Panama       Get insurance. Make sure that you are fully covered for medical treatment, including medical evacuation to the UK, and unexpected losses/expenses (eg missing a flight, losing your passport, having your wallet stolen).       Bring enough money. Ensure that you have sufficient funds for your stay and return. Bank transfers can take several days. The British Embassy cannot advance money.       Keep your belongings in a safe place. Most hotels have safety deposit boxes or safes – use them for your passport, money and other valuables.       Beware of pickpockets. Don’t carry large sums of money or valuables in public. Street crime is high in the old town (Casco Viejo) in Panama City, the old Panama City ruins (Panama Viejo) and the city of Colon.       Respect local laws and customs. Steer clear of disputes or arguments where possible and avoid any form of provocation.       Stay away from the border with Colombia. Don’t try to cross the Panama/Colombia border. The border area, where there are no roads, is dangerous because political and criminal violence in Colombia often spills over into Panama.       Leave a photocopy of your passport and your itinerary with a contact in the UK. Keep in touch with your family and let them know of any changes to your travel plans, especially if you are travelling off the beaten track.       Enter next of kin details into the back of your passport.       Check the Foreign and Commonwealth Office Travel Advice.       Don’t carry drugs. The maximum prison sentence for drug trafficking is 15 years. The legal process is very slow and you could wait months in prison before being brought to trial. Prison conditions can be difficult.