On August 25, 2025, the government announced modifications to certain recent Panamanian migration policies, specifically through the publication of two executive decrees that directly affect nationals of two countries. Decree No. 21 removed the requirement of the Transit Visa in Panama for Haiti citizens, while Decree No. 22 confirmed the obligation of this same permit for Cubans. The latter rule extended a regime that already existed and maintained migration control over those who use the country as an international layover point.
These measures established differentiated treatment for each nationality and confirmed the intention of the authorities to regulate air transit under specific conditions.
Background of the Transit Visa in Panama
The Transit Visa in Panama is a short-term authorization that allows a traveler to remain in the international area of the airport while waiting for a connecting flight to another destination, for a maximum period of twenty-four hours. It does not allow the person to leave the airport premises or enter national territory under any circumstance. Its scope is exclusively limited to transit and it does not grant residency or non-resident status.
Not every nationality requires this Transit Visa in Panama. Its application depends on the criteria established by the National Migration Service. During the last years, both Haitians and Cubans needed to request this document. However, with the entry into force of Executive Decrees No. 21 and 22, the Republic of Panama modified the rules.
Decree No. 21: Haiti Citizens Exempt from the Requirement
With the implementation of Executive Decree No. 21, Haiti citizens no longer need to apply for the Transit Visa in Panama. This measure eliminated a procedure that generated additional costs and extended processing times, which made the planning of international trips with layovers in the country more difficult. From now on, Haitians who travel through Panama can make air connections without presenting prior consular authorization.
Decree No. 22: Cubans must Comply with Visa Requirements
Executive Decree No. 22 established that every Cuban citizen who makes a stopover in a Panamanian airport must present the Transit Visa of Panama, processed in advance before a consulate. The purpose is to maintain control over the passenger flow and to reinforce the legality of international transit.
This requirement implies previous planning, since travelers who do not comply run the risk of not boarding their flight or of exposing the airline to sanctions. The decree detailed the documentation required, the procedures for application, and the responsibilities that fall upon air carriers when transporting individuals subject to this disposition.
Main requirements
Cubans who apply for the Transit Visa of Panama must present the following at the consulate before the trip:
- Passport with at least six months of validity.
- Copy of the airline ticket that demonstrates the final destination.
- Duly completed application form.
- Receipt of payment for the consular fee.
Responsibility of airlines and agencies
Airlines have the obligation to verify that each Cuban passenger possesses the Transit Visa in Panama before boarding. If they transport travelers without this document, they face administrative penalties.
Travel agencies also play an important role, since they must inform their clients about the requirement. This prevents inconveniences at the time of boarding and guarantees that passengers arrive at their final destination without setbacks.
Get Immigration Advice
Avoid problems during your international connections by complying with the requirements established in Panama. Our team offers guidance on document preparation and consular procedures to help you travel with confidence.
At Kraemer & Kraemer we specialize in temporary and permanent residency visas, citizenship through naturalization, as well as other migration processes. Contact us to receive professional assistance and keep your projects and travel in Panama within the legal parameters.
To read the full text of Decrees No. 21 and 22, you can download them here:
