Americas
Driving in Panama
Local law and rental desks expect an international permit alongside your home licence. Here is exactly what Panama expects from a visiting driver, and how to have it before you land.
Panama
Americas · drives on the right
- Drives on the
- Right
- Rental min age
- 18+
- Ready in
- 8 min
Do I need an international driving permit in Panama?
Local law and rental desks expect an international permit alongside your home licence. Local law and rental desks expect an international permit alongside your home licence.
Which side of the road does Panama drive on?
Panama drives on the right-hand side of the road.
What is the minimum age to rent a car in Panama?
Rental desks in Panama generally require drivers to be at least 18. Younger drivers may face a surcharge or be refused.
How quickly can I get one before I fly?
The digital document is issued in minutes — the median is 41 seconds after payment — and works offline. A printed booklet ships separately by tracked courier.
Requirements are set by Panama and can change. We publish what the destination currently expects and update it when it moves. If Panama refuses the document we recommended for it, our money-back guarantee applies.