No advisory against travel
“Before you travel No travel can be guaranteed safe. Read all the advice in this guide.”
Updated 2025-12-10T13:26:25Z
Full advisory →Is Bocas del Toro safe? 🇵🇦
Panama · Safety report last updated
As of July 2026, Bocas del Toro scores 63/100 on the IsMyTripSafe composite safety index — verdict: mostly — take normal precautions. Bocas del Toro is moderately safe for travelers, but requires awareness of local conditions and potential unrest. The main risks for visitors are pickpocketing (moderate risk) and robbery (moderate risk).
Safety Report
IsMyTripSafe.com
Bocas del Toro 🇵🇦
Panama · Assessed 29 July 2026
63
/ 100
Mostly — take normal precautions
Safer than ~62% of countries
What drives this score
Crime56/100FairHomicide 11.7 / 100k
Sentiment59/100FairMixed
Advisories97Good
Stability69Fair
Health79Good
01 · Official Guidance
Advisories
Good
Exercise normal security precautions (with regional advisories)
“Canada's official risk level for Panama: exercise normal security precautions (with regional advisories).”
Updated 2026-07-29T14:31:46.2003107-04:00
Full advisory →02 · Evidence Signals
Crime
Fair
Mugging & robbery risk
Moderate risk
70
City SignalCity Web Research
Pickpocketing & theft risk
Moderate risk
70
City SignalCity Web Research
Visitor safety sentiment
45 / 100 (Mixed)
45
City SignalCity Web Research
Urban scale factor
5k residents
92
City SignalCity Geocoding
Homicide rate
11.7 / 100kHomicide rate · per 100kJapan0.2Switzerland0.6World avg5.2United States5.8Panama11.7Brazil19.3South Africa43.7
41
Robbery / mugging
ModerateWhile not endemic, muggings and armed robberies can occur, particularly in less-trafficked areas or during periods of civil unrest.
Pickpocketing
ModeratePickpocketing and bag-snatching are risks in crowded areas, markets, and on public transportation.
▸ 3 more indicators▾ Hide extra indicators
03 · Environment
Health & Air
Good
04 · Institutions
Stability
Fair
05 · Field Research
Current Situation
Moderate
Traveller sentiment score
Mixed
59/100
Reported feel45Mixed
Robbery risk62Moderate risk
Pickpocket risk78Moderate risk
While many visitors find Bocas del Toro a desirable destination, recent reports indicate concerns related to civil unrest and security alerts, suggesting a cautious sentiment among some travelers.
Bocas del Toro is moderately safe for travelers, but requires awareness of local conditions and potential unrest.
While Panama generally has a low crime rate compared to other countries, Bocas del Toro has experienced periods of civil unrest and associated security concerns. Travelers should exercise normal precautions, stay informed about local developments, and be mindful of their surroundings.
Recent developments
- Jun 2025Panama declared a state of emergency in Bocas del Toro Province amid escalating civil unrest and a national strike, which included internet disruptions.— BBC
- Jun 2025The U.S. Embassy in Panama issued a security alert for Bocas del Toro Province.— U.S. Embassy in Panama
- Sep 2024Panama implemented a curfew in Bocas del Toro to address gang activity.— The Tico Times
Common scams
- Overcharging for taxis or tours, especially from unofficial providers.
- Distraction thefts, particularly in crowded areas or on public transport.
Full briefing
Bocas del Toro, Panama, presents a mixed safety profile for travelers. While the region is generally considered a tourist-friendly destination, it has experienced significant periods of civil unrest and associated security concerns, necessitating a cautious approach. Official advisories from Canada and the UK suggest exercising normal security precautions, aligning with the moderate composite safety index.
The primary safety concerns for visitors revolve around potential disruptions from civil unrest, as evidenced by the state of emergency declared in June 2025, which led to curfews and internet disruptions. During such times, the risk of opportunistic crime like robbery and pickpocketing can increase, particularly in crowded areas or during protests. While specific neighborhood crime data is not readily available, it is prudent for travelers to remain vigilant, especially in less populated or poorly lit areas, and to avoid walking alone at night.
Recent incidents highlight the volatility that can affect Bocas del Toro. The civil unrest in June 2025, which prompted a U.S. Embassy security alert, and a previous curfew implemented in September 2024 due to gang activity, underscore the importance of staying informed about local conditions. Travelers should monitor local news sources and any official advisories before and during their visit. Common scams include overcharging by unofficial vendors and distraction thefts, so maintaining awareness of your surroundings is key.
To ensure a safe trip, travelers are advised to stay informed about local news and any potential demonstrations, keep valuables secure and out of sight, and avoid walking alone after dark. Utilizing reputable tour operators and transportation services can also mitigate risks. Given the global health notices for Polio, Dengue, and Measles, travelers should ensure their vaccinations are up-to-date and take precautions against mosquito bites.
06 · Neighbourhoods
Safest areas and areas to avoid
Our field research rated 5 Bocas del Toro districts for visitors, 5 needing caution. See them plotted on the Bocas del Toro safety map.
Isla Colón (main island, including Bocas Town)cautionGenerally safe for tourists, but petty crime like pickpocketing and bag snatching can occur, especially in crowded areas and bars. Exercise caution after dark.
Bastimentos IslandcautionPopular for its beaches and nature. Petty theft can be an issue. Be aware of your surroundings, especially in more remote areas.
Carenero IslandcautionA smaller island popular for day trips and water activities. Petty crime is possible; secure valuables.
ChanguinolacautionA mainland town often used for transit to Bocas del Toro. While generally safe, it has experienced civil unrest and associated security concerns in the past. Be aware of local conditions.
AlmirantecautionA mainland port town, often a transit point. Similar to Changuinola, it has seen periods of civil unrest. Exercise normal precautions.
07 · After Dark
Is Bocas del Toro safe at night?
33% of people in Panama say they feel safe walking alone at night in their area (UN SDG survey, 2016).
While not endemic, muggings and armed robberies can occur, particularly in less-trafficked areas or during periods of civil unrest.
After dark, be most careful around Isla Colón (main island, including Bocas Town), Bastimentos Island, Carenero Island, Changuinola. Stick to busy, well-lit streets and licensed taxis or ride-hail late at night.
08 · Trip Profiles
Score by traveller type
Who's travelling changes which risks matter. These re-weight Bocas del Toro's category data for common trip types — same data, different emphasis. Run your own profile from the interactive checker.
Solo female travellerCrime +35% weight61
Solo travellerCrime +23% weight61
Family with kidsCrime +19% weight · Health & Air +12% weight64
Nightlife-focused tripCrime +28% weight61
Travellers 65+Crime +13% weight · Health & Air +16% weight · Stability +4% weight65
Business tripCrime +14% weight · Stability +6% weight62
09 · Questions
Bocas del Toro safety FAQ
Is Bocas del Toro safe for tourists right now?
Bocas del Toro is moderately safe for travelers, but requires awareness of local conditions and potential unrest. While Panama generally has a low crime rate compared to other countries, Bocas del Toro has experienced periods of civil unrest and associated security concerns. Travelers should exercise normal precautions, stay informed about local developments, and be mindful of their surroundings. (Assessed 29 July 2026.)
Which areas of Bocas del Toro should tourists avoid?
Areas experiencing protests or civil unrest (as seen in June 2025); Remote or unlit areas after dark. See the district-by-district safety map.
What are the most common scams in Bocas del Toro?
- Overcharging for taxis or tours, especially from unofficial providers.
- Distraction thefts, particularly in crowded areas or on public transport.
How does Bocas del Toro compare with other places in Panama?
Bocas del Toro ranks #3 of 4 Panama destinations we've assessed, scoring 63/100. See the Panama safety overview for the full list.
How is this Bocas del Toro safety score calculated?
The score blends 12+ public data sources — government advisories, UNODC/World Bank crime statistics, WHO health data, live air quality and disaster alerts — with AI field research over current local reporting. The databases carry 82% of the weight; the traveller-sentiment score from field research carries 18%. Full methodology.
More Panama reports
3 reportsNearby destinations
4 reportsSimilar safety profile
4 reportsBrowse the Panama safety overview or all destinations. Raw data: bocas-del-toro.json (CC BY 4.0).