Is Santiago safe? Panama travel risk
Is Santiago safe right now? Checked 16 October 2026
Santiago scores 52/100 on our travel risk index (Elevated). The US State Department rates Panama Level 2 (Exercise Increased Caution, updated 19 Aug 2026); the UK has no advice against travel; Canada says: exercise normal security precautions (with regional advisories). A magnitude 6.1 earthquake was recorded about 72 km away on 12 Oct (USGS). GDACS lists 2 minor (green) events within 100 km in the last 14 days. No change in government advice in the last 7 days.
Santiago scores 52/100 (Elevated). The score combines security, crime and scams, health and medical access, natural hazards and current alerts measured for this location and Panama (how it is calculated). The sections below are specific to Santiago: nearest emergency and transport facilities, 5-year natural hazard history within 100 km, frequently asked questions.
Driven by: security (50/100) and natural hazards (72/100).
A score of 52 is higher than the scores of 70% of the 241 countries we cover.
Consult the Panama travel risk page for nationwide security advisories, entry protocols, and consular warnings.
Geographic & Regional Coordinates
In the Veraguas territory, Santiago is established at 8.1004° N, 80.9833° W. It lies 186.4 km ENE relative to Panama City. Time zone observed: UTC.
Veraguas
8.1004° N, 80.9833° W
Lowland
UTC
45,955
Emergency & Aviation Access
Nearby Towns & Settlements in Panama
Natural Hazard Calendar & History
No GDACS or USGS events recorded within 100 km in the past five years.
For consular advice on women's safety, LGBT+ travel, and local laws, see the Panama travel advice & laws.
Check the official entry requirements for your nationality before you travel. See the Panama entry requirements.
Evaluated Destinations in this Region
Questions travellers ask about Santiago
Is Santiago Panama safe?
Santiago currently scores 52/100 on our composite travel risk index (elevated risk; lower is safer). It already includes the current US State Department advisory for Panama (Level 2 of 4). Official advice can change quickly, so check it again shortly before you travel.
Sources: Travel Risk Calculator — Santiago · Methodology
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