Arrested or in prison in Panama
This guide provides information about being arrested in Panama and what conditions are like in prison there.
Contacting the British Embassy in Panama
The British Embassy in Panama can offer help but will not be able to get you out of prison or get you special treatment because you’re British. Find out what help the embassy or consulate can offer.
Family and friends can contact:
- the British Embassy in Panama
- the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) in London on +44 (0)20 7008 5000
British Embassy Panama City
Consular Section
Calle 53 Marbella, Humboldt Tower 4to piso
Ciudad de Panamá, Panamá
Tel: (507) 297-6550
Fax: (507) 297-6588
Website: www.gov.uk/government/world/panama
Working hours:
Monday to Thursday: 08:00 to 16:30 Friday: 08:00 to 13:30
Visits to the Embassy are by appointment only. Please call +507 297 6550 to arrange an appointment
Finding a lawyer and translator
Find a lawyer in Panama
You should carefully consider getting a local Panamanian lawyer. Discuss all costs with them in advance.
Prisoners Abroad has information on appointing a lawyer and legal aid (not specific to Panama
Private lawyers
Check the list of local English-speaking lawyers if you want to appoint your own private lawyer. Ask the British Embassy if you need a paper copy.
Private lawyers will normally ask for a cash advance on their estimated legal fees before taking on a case. Legal costs can vary significantly depending on the complexity of the case. Defendants are usually expected to cover their own legal fees, including interpretation and administrative costs.
Legal aid
If you cannot afford a private lawyer, the Panamanian government will appoint a public defender (defensor público) to represent you. Public defenders are free of charge. They are available to all defendants who do not have private legal representation. You do not usually need to apply separately, as one will be assigned automatically. You may choose to appoint a private lawyer at any time if you are able to do so.
Find a translator or interpreter in Panama
You may need a translator to help you read documents in Spanish about your case.
Do not sign any documents unless you understand them.
You might need an interpreter to help you communicate with your lawyer or at your trial, or for prison visits.
The Panamanian authorities should provide an interpreter during official proceedings, including your statement and trial. However, in practice, access may sometimes be delayed.
Interpreter services are generally provided by the court during hearings. Outside of formal proceedings, you may need to arrange and pay for a private translator.
You can search for an English-speaking translator or interpreter in Panama through the FCDO service directory or by asking the Embassy for assistance.
Search for an English-speaking translator or interpreter in Panama
What happens when you’re arrested in Panama
You can be arrested and taken to a local police station:
- because of an existing arrest warrant
- where there are grounds for issuing an arrest warrant
- if you’re caught in the act of performing a crime
- if it’s expected you’ll leave the country to escape justice
- your identity cannot be confirmed
The police must tell you in English (or a language you understand):
- why you’ve been arrested
- that initial proceedings against you have started
- your rights
Do not sign any documents unless you understand them - you must be given an interpreter if you ask for one.
Your rights
You have the right to:
- remain silent until you have legal advice
- request a lawyer (private or public defender)
- ask for an interpreter
- inform a family member or the British Embassy
- receive medical attention if needed
In practice:
- you may not have immediate access to a lawyer or interpreter, especially in drug-related cases, until shortly before giving your formal statement
- you should insist on speaking to a lawyer before giving any statement
- you are normally allowed one phone call, but access may depend on the facility and circumstances
You will usually be held initially a police station or temporary holding facility (for example in Ancón if arrested at the airport) before being transferred to a prison. Basic conditions vary, but you should have access to food and water.
How long you can be held for
Panamanian law states that you should be brought before a judge within a short period (usually within 24 hours), depending on availability. However, delays can occur depending on availability of judges, lawyers, and interpreters. You may remain in police custody until space is available in a remand prison.
There is no strict maximum time defined in practice for how long you may remain in police holding cells before transfer.
Personal belongings
Your personal belongings will normally be taken from you when you are arrested. Items considered evidence will be retained by the authorities. Other belongings should be listed and stored. In practice, you may not always receive a detailed ticket. Some items may be lost during transfers between facilities. Your passport will be confiscated and later transferred to the British Embassy. You cannot keep your passport in prison.
Going to court
After your arrest, you will usually appear before a judge and prosecutor. At this stage, you may be asked to give a statement. A decision will also be made about your detention.
The judge will decide whether you will:
- be placed on remand (most common outcome for serious offences)
- be released (rare in serious cases)
- face alternative measures (for minor offences only)
You should:
- have legal representation (private or public defender)
- be assisted by an interpreter during hearings
- note that court proceedings are conducted in Spanish
Being put on remand
You may be put on remand if you’re strongly suspected of committing an offence. This means you’ll be put in prison while you wait for the criminal investigation and trial to finish.
How long you can be on remand for
If you are on remand, you will usually remain in custody until your trial. From experience, cases can take around 18 to 24 months to reach trial. Delays are common due to a slow and bureaucratic judicial process and backlog in the courts.
Bail
Serious crimes like drug trafficking don’t have provision for bail. There are bail provisions for other minor offences such as offending a civil servant, damaging public assets, etc. Your lawyer/public defender will be best placed to advise on this matter. We cannot get you out of prison, pay fines or stand bail or interfere in local judicial procedures to get you out of prison nor secure you an earlier trial date; we cannot investigate a crime. The British Embassy cannot transfer funds for bail.
Arriving at prison
When someone is arrested, they will normally remain in a transit facility which can be within the airport or a police station. Subsequent transfer to prison will follow; this may take a few days. Any belongings that are not part of the investigation, process, or evidence will be sent to the prison, if the prison has enough space to keep them. It is unfortunately usual for some belongings to go missing right after arrest or during prison transfers.
The British Embassy cannot store your personal belongings on your behalf. The only property we can keep for you are your passport and driving licence. The authorities will forward your passport to the British Embassy once you have been processed. You cannot have your passport in prison.
Medical checks will be carried out by the prison clinic to assess if you need any treatment for ongoing medical conditions (e.g. blood pressure, diabetes, HIV).
Women must wear white T-shirts and blue trousers.
Men must wear yellow T-shirts and dark trousers or shorts.
Your next-of-kin will not be informed automatically unless you give permission.
Transfers from police custody to prison can take a few days depending on space availability.
Personal belongings
The British Embassy cannot store your personal belongings.
Your prison cell
Cells in Panamanian prisons are generally shared rather than individual. You are usually accommodated in communal cells, and the number of people in each cell depends on its size and the overall population of the prison. In practice, overcrowding is a significant and widespread issue: although the prison system is designed for around 15,000 people, it currently holds close to 24,000. This means that cells often house more prisoners than intended, and some inmates may not have a designated personal space.Sleeping arrangements are basic. Beds are not guaranteed, and in some cases, you may not be provided with a mattress at all. Prisons do not provide bedding such as sheets, blankets, or pillows. Overall, sleeping conditions are inconsistent and depend heavily on the specific prison and wing. You may have your lawyer deliver a sleeping matt when they visit or have it delivered to the Embassy so we can deliver on our next visit.
Facilities within cells are limited and conditions are generally poor. Access to toilets and washing facilities is often rudimentary, and hygiene standards in showers and sanitation areas can be very low. Prisons do not provide essential items such as toiletries, so you must acquire these independently. While most prisons have access to water and electricity, the reliability and quality of these services can vary depending on the location and conditions within each facility.
Men and women are held in separate prisons in Panama. However, due to overcrowding and systemic pressures within the prison system, separation between different categories of prisoners—such as those on remand and those who have been sentenced – is not always clear or consistently enforced in practice.
Contacting the British Embassy in Panama
Local authorities should notify the British Embassy of your arrest.
Medical check-up
If you need medical or dental treatment you should ask to see the prison doctor or dentist. There is an appointment list and pass system. Depending on number of patients, you can either be seen the same day or within a few days. Basic medical attention is free of charge. Most prisons have only a few doctors and very often medicine is not available. It is unlikely that you will be treated by a doctor who speaks English.
If medicine is not available at the prison, you or the prison doctor should contact the Embassy. The cost of prescribed medication must be covered either by you or your family. Or, if you qualify, through Prisoners Abroad´s medical fund.
Prison doctors are often the equivalent of GPs in the UK, so unusual or complex problems may be referred to a specialist outside the prison in a public hospital. Such treatment is often not free. Making an appointment with the public hospital and arranging a security escort can be very bureaucratic. If you face problems arranging a visit with a specialist, you should contact the Embassy to see if they can assist with the process.
If you have a long-standing medical problem and have received treatment for it in the UK, it may be useful if you have your medical records, or at least a report, sent from your doctor in the UK. Your UK doctor can send the report, via the Embassy, addressed to you.
If you suffer from a serious illness or need regular medication and tests, the prison doctor and social worker can arrange a medical appointment at the public hospital. However, there is often lack of coordination between the prison´s doctor and social worker. You should also contact the Embassy as hospital transfer permits can be prolonged without the Embassy´s follow up assistance.
All medical attention is provided by the Panamanian equivalent of the UK National Health System (NHS). As the system is under pressure, people can wait up to 12 months for a doctor’s appointment.
Rights and responsibilities in prison
Prison rules are usually explained informally by prison staff or other inmates rather than through a formal induction.
You are expected to:
- follow prison rules and instructions from staff
- respect other inmates
Sanctions for breaking rules may include:
- loss of privileges
- transfer to a different area
- disciplinary action within the prison
Other important considerations:
- violence, extortion, and corruption can occur in some prisons
- foreign prisoners may be particularly vulnerable
If you experience threats, mistreatment, or violence:
- report this to the prison authorities
- inform the British Embassy if you want them to raise the issue
Visits from family or friends
We advise family members to contact the consular section well in advance so that we can inform the prison governor and try to arrange the visit for you.
You will need to provide the prison authorities with the details (name, passport number, relation to you, dates), of the people visiting you well in advance to secure the special permit.
Visitors enter the prison by themselves, and you can spend time with visitors, often in a patio area. Visitors must identify themselves when they arrive at the prison by showing an identification document containing a photograph (e.g. passport). This is held by the prison and returned at the end of the visit. Visitors will be searched before entering the prison.
How many visits you’re allowed
In most of Panamanian prisons, you are allowed to receive visits every other week.
Arranging visits
If you wish to arrange special visits, please contact your lawyer.
During the visit
Visitors are subject to security procedures, including being searched before entering the prison, and any bags or parcels they bring will be checked.
Prison staff are present during visits. Interpreters are not normally provided for visits, and visitors should not expect privacy.
What visitors can take with them
Visitors can bring prison comforts. All bags and parcels will be searched before entry, and the authorities have the right to withhold items they deem to be unacceptable (see below).
Prohibited items include:
Razors, knives, scissors, sharp objects, computers, laptops, drugs, guns, tobacco, cigarettes, alcohol, cans, grapes, apples, pineapples, glass, metallic items, black long-sleeve shirts with turtlenecks, caps, sunglasses, pornographic materials, mobile phones and mobile phone cards.
The British Embassy will not buy non-essential items such as chocolates, ingredients you may need to prepare food in prison, clothes and materials for workshops.
If you cannot find something in prison and you would like a consular officer to buy it for you, we will buy it at our discretion and only if it is essential for your welfare, ie. toiletries, tampons, vitamins, certain food essential for your welfare in case of illness and which is not available in prison. The cost will be deducted from your funds. The Embassy will not cover the cost or exchange items, even if you are not entirely happy with the item or brand bought so please be as specific as you can.
Visits from consular staff
During the visits of a consular officer to the prison, you will have the opportunity to discuss any health issues, security concerns, your treatment in prison and any other general issues that you wish to raise with our consular staff. If there is any information that you would prefer not to disclose to a relative, you should let the consular officer know during the visit.
Money
The British Embassy does not provide financial assistance.
Money transfers from family or friends
You may well need to pay for things in Panamanian prisons. However, we strongly advise you not to make it evident if they have access to regular funds (keep cash deliveries to a minimum, always make them through the Embassy, advise visitors/family not to send/deliver expensive gifts or large parcels).
Foreign prisoners are usually considered to be rich. As a result, they are sometimes targeted by gangs within the prison and are therefore likely to be victims of theft and extortion. Incurring debts in prison, especially for drugs, is not advised. Daily interest rates on debts are usually extremely high.
There are 2 ways in which you can receive financial assistance while in prison:
- private funds: transferred to you by your family or friends. See below for instructions on how to send funds
- Prisoners Abroad: If your family can’t support you financially, Prisoners Abroad may be able to send a small monthly grant for the purchase of food and other essentials. These funds would be delivered by the Embassy.
Prisons only allow maximum of 40.00 USD in cash to enter. If you would like to send someone to collect the funds on your behalf, please contact the Embassy first to ensure that the funds are available and to provide the consular staff with the details of the person who will collect them.
Please note that our consular staff cannot be responsible for the loss of funds by the Prison authorities or inmates.
Options for family/friends to transfer funds through the FCDO
Please note that we can only advance funds to the detainee overseas, once payment has cleared in our account.
1. Electronic bank transfers
Contact your bank to arrange:
-
a “BACS” transfer usually takes 3 to 5 working days to clear in our account. Some banks do not charge for this service. If you have internet or telephone banking, you may be able to arrange this without visiting your bank
-
a “CHAPS” transfer is usually received in our account within 12 to 24 hours. You will normally need to visit your bank to and banks normally charge for this service
2. By post
Payments by Postal Order, Bankers Draft or Building Society cheque should be crossed and make payable to “The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office”. Please ensure that you include a note briefly explaining who the money is for and why.
If you would like a receipt, please include a stamped addressed envelope.
Please note that personal cheques can take up to 15 working days to process and clear before we can advance funds. We do not accept Card payments, or cash sent in the post.
Prison accounts
Prison systems in Panama do not always operate formal personal accounts in the same way as in the UK. In practice, money is often held in cash or managed informally, and you may need to purchase items directly within the prison. You may need funds to buy food from prison shops or other inmates and purchase toiletries and basic goods. Consider avoiding displaying that you have regular access to money, that you carry expensive items or large parcels and do not incur debts, especially related to drugs. Debts in prison often carry very high interest and can lead to serious risks, including threats or violence
Prison conditions and financial systems vary between prisons. If you want someone to collect money on your behalf you must inform the Embassy in advance and you will need to provide details of the authorised person
How to make a complaint about mistreatment
The British Embassy can help if you have been mistreated or abused in a detention facility, and it will take all complaints seriously. You should inform the Embassy first if you decide to make a formal complaint. Consular staff will ask for your permission before taking any action on your behalf.
In Panama, there is no single, formal prison complaints system that operates consistently across all facilities. If you experience mistreatment, you can raise concerns directly with prison authorities, such as prison officers or the prison director. However, responses can vary depending on the prison, and there may be delays or limited follow-up.
You can also contact the national ombudsman’s office, the Defensoría del Pueblo (500-9800), which is responsible for overseeing human rights issues. They can receive complaints about prison conditions, abuse, or misconduct by authorities. Complaints can usually be made by phone or through written submissions, although access from within prison may be limited.
If you feel unsafe or unable to raise a complaint locally, you should request that the British Embassy raise the issue with the authorities on your behalf. The Embassy can make formal representations and monitor your situation, but it cannot investigate the case or enforce outcomes.
Your investigation and trial in Panama
The Embassy cannot interfere with the Panamanian judicial system. We cannot ask for your case to be judged more quickly or ask the authorities to waive any penalties.
The Panamanian justice system is different from the UK system. It is based on an inquisitorial approach, meaning that judges and prosecutors play an active role in investigating and evaluating the evidence. There is no jury system. Cases are often slow and administrative processes can be lengthy and bureaucratic.
After your arrest, the prosecutor (Ministerio Público) is responsible for investigating the case. This may include gathering evidence, taking witness statements, and questioning you. You have the right to remain silent until you have legal representation, and it is strongly recommended that you do not give a statement without a lawyer present.
The investigation stage can take a considerable amount of time. Once the prosecutor considers there is sufficient evidence, the case will proceed to trial. You, your lawyer, and the prison authorities will be formally notified of the charges.
Your trial will take place before a judge or a panel of judges. The hearing will include the prosecutor, your lawyer, court officials, and an interpreter if required. All proceedings are conducted in Spanish. The court is responsible for arranging an interpreter, although delays may occur if one is not immediately available.
During the trial, evidence will be presented and examined. You may attend in person or appear via video link. All relevant parties must be present for the hearing to proceed; otherwise, it may be postponed.
If you are found guilty, the court will issue a sentence. The length of the sentence will depend on the offence. For example, drug trafficking offences typically carry sentences of between 8 and 15 years. Any time you have already spent in custody will usually be deducted from your final sentence
Remember, you should never sign anything you cannot read. If you find yourself under pressure to sign, ask to speak to the British Embassy.
The British Embassy cannot interfere with the Panamanian judicial system. It cannot ask for your case to be judged more quickly just because you are British or ask authorities to waive any penalties.
Choice of court
In Panama, the court that hears your case depends on the stage of the criminal process and the seriousness of the offence. The criminal justice system operates under an accusatory system with different types of judges involved at each stage.
During the investigation stage, your case will be overseen by a Juez de Garantías (Guarantees Judge). This judge does not decide guilt or innocence but is responsible for supervising the legality of the investigation and protecting your rights. They authorise measures such as detention, searches, and other actions requested by the prosecutor.
If your case proceeds beyond the investigation stage, it will move to trial before a Tribunal de Juicio (Trial Court). This court is responsible for hearing the evidence, examining witnesses, and delivering a verdict. Trials are conducted in Spanish and decided by professional judges rather than a jury.
If you are convicted and sentenced, aspects of your sentence may later be handled by a Juez de Cumplimiento (Sentence Enforcement Judge). This judge oversees the execution of the sentence, including conditions of detention and any administrative matters related to imprisonment.
Beyond these stages, Panama has a broader judicial hierarchy. Appeals against decisions are generally made to higher courts, such as the Tribunales Superiores (Appeal Courts) and, ultimately, the Corte Suprema de Justicia (Supreme Court), which is the highest judicial authority in the country.
Most serious criminal cases involving foreign nationals—particularly drug-related offences – are handled within this system and may involve several stages and authorities before reaching an outcome.
You will be informed by your lawyer or the court authorities which judge, or court is responsible for your case at each stage. Your lawyer is the best person to explain how your specific case will proceed through the system.
The criminal process in Panama follows a structured sequence of stages that move from investigation through to trial and sentencing. It usually begins with an arrest or the filing of a complaint, after which the Public Prosecutor’s Office (Ministerio Público) takes responsibility for directing the investigation. In the initial phase, the authorities gather evidence, identify suspects, and assess whether a criminal offence has been committed.
If sufficient evidence is found, the prosecutor will request a hearing before a Juez de Garantías (Guarantees Judge). At this stage, known as the formulación de imputación, you are formally informed of the charges against you. The judge will confirm your rights and decide whether you should remain in detention or be subject to other precautionary measures. In serious cases, particularly drug-related offences, this usually results in pre-trial detention.
Following this hearing, the case enters the formal investigation phase, during which the prosecutor continues to collect and strengthen the evidence. This may include witness statements, expert reports, and additional investigative actions. Your defence lawyer may also submit evidence and challenge the prosecution’s case during this period. This stage is subject to legal time limits, although delays and extensions are common.
Once the investigation is complete, the process moves into the intermediate phase. At this stage, the prosecutor submits a formal accusation (acusación) if they believe there is enough evidence to proceed. A judge reviews the evidence presented by both sides and decides whether the case should go to trial. The judge also determines which evidence will be allowed during the trial.
If the case proceeds, it goes to the oral trial stage before a Tribunal de Juicio (Trial Court). During the trial, the prosecution presents its case, and the defence responds. Witnesses and experts are called and examined, and all evidence is presented and tested in court. There is no jury system in Panama; instead, professional judges hear the case and make the final decision. The proceedings are conducted in Spanish, and an interpreter should be provided if needed.
At the conclusion of the trial, the judges issue a verdict, deciding whether you are guilty or not guilty based on the evidence presented. If you are found guilty, the court proceeds to the sentencing stage, where it determines the appropriate penalty depending on the seriousness of the offence and the circumstances of the case. Any time already spent in detention is normally deducted from the final sentence.
After sentencing, the case enters the sentence enforcement stage, overseen by a Juez de Cumplimiento, who monitors how the sentence is carried out until completion.
Completion of investigations
Once the formal investigation phase has been carried out, the Public Prosecutor’s Office (Ministerio Público) must decide whether there is sufficient evidence to proceed with the case. During the investigation, the prosecutor gathers and reviews all relevant material, including witness statements, documentary evidence, expert reports, and any physical evidence obtained. The defence can present its own evidence and challenge the prosecution’s findings at this stage.
The investigation is considered complete when the prosecutor determines that enough evidence has been collected either to support a formal accusation or to discontinue the proceedings. If the evidence is considered insufficient, the prosecutor may request that the case be closed and no further action taken. If, however, the prosecutor believes there is a sufficient basis for prosecution, they will move the case forward by submitting a formal accusation (acusación) against the accused.
At this point, the case transitions from the investigation phase into the intermediate phase, where a judge will review the evidence and decide whether the case should proceed to trial. The completion of the investigation is therefore a key stage in the process, as it determines whether the case continues or is dismissed
Sentences
Financial penalties are rare in the Panamanian judicial system. They will normally be waived by the authorities if they have been imposed on a foreign national.
After the court hearing, a sentence is given by the secretary of the court. For all drug trafficking and possession offences, the sentence must be reviewed by the Provincial Court of Justice. This is a slow process which could take at least 2 months.
The Law on Narcotics states that international drug trafficking and possession offences attract a sentence of 8 to 15 years.
Time spent in custody is deductible from the final sentence.
Upon completion of sentence, a release warrant will be issued by the relevant criminal court. The prison governor will submit an order to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, which is responsible for deportation. In theory, you are not allowed to stay in Panama after your release. However, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs should arrange a hearing to authorise or refuse a request for deportation. At this stage, you (and/or lawyer) could present a bid to remain in Panama, usually on humanitarian grounds (if family involved).
You should have a passport and air ticket before arranging deportation. If the above documents are not available, the criminal court will submit a remand detention order until the detainee gets all required documents to leave the country. Youwill be transferred to the Immigration Detention Centre until they are ready to be deported.
Making an appeal
You have the right to appeal their sentence to the Provincial Court of Justice through their lawyers. However, the appeal process is very slow and can lead to delays in finalising a sentence. There is a further appeal revision before the National Court which can be just as slow. In any case, obtaining the advice of your lawyer is strongly recommended. Panama does not offer early release benefits to foreign nationals. In Panama, pardon/clemency can only be granted by the President. A pardon/clemency means that although the prison sentence will end the person will still have a criminal record.
Prison conditions in Panama
There are 17 prisons in Panama City with an overall capacity for 15,000 prisoners. However, there are almost 24,000 prisoners and over-crowding is a major problem. Women’s prisons are separate to the men’s. The main cause of overcrowding is the high rate of pre-trial detention, the lengthy delays in completing the judicial process and the prisons being too small for the large population.
You should also be aware that the conditions of toilets and showers are extremely poor in Panamanian prisons. Prisons do not provide toiletries nor clothing or linens. You may purchase these items from the prison shop or have your lawyer deliver them when they visit or have them delivered to the Embassy so we can deliver on our next visit.
Even though permanent searches to confiscate weapons are carried out, the latter are in free circulation inside prisons. Extortion is a big problem, especially against foreign prisoners. Corruption is still perceivable at any level: either legal or penitentiary.
If you experience serious harassment, threats or violence you should report this to the Embassy as soon as possible. We can take up allegations of mistreatment against a British national with the prison authorities. However, we will only raise concerns if you request that we do so.
Letters and packages
Friends and family can send mail and parcels to the Embassy, and we deliver to the prison on our regular visits. The Embassy cannot forward mail on your behalf back to the UK.
All letters will be opened and checked by consular and prison staff before they are given to you to check for prohibited items. Consular officers will not read the contents.
Mail cannot be sent directly to the prison from the UK since there is no postal system in the prison.
We will reply to written correspondence of a serious nature within 20 working days. Please raise any problems with Embassy staff during consular visits.
If you would like your family to contact you, they can do so via our contact form:GOV.UK - Do you need emergency help?. Please ask them to title their email with your full name and the name of the prison you are detained in. The messages will be forwarded to you within 20 working days.
Stamps and stationery
There is no structured postal system within Panamanian prisons, so you don’t typically have direct access to stamps. Instead, all incoming mail is sent to the British Embassy, which then is delivered to you during consular visits. As a result, you don’t generally need to purchase stamps for receiving correspondence, and there is no clear provision for buying stamps or stationery within the prison itself.
Because post cannot be sent directly to prisons, friends and relatives are not able to send stamps to you by post. All correspondence must go via the Embassy, where it is checked and forwarded. Any items included in letters or parcels are subject to inspection, and prohibited items will not be passed on to you. Overall, communication by mail is limited and controlled, and you will rely largely on the Embassy system rather than direct postal services within the prison.
Checks on your mail
Prison authorities in Panama will open and check incoming mail, but consular guidance states that this is done to ensure that no prohibited items are included. While letters are screened by both consular and prison staff, the contents of correspondence are not normally read by consular officers, although prison authorities may inspect them as part of routine security procedures.
Because all mail must first be sent to the British Embassy and then delivered during consular visits, there are significant delays in receiving correspondence. The guidance indicates that messages and communications sent via official channels can take up to around 20 working days to be processed and passed on. This means that censorship and administrative handling do contribute to delays, although the main cause is the indirect delivery system rather than censorship alone.
Telephone calls
This depends on the prison. There are usually public telephones inside prisons which inmates can use with telephone cards, which you must pay for. It is not possible to receive calls. According to Panamanian law prisoners, you can’t have access to mobile phones.
Video calls
You can request a video call with a consular officer to raise any concerns.
Emergency trips outside prison
In Panama, it is not common for you to be granted temporary release from prison to attend funerals or visit seriously ill relatives. There is no routine or guaranteed provision for compassionate leave of this kind, and such requests are considered exceptional rather than standard practice.
Any request to leave the prison temporarily would require authorisation from the prison authorities and the Panamanian Prison Service and would normally need to be supported by compelling evidence, such as medical documentation or proof of death. Applications are usually made through the prison administration, often with the involvement of your lawyer. Even when an application is submitted, approval is discretionary and refusals are common.
Where permission is granted, you would always remain under strict supervision by prison or police authorities during the outing. Security considerations play a major role in decision‑making, and risks such as escape, public safety, or outstanding legal matters are likely to weigh heavily against approval.
Because of these limitations, you should not expect to be allowed to leave prison for compassionate reasons. Consular staff can explain the process and, where appropriate, raise enquiries with the authorities, but they cannot influence or override local decisions. You are advised to seek legal advice if they wish to pursue such a request.
Food and diet
Prisoners in Panama are provided with free meals by the prison, generally three times a day, although the quality and consistency can vary depending on the prison and available resources. The food is basic and repetitive, and other inmates have reported that it is insufficient to meet their dietary needs over time.
The standard prison diet is largely rice‑based, often accompanied by small portions of beans or other staples, with limited protein. Diet is nutritionally limited and not well balanced.
Clean drinking water is generally available, but conditions can vary between prisons. Prisoners may need to rely on their own containers and take precautions depending on local conditions and infrastructure. Overall, access to adequate nutrition and hydration often depends on a prisoner’s ability to supplement what the prison provides.
Special diets
Special diets in Panamanian prisons are very limited. The prison system does not routinely provide diets for religious or lifestyle reasons, such as Halal, Kosher, vegetarian, or vegan diets. Requests based on personal preference or religion are generally not accommodated.
A special diet may be provided only on medical grounds, for example for prisoners with conditions such as diabetes or high blood pressure, and this must usually be supported by a medical recommendation from the prison doctor. Even then, the range and quality of food provided under a special diet may still be limited.
Vegetarian or vegan diets are not recognised as medical needs, and prisoners following these diets will usually need to supplement their food themselves. This typically requires access to personal funds to buy additional food from the prison shop or, where possible, from outside sources.
Prison shop
Most prisons in Panama have a prison shop (often called a commissary), but it is usually run by other inmates rather than directly by the prison authorities. Access to the shop depends on the prison, the wing, and internal arrangements, and availability can be inconsistent.
The range of items available in prison shops is limited. You can usually buy extra food to supplement the basic prison diet, as well as toiletries such as soap and hygiene products. Some shops may sell basic personal items, but availability varies and stock is often irregular. Items such as stamps, stationery, or telephone cards are not reliably available, and you should not assume they can obtain these through the prison shop. Clothing may be available in some prisons, but options are limited and not guaranteed.
Prison shop opening times are not fixed or standardised. Shops generally operate according to local prison rules and inmate‑run schedules, and access may depend on security conditions, staffing levels, and overcrowding. As a result, you may not be able to shop regularly or predictably.
Because of these limitations, prisoners who have access to funds often rely on a combination of prison shops, items brought in by visitors, or supplies delivered via lawyers or the Embassy to meet their basic needs
Showers and hygiene
Prisoners in Panama generally have access to washing facilities, but there is no guaranteed or fixed number of times per week that prisoners can shower or bathe. Access to showers depends on the prison, the wing, water availability, and local conditions. In practice, prisoners’ ability to wash regularly can be inconsistent and may be affected by overcrowding and infrastructure problems.
Shower and bathing facilities are usually communal rather than private. Prisoners typically share shower areas with others from their wing or pavilion, and there is little privacy. These shared facilities are often basic and subject to heavy use.
The overall condition of showers and toilets in Panamanian prisons is described as very poor. Sanitation facilities are often inadequately maintained, and hygiene standards can be low. Prisoners should expect limited cleanliness and occasional shortages of water or functioning facilities, depending on the prison.
Prison authorities do not provide toiletries such as soap, shampoo, toothpaste, or toilet paper. Prisoners are responsible for obtaining all personal hygiene items themselves.
Work and study
Prisoners in Panama can work while in prison, but work opportunities are limited and not available to everyone. Employment is not compulsory, and many prisoners are unable to obtain work due to a shortage of available jobs and high demand.
The types of work available are generally basic and practical. These may include jobs such as kitchen work, cleaning duties, food distribution, carpentry workshops, or informal roles such as teaching English. Some voluntary activities also exist, including work in workshops where prisoners may sell items they produce, although they usually must cover the cost of materials themselves.
There is often a waiting list for prison jobs, particularly for more desirable roles such as kitchen or workshop positions. Access to work can depend not only on availability but also on internal prison dynamics, including personal connections.
In most cases, prisoners need to speak Spanish to obtain a prison job. This can be a significant barrier for foreign nationals, who therefore have fewer employment opportunities than local prisoners.
Payment for prison work is limited and inconsistent. Some jobs are unpaid, while others may offer small amounts of money or other informal benefits. Earnings are generally low and should not be relied upon as a primary means of financial support
Books, languages, activities and study
Contact between prisoners in Panama is not generally restricted as a form of punishment and, in practice, much daily life takes place in shared and communal settings. Prisoners spend time together in cells, patios, and exercise yards, and interaction with other inmates is a normal part of prison life. There are no clearly defined schedules setting out specific times when contact is permitted, and the extent of interaction largely depends on the prison, the wing (“pabellón”), security conditions, and overcrowding rather than formal rules.
Foreign prisoners are not usually placed with other English‑speaking inmates, and accommodation is not organised by language. Most guards and prison staff do not speak English, and prisoners should expect to communicate mainly in Spanish. While some prisoners may be able to teach English informally, access to official language classes depends on the prison and availability. Spanish courses are offered in some prisons, but places can be limited and subject to waiting lists.
Access to communication tools is limited. Prisoners may have access to public telephones inside the prison, which can be used with prepaid telephone cards if the prisoner has sufficient funds. Prisoners cannot receive incoming calls, and mobile phones and internet access are prohibited. Writing materials can be obtained by prisoners themselves, usually through purchase or donations, but they are not provided as standard by the prison.
Prisoners are allowed to own or watch a television if they can afford one and if they receive permission from the prison director. However, having valuable items such as televisions or radios may attract unwanted attention from other inmates, and guards may require informal payments to allow such items in cells.
There is no formal prison library system in Panamanian prisons. However, English‑language books and magazines are sometimes available through donations from the Embassy, residents, tourists, or Prisoners Abroad. Prisoners cannot order books or newspapers directly from outside through a prison postal system, but donated materials may circulate informally within the prison.
Cultural, educational, and social activities are limited and vary between prisons. Some study opportunities, workshops, and informal activities exist, often organised by prisoners themselves. Participation in work or study can be viewed positively, as it may count towards sentence reduction, although only one activity (work or study) can be credited at a time. Opportunities are constrained by availability, overcrowding, and resources, and not all prisoners will be able to take part.
Courses and study
Prisons in Panama do offer some educational courses, but opportunities are limited and vary from prison to prison. Study programmes are usually part of the Panamanian public education system and may include basic schooling, Spanish language courses, and, in some prisons, limited vocational or professional training. Access depends on availability, waiting lists, and internal prison arrangements.
Study tools are available only to a limited extent. Prisons may provide access to classes following the national curriculum, but resources such as textbooks, learning materials, and teaching staff are often scarce. Where materials are not available, prisoners may need to rely on donated resources or items obtained with their own funds.
Prisoners can study for qualifications while imprisoned, particularly at basic or secondary education level, and successful completion of a school year can count towards a reduction in sentence. However, opportunities for higher‑level or specialised qualifications are very limited and not available to all prisoners.
In most cases, prisoners need to speak Spanish to participate in education programmes, as courses are delivered in the local language. This can be a significant barrier for foreign nationals, especially at the start of their sentence. Spanish language classes may be available in some prisons, but places are limited.
There is no indication that prison authorities formally support or recognise postal or distance learning arrangements from outside institutions. Given the lack of a direct prison postal system and restrictions on materials entering prisons, arrangements for postal studies are unlikely to be straightforward and would require approval from prison authorities on a case‑by‑case basis.
Exercise
Prisoners in Panama generally have access to outdoor areas, but there is no fixed rule on the number of hours they are allowed outside each day. Time outdoors typically takes place in the prison “patio” or exercise yard, and access can depend on the prison’s internal routines, security situation, and overcrowding. As a result, the amount of time prisoners spend outside may vary and is not always guaranteed on a consistent daily basis
Clothing
Prisoners are expected to wear simple, standard clothing: for example, men typically wear yellow T‑shirts with dark trousers or shorts, and women wear white T‑shirts with blue trousers. These requirements function as a basic uniform within the prison. In practice, prisoners generally wear this type of clothing while inside the prison, rather than only for specific occasions such as court appearances.
Clothing is not provided according to climate needs. As prisons do not supply clothing at all, prisoners must ensure they obtain suitable items themselves. Panama has a warm climate, but prisoners still need to secure appropriate clothing through family, lawyers, or prison sources if needed.
Prisoners are usually able to use their own clothes, provided they comply with prison rules. Clothing can be obtained through several means: it can be purchased from prison shops (run by inmates), brought in by visitors subject to checks, or delivered via lawyers or the Embassy.
Certain items of clothing are strictly prohibited. These include black long‑sleeve shirts with turtlenecks, as well as accessories such as caps and sunglasses. Other restricted items relate more broadly to security (for example, anything considered unsafe or inappropriate by prison authorities).
Family and friends are generally allowed to bring or send clothing, but all items are subject to search and approval by prison authorities on entry. Items may be confiscated if they are not permitted, so it is advisable to check in advance what is allowed.
Religion
Prisoners in Panama are generally able to practise their religion. Religious representatives, including priests and members of local church groups or non-governmental organisations, visit some prisons on an occasional basis, which provides prisoners with opportunities to take part in religious activities or receive spiritual support.
Prisoners may request visits from a priest or minister of their faith, although these visits are not guaranteed to be regular and may depend on whether such representatives are available and permitted access to the prison. Religious support therefore tends to be intermittent rather than structured or routine.
There is no indication that prisons in Panama are formally staffed by dedicated religious ministers. Instead, religious services and support are generally provided by external visitors rather than permanent prison staff.
Access to religious materials such as books is not specifically detailed in the guidance. However, prisoners can receive reading materials, including books and magazines – often donated by the Embassy, local residents, or charitable organisations – which may include religious texts depending on availability.
Overall, while prisoners can maintain their religious practices to some extent, the level of access to services, ministers, and materials may vary considerably between prisons.
Mobile phones
Mobile phones are not allowed in Panamanian prisons.
Transferring to another prison
Transferring to a prison in the UK
You may be able to apply to transfer to a prison in the UK.
British nationals imprisoned in Panama may be able to apply to transfer to a prison in the UK. Panama has ratified the Strasbourg Convention on the Transfer of Sentenced Persons, which allows transfers to the UK and some British Overseas Territories, but there is no automatic right to transfer. Each request is considered on a case‑by‑case basis, and both Panama and the UK must agree to the transfer.
To be eligible to apply, criminal proceedings must be complete. This means prisoners cannot apply if they are awaiting trial or the outcome of an appeal. The offence must also be recognised as a criminal offence in the UK, and there must be no outstanding fines. Other conditions may apply.
Applications are made by submitting a transfer request form, which is usually available from the prison governor in both English and Spanish. Forms can also be obtained from the British Embassy. Once submitted, the request is considered by the Panamanian authorities, the UK Ministry of Justice, and HM Prison Service. The process is slow and bureaucratic and can take up to two years.
If approved, HM Prison Service arranges and funds the transfer, although the prisoner is required to sign an undertaking to repay the cost of the flight (UTR). On return to the UK, men are initially taken to Wandsworth Prison and women to Holloway Prison for assessment before onward allocation. UK release rules will apply after transfer, which may result in an earlier release date than if the sentence were served in Panama.
Transferring to a prison in Panama
It is possible to transfer to another prison within Panama, but transfers are not routine and require authorisation from the Panamanian Prison Service (Dirección del Sistema Penitenciario) and the relevant prison directors.
Transfers are normally approved only in exceptional circumstances, such as serious medical needs, safety concerns, or compassionate grounds. Prison authorities are generally reluctant to approve transfers where the purpose is to escape debts or conflicts within a prison.
Prisoners who wish to apply for a transfer should raise the request with the British Embassy, who can submit a written request to the prison authorities on their behalf. However, approval is discretionary, and there is no guarantee that a request will be granted.
Early release
Reduction of sentence (remission)
There is limited formal provision for sentence reduction in Panama.
Clemency or pardon
In Panama, pardon/clemency can only be granted by the President. A pardon/clemency means that although the prison sentence will end the person will still have a criminal record.
Release and deportation
You can contact the British Embassy if you need help when you’re released. You will usually be deported.
Deportation
Foreign nationals are generally expected to be deported after completing their sentence in Panama. In principle, prisoners are not permitted to remain in the country once they have served their sentence. However, there may be limited circumstances in which an individual can request permission to stay, usually on humanitarian grounds (for example, where close family ties exist in Panama).
At the end of a sentence, once a release warrant has been issued by the court, the prison governor will refer the case to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, which is responsible for deportation. If the necessary documents—such as a valid passport and flight ticket—are not yet in place, the individual may continue to be detained. In these cases, they are typically transferred to an immigration detention centre while arrangements are made for their removal from the country. The length of time spent there depends on how quickly travel documents and flights can be organised.
There is limited detailed information available about conditions inside immigration detention centres. However, they are custodial environments where freedom is restricted, as detainees are held until deportation arrangements are finalised. The level of freedom and conditions may differ from prison, but individuals should expect continued detention rather than release into the community.
The document does not specify a formal requirement for the Embassy to contact prisoners shortly before the end of their sentence specifically to explain deportation procedures. However, consular staff maintain regular contact with prisoners and can provide guidance on release, deportation, and available support services, including assistance from organisations such as Prisoners Abroad where applicable.
Prisoners may have an opportunity to challenge or make representations regarding deportation, particularly during the process managed by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. For example, they (or their lawyer) can present a case to remain in Panama on humanitarian or family grounds, although approval is at the discretion of the authorities.
Long-term residents do not automatically have the right to remain in Panama after serving a sentence. While it is possible to apply to stay, such requests are considered on a case-by-case basis and are not commonly granted. In most cases, foreign nationals should expect to be deported after completing their sentence
Flights to the UK
Flights to the UK after release are not automatically arranged or paid for by the Panamanian authorities. Prisoners are generally expected to have a valid passport and an airline ticket before deportation or return to the UK can take place. If these documents are not available at the end of the sentence, release may be delayed and the individual may remain in detention until travel arrangements are completed.
If you are being deported, responsibility for arranging and paying for the flight usually rests with the prisoner themselves or with family or friends. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs oversees the deportation process, but this does not normally include funding travel. Prisoners (or their representatives) are therefore advised to plan for travel costs well in advance of release.
If you cannot afford a flight to the UK, they are likely to remain in detention after completing their sentence until the necessary documents and funds are in place. In such cases, individuals may be transferred to an immigration detention centre rather than being released from custody. The length of time spent there depends on how quickly a passport and flight can be arranged.
the embassy cannot routinely pay for flights, but consular staff can provide guidance on the process, help with obtaining travel documents, and signpost support where available. In some circumstances, organisations such as Prisoners Abroad may be able to offer limited practical assistance or advice, but this support is not guaranteed and does not usually extend to paying for flights
Getting a passport
Make sure your British passport is still in date. Contact the British embassy before you’re released if you need an emergency travel document for your journey home.
Useful Spanish words and phrases
Important phrases
- I would like to see a doctor / Me gustaria ver a un doctor
- I would like to visit a social worker / Me gustaria visitar a un/una trabajadora social
- I would like to contact the Embassy / Me gustaria contactar a la Embajada Británica
- I would like to contact my lawyer / Me gustaría contactar a mi abogado/a
Useful legal terms
| A | |
|---|---|
| Abrogation | Derogación |
| Access to file (by Lawyer) | Acceso al expediente |
| Accomplice | Cómplice |
| Accused (with charges) | Imputado |
| Acquitted | Absuelto |
| Adjudication | Fallo / sentencia |
| Administration of justice | Administración de Justicia |
| Amnesty | Amnistía |
| Anti Narcotics Police Station | Jefatura de Antinarcóticos |
| Appeal | Apelación |
| Appeal - trial court decision is appealed directly to the National Court, by “jumping” over the intermediate court of appeals. | Casación |
| Appeal for error | Apelar por error |
| Appeal or complaint | Apelación o queja |
| Application | Aplicación |
| Application forms (prison) | Formulario de aplicación |
| Army | Ejército |
| Assessment of evidence | Evaluación de pruebas y evidencias (pruebas materiales, testimoniales y documentales) |
| Attorney General´s Office | Fiscalía General del Estado |
| B | |
|---|---|
| Blood test | Exámen de sangre |
| Board of prison governors | Comité |
| C | |
|---|---|
| Cell | Celda |
| Charge | Acusación / alegato |
| Chief Prosecutor | Fiscal General |
| Civil party in criminal trial | Parte civil en juicio penal |
| Clemency / pardon | Indulto |
| Complaints system | Sistema de denuncias / demandas |
| Completed file | Expediente completo |
| Compulsory prosecution | Enjuiciamiento obligatorio |
| Consent | Consentimiento |
| Convicted | Condenado / sentenciado |
| Conviction | Condena / sentencia |
| Corporal | Cabo / corporal |
| Country ban (order issued which prohibits a person who has been deported or expelled from returning) | Prohibición de regresar al país |
| (orden de arraigo) | |
| Court appearance | Comparecencia ante el tribunal |
| Court file reference | Referencia del expediente del juicio |
| Courthouse | Tribunal / Juzgado |
| Criminal code | Código de Procedimiento Penal |
| Criminal code procedure | Código de Ejecución de penas y rehabilitación social |
| Criminal Court | Tribunal de Garantías Penales |
| Criminal prosecution | Enjuiciamiento penal |
| Criminal record | Record policial |
| Custody hearing | Audiencia preliminar |
| Custody order | Orden de prisión preventiva |
| D | |
|---|---|
| Danger of absconding | Peligro de fugarse |
| Danger of interfering with the course of justice | Peligro de interferir con el procedimiento de justicia / procedimiento legal |
| Danger of repeated criminal offences | Riesgo de reincidencia |
| Deportation | Deportación |
| Deportation order | Orden de deportación |
| Dismiss charges | Descargar / descartar cargos o acusación |
| Duty of obedience | Deber de obediencia |
| E | |
|---|---|
| Early release benefit | Pre-libertad |
| Panamanian Prison Service | Direccion del Sistema Penitenciario |
| Escort | Escoltar / escolta |
| Expert Witness | Testigo |
| Expulsion | Expulsión |
| Extradition | Extradición |
| F | |
|---|---|
| Federal Police | Policía Nacional |
| Fever | Fiebre |
| File | Expediente |
| Final public trial | Juicio (público) |
| Food poisoning | Intoxicación estomacal |
| G | |
|---|---|
| Greater Criminal Court | Corte Nacional de Justicia |
| Guarding (a prison) | Custodia en la prisión |
| Guilty | Culpable |
| H | |
|---|---|
| Hand cuffed | Esposado |
| Hearing (first) | Primera audiencia |
| High Court | Corte Provincial de Justicia |
| Higher Regional Court | Corte Provincial de Justicia (superior) |
| Human rights | Derechos humanos |
| Hunger strike | Huelga de hambre |
| I | |
|---|---|
| Imprisoned | Detenido / encarcelado / recluído |
| Imprisonment | Detención / encarcelamiento / reclusión |
| Imprisonment after conviction | Encarcelamiento después de ser sentenciado / condenado |
| Indictment | Denuncia / acusación / proceso |
| Insubordination to officer | Desobediencia a la autoridad / insubordinación |
| Interpreter | Intérprete |
| Investigation | Investigación / Indagación |
| J | |
|---|---|
| Jeopardise | Poner en peligro |
| Judge | Juez |
| Judgement | Sentencia / juzgamiento / dictámen |
| Judgement Final and enforceable | Sentencia en firme y ejecutoriada |
| Judicial Police | Policía Judicial |
| Jurisdiction (Criminal) Entities | Órganos de la Jurisdicción Penal: Corte Nacional de Justicia (CNJ)/ Salas Especializadas de lo Penal de la CNJ / Corte Provincial de Justicia / Jueces de Garantías Penales / Tribunal de Garantías Penales. |
| Juvenile prison | Cárcel de menores |
| L | |
|---|---|
| Lawyer | Abogado |
| Lawyers´charges | Honorarios del abogado |
| Lay Judges | Disponer los jueces |
| Lay Judges Court | Disponer los jueces del tribunal |
| Legal Aid / Pro Bono Lawyer | Defensor Público |
| Legal Clerk | Empleado jurídico / legal |
| Legal remedy | Recurso legal |
| Local prison rules | Reglas carcelarias |
| Local State Court | Tribunal Penal |
| M | |
|---|---|
| Major offence | Delito mayor |
| Malnutrition | Desnutrición |
| Marital Visit | Visita conyugal |
| Minimal (guilt) | Culpabilidad mínima |
| Ministry of Justice (and Human Rights) | Ministerio de Justicia (y Derechos Humanos) |
| Minor offence | Delito mínimo |
| Misdemeanour | Falta / mala conducta |
| Mistreatment/ Torture | Maltrato / tortura |
| Money earned in prison | Dinero ganado en prisión |
| N | |
|---|---|
| Notary | Notaría |
| O | |
|---|---|
| Officer of the Court | Funcionario de la Corte/Juzgado |
| Opposition | Oposición |
| Out-of-court settlement | Resolución |
| P | |
|---|---|
| Parole (conditional release) | Libertad condicional |
| Pardon | Indulto |
| Pay off debts | Pagar deudas |
| Penal order | Reglamento penal |
| Penal proceeding | Trámite/procedimiento penal |
| Penitentiary system | Sistema penitenciario / carcelario |
| Permanent (indefinite) detention | Detención en firme |
| Permit, entitlement | Permiso / calificado / acreditado |
| Personal money in prison | Dinero personal |
| Physical examination | Exámen físico |
| Plaintiff | Demandante |
| Police Headquarters | Intendencia General de Policía |
| Police Officer | Oficial de Policía |
| Power of Attorney | Poder legal |
| Preliminary detention | Aprehensión |
| Presiding Judge | Juez dirigente |
| Presumption of innocence | Se presume inocente |
| Preventive detention | Prisión preventiva |
| Prison | Prisión / cárcel / centro carcelario |
| Prison administration | Administración carcelaria |
| Prison Assessment Unit | Departamento de Diagnóstico y Evaluación |
| Prison court | Comitiva de la prisión |
| Prison Director | Director de la prisión / centro de rehabilitación social |
| Prison house rules | Reglamento interno de la prisión |
| Prison rules regarding supervised visit | Reglas de la prisión referente a las visitas supervisadas |
| Prison Guard | Guía/guardia penitenciario / guardia carcelario |
| Prison Warden | Jefe de guías |
| Prisoners | Presos / internos (inmates) |
| Private prosecution | Enjuiciamiento privado |
| Procedural complaint | Denuncia procesal |
| Proceedings | Proceso/tramite legal |
| Proof of evidence | Pruebas de evidencia |
| Prosecution | Enjuiciamiento/ procesamiento |
| Prosecutor (Public) | Fiscal |
| Provision | Suministro |
| Public Prosecutor’s Office | Fiscalía |
| Punishment cell | Celda de castigo (calabozo) |
| R | |
|---|---|
| Raids | Requisas |
| Register (in State) | Registro / matrícula |
| Rehabilitation | Rehabilitación |
| Release | Salir en libertad |
| Release order | Boleta de libertad / boleta de excarcelación |
| Remand (sending a person accused of an alleged offence into custody to await trial) | Detención provisional |
| Remand prison | CDP (centro de detención provisional) |
| Remedy of appeal | Recurso de apelación |
| Remission | Perdón / absolución |
| Repatriation | Repatriación / traslado |
| Representative of the Local Authority | Representante de la autoridad local |
| Riot | Motín / disturbio / alboroto |
| Riot squad | Grupo de amotinamiento |
| Roll call | Tomar lista (in the morning and at night) |
| S | |
|---|---|
| Security | Seguridad |
| Small Police Station | Jefatura de policía |
| Social Worker | Trabajador(a) Social |
| State officials including prison Warders | Trabajadores públicos, incluyendo guardias / guías penitenciarios |
| Statute of Judicial Organisation | Estatuto / Decreto / Reglamento de una organización judicial / legal |
| Stomach bugs | Infección estomacal |
| Strike | Huelga / paro |
| Sufficient suspicion | Suficientes pruebas (fundamentos de imputación) |
| Supreme Court of Justice | Corte Nacional de Justicia |
| Surety (money required for a remand prisoner to be released on bail) | Fianza |
| Suspended sentence | Sentencia suspendida |
| T | |
|---|---|
| Temporary detention | Detención temporal |
| The accused | El Acusado |
| To buy | Comprar |
| To change money | Cambiar dinero |
| To deport | Deportar |
| To file an application | Archivar el expendiente |
| Transfer Agreement (Strasbourg Convention) | “Convenio de Traslado de Personas Condenadas” – Convención de Estrasburgo (repatriación) |
| Transfer to another prison | Traslado a otra prisión |
| Treason | Alta traición |
| V | |
|---|---|
| Valid or legal | Válido o legal |
| Visit permit | Permiso para visita |
| W | |
|---|---|
| Warden | Guardia (guía) |
| Wing | Pabellón |
Numbers
| 1 | Uno |
| 2 | Dos |
| 3 | Tres |
| 4 | Cuatro |
| 5 | Cinco |
| 6 | Seis |
| 7 | Siete |
| 8 | Ocho |
| 9 | Nueve |
| 10 | Diez |
| 11 | Once |
| 12 | Doce |
| 13 | Trece |
| 14 | Catorce |
| 15 | Quince |
| 16 | Dieciseis |
| 17 | Diecisiete |
| 18 | Dieciocho |
| 19 | Diecinueve |
| 20 | Veinte |
| 30 | Treinta |
| 40 | Cuarenta |
| 50 | Cincuenta |
| 60 | Sesenta |
| 70 | Setenta |
| 80 | Ochenta |
| 90 | Noventa |
| 100 | Cien |
| 1000 | Mil |