The National Migration Service implements changes in entry requirements, immigration fines, regularization deadlines, and transit passenger or crew visa

Modifications in the requirements for the waiver of tourist visas for nationals of restricted countries

Starting from October 28th, 2024, foreign nationals from restricted countries who hold a valid visa issued by Canada, the United States, Australia, the Republic of Korea, Japan, the United Kingdom, Singapore, or any of the European Union member states at the time of entry into Panama, will be able to enter the country without the need for a stamped tourist visa.

• Previously, this visa had to meet the following requirements: (i) it had to be issued for multiple entries and exits; (ii) it had to have been used at least once to enter the issuing country; and (iii) it had to be valid for at least 6 months at the time of entry into Panama. However, now only the validity of the visa will be required.

• This change has been introduced through Executive Decree No. 196 of October 28th, 2024, published in the Official Gazette on October 28th, 2024.

50% fine exemption for regularizing immigration status

From August 1st, 2024, to July 31st, 2025, the National Migration Service will grant a 50% exemption on fines for overstaying to foreign nationals who submit a request to regularize their immigration status.

This measure has been implemented through Resolution No. 39760 of July 31st, 2024, published in the Official Gazette on October 30th, 2024.

New deadline to submit extensions for expired residence permits

The deadline to submit residence permits that expired since March 13th, 2020, has been extended until December 31st, 2024

• This deadline applies to applications for extensions of Temporary Residence Permits, Provisional Residence Permits, Permanent Residence Permits, and Domestic Worker Visas.

• After December 31st, 2024, the provisions of Resolution No. 15,703 of August 24th, 2012, will remain in effect, granting a 6-month period to submit extension for residences and visas.

• This new deadline is established through Resolution No. 46625 of October 10th, 2024, published in the Official Gazette on October 24th, 2024.

New fines for immigration control

Executive Decree No. 194 of October 25th, 2024, establishes new fines to be imposed for violating immigration control checkpoints in Panama, as follows:

• Foreign nationals entering Panama by violating immigration controls, whether by air, sea, or land, will be fined between US$1,000 and US$5,000, depending on the severity of the violation.

• The foreign national will not be allowed to leave Panama without paying the fine. If the individual does not have the means to pay the fine, they will be deported.

• Foreign nationals entering Panama through the Darién jungle will be fined based on their economic condition, and the fine must be paid before departing for Costa Rica.

• A fine scale will be applied according to the number of times immigration control is violated at the border with Colombia.

New validity period for transit visas for passengers or crew members from Cuba

Executive Decree No. 195
of October 25th, 2024, extends until July 31st, 2025, the validity of Executive Decree No. 162 of December 19th, 2022, which regulates the Transit Visa for passengers or crew members from Cuba.

• The Transit Visa for passengers or crew members only allows the holder to remain in the international transit area of the airport for up to 24 hours, in order to continue their journey.

• The validity of Executive Decree No. 162 has been modified multiple times, with the most recent modification made through Executive Decree No. 11 of January 10th, 2024, which extended its validity until
  July 31st, 2024.

For more information, please contact please contact our Immigration Law team: