Destinations / Panama
Driving in Panama as a visitor
Often optional, depending on your licence and rental company. Panama drives on the right and lets visitors use a valid foreign licence for up to 90 days; an IDP is advised for non-Latin-script holders.
Reviewed July 2026 · A translation of your own licence, carried with it. Not a government permit.
What Panama expects
| Driving document | Depends on licence issuer, script and rental policy |
|---|---|
| Convention format | 1949 Geneva |
| Valid for | 1 year |
| Drives on the | Right |
| Emergency number | 911 |
| Top speed limit | 100 km/h on the Pan-American Highway |
What the rental desk will ask you for
| Your own licence | The original card. A photo of it, or a photocopy, gets turned away. |
|---|---|
| Licence translation | Check the desk policy for your issuing country and licence script. A translation accompanies the licence and never replaces an official permit. |
| Booklet format they know | 1949 Geneva |
| Minimum age | 18. Under 25 usually pays a young-driver surcharge. |
| Deposit | A credit card in the driver's name. The hold is taken in PAB. |
Rules that catch visitors out
| City zones | Heavy congestion in Panama City. |
|---|---|
| Alcohol | 0.05% alcohol limit. |
| Tolls | Corredor toll expressways in the capital. |
On the road in Panama
At the pump
Fuel is sold by the GALLON (not litre) in US dollars, in grades 91/95 gasolina and diesel; stations are widely attendant-served, accept cards in cities, and the US dollar is the cash currency.
After a crash
Do not move the vehicles until the Transito police arrive and document the scene; dial 911 for police and ambulance. The transit (parte) report is required for insurance and rental claims.
Sources: tollguru.com · kraemerlaw.com · thelostandfoundhostel.com
Common questions
Do you need an International Driving Permit in Panama?
Often optional, depending on your licence and rental company. Panama drives on the right and lets visitors use a valid foreign licence for up to 90 days; an IDP is advised for non-Latin-script holders.
Which translation format is used for Panama?
Panama uses the 1949 Geneva convention format. A Vialy translation is prepared in that format but is not a government-issued permit.
Will a rental desk in Panama ask for a translation?
Panama City desks accept many licences; an IDP helps non-Latin scripts.
How fast can Vialy prepare one for Panama?
The exact delivery moment is quoted before you pay, 30 minutes as standard and 5 with Express.
Also in Central America
Driving on to another country on the same trip? Each page states what that destination expects.