2024 Immigration Reforms in Panama: Updated Entry Rules, Fines, and Deadlines

Written By Lucas Crespo

The National Migration Service of Panama introduced significant changes in October 2024 to streamline legal processes, enhance border control, and incentivize regularization for foreigners. These updates affect tourists, temporary residents, and workers.

1. Visa Requirement Changes for Restricted Nationals

  • Effective October 28, 2024, citizens from visa-restricted countries (e.g., Venezuela, Cuba, India) may enter Panama without a tourist visa if holding a valid visa from:

    • Canada, the U.S., Australia, South Korea, Japan, the UK, Singapore, or any EU country.

  • Simplified Requirements:

    • Visa must be valid at entry (eliminating prior usage requirements).

    • Enacted via Executive Decree No. 196/2024.

2. 50% Fine Reduction for Migration Regularization

  • From August 1, 2024, to July 31, 2025, foreigners with expired immigration status may regularize their situation by paying only 50% of accumulated fines.

  • Conditions:

    • Submit a formal regularization request.

    • Settle the total outstanding principal amount.

    • Implemented through Resolution No. 39760/2024.

3. Extended Deadlines for Residence Permit Renewals

  • Residence permits expired since March 13, 2020, can be renewed until December 31, 2024, including:

    • Temporary, provisional, and permanent residencies.

    • Domestic worker visas.

  • After this date, the standard 6-month renewal period under Resolution No. 15,703/2012 applies.

4. New Penalties for Immigration Violations

  • Executive Decree No. 194/2024 introduces scalable fines:

    • Illegal Entry via Unauthorized Borders:

      • First offense: B/. 1,000 – B/. 5,000.

      • Repeat offenses: Progressive fines (B/. 300 to B/. 1,000 per additional violation).

    • Entry via Darién Jungle:

      • Fine adjusted to the violator’s economic status, payable before departing to Costa Rica.

    • Exit Restrictions:

      • Violators cannot leave Panama until fines are paid; deportation applies if insolvent.

5. Transit Visa for Cuban Citizens

  • Executive Decree No. 195/2024 extends the Transit Passenger Visa for Cubans until July 31, 2025, allowing:

    • Maximum stay of 24 hours in airport international zones.

    • Prohibition on entering Panamanian territory.

Lucas Crespo
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