Car rental
Driving in Panama with a foreign licence
Checked · official siteWe checked the details on the place’s own or an official website.
Visitors may drive on a valid licence from home for up to 90 days. Third-party liability insurance is compulsory, and drivers should keep their licence and passport with them at all times.
Good to know
Panama's road signage is inconsistent and highways are poorly lit at night; avoid long drives after dark.
Details
- Idp note
- One expat guide says Panama does not accept International Driving Permits; not confirmed officially.
- Drink driving
- Illegal
- Carry documents
- Valid home driver licence; Passport with Panama entry stamp
- Accident procedure
- Call police, move vehicle off the roadway if safe (fines apply otherwise), photograph both cars, wait for police
- Phone use while driving
- Illegal
- Foreign license valid days
- 90
- Third party liability insurance
- Mandatory
Sources
- travel.state.gov (opens in a new tab) · checked Nov 5, 2026
- web.archive.org (opens in a new tab) · checked Nov 5, 2026
- expatden.com (opens in a new tab) · checked Nov 5, 2026
Talk to a person
Questions about Panama? Ask us.
Two people answer: Jack and Shlomo. WhatsApp is usually fastest. You can also write to info@panamaunpacked.com.