stores is prohibited. You’ll notice Panamanians buying a beer and pouring it discreetly into a cup before stepping outside, or simply drinking inside the establishment. The law is enforced more strictly in Panama City than in small towns, but it’s worth remembering that sipping a cold one on the street could get you fined.
While Panama’s beaches might tempt you to surf into the night, it’s worth knowing that swimming in the ocean after dark is technically illegal in many parts of the country. The law exists for safety reasons, as riptides and lack of lifeguards pose dangers. Still, many tourists don’t realize this and are surprised when they’re whistled at by police for a midnight dip.
There are also laws about identification that may catch travelers off guard. Panamanians are required by law to carry their cedula (national ID) at all times, and while tourists aren’t held to that standard, foreigners are expected to carry a copy of their passport. Failing to show ID when asked can lead to a trip to the police station until you can prove your identity, which is not the kind of adventure most travelers are looking for.
Another unusual rule involves traffic regulations. In Panama, flashing your headlights doesn’t mean “go ahead” as it might in other countries. Instead, it’s often used to warn drivers that police are ahead. While this isn’t exactly codified into law, it’s part of the unique driving culture that visitors should understand. And if you rent a car, don’t even think about tinting your front windows too dark—police can fine you for it, as Panama enforces strict rules on window tints.
Public displays of certain items can also be tricky. For example, camouflage clothing is prohibited for civilians. While you might see locals wearing green army-style jackets, true camouflage patterns are considered off-limits and can get confiscated. Tourists are often surprised by this, especially those arriving from countries where camouflage shorts or hats are casual fashion.
Even pet ownership has its quirks. Certain dog breeds, like pit bulls, are restricted, and bringing them into the country can involve heavy regulations. While this isn’t a concern for short-term tourists, it’s an oddity for anyone staying long-term with pets and shows how Panama has its own ideas of what’s acceptable in public spaces.
Ultimately, Panama’s quirky laws reflect a mix of safety concerns, cultural values, and efforts to regulate behavior in public. For most travelers, the important things to remember are to keep a shirt on, don’t drink alcohol in the street, carry your ID, and avoid camouflage clothing. While many of these rules seem odd at first, respecting them not only keeps you out of trouble but also helps you blend in with local customs. Panama is full of surprises, and its laws are just another part of the adventure.