Panama · MIGRATION
Panama has extended its transit visa requirement for Cuban citizens until 30 June 2029. President José Raúl Mulino and Public Security Minister Frank Ábrego signed Executive Decree No. 15 on 14 August 2026.
New decree and its signatories
Infobae Panamá reported on 14 August 2026 that Executive Decree No. 15 of 14 August 2026 was published in the Gaceta Oficial. The decree extends the transit visa requirement for Cuban citizens until 30 June 2029.
CiberCuba English reported on 16 August 2026 that the measure was formalized. It was an executive decree signed by President José Raúl Mulino and Minister Frank Ábrego.
The decree has been in effect since its promulgation.
What the transit visa obliges
Infobae Panamá explained that the transit visa applies to Cuban citizens using Panama as an air stopover to other destinations. The visa allows travellers to remain up to 24 hours in the international transit area of the airport.
CiberCuba English added that the stay is limited to the Tocumen International Airport transit area. The purpose must be continuing to a final destination or returning to Cuba.
Who is exempt
Infobae Panamá listed several exceptions. Cubans travelling back to Cuba do not need the visa, nor do those with a valid Panamanian tourist or residence visa.
Other exemptions apply to holders of permanent residence in a third country or a valid visa for the final destination. Cubans with valid residence or certain multiple visas from the United States, Canada, Australia.
South Korea, Japan, the United Kingdom, Singapore, or European Union member states are also exempt.
Cost and payment
CubaTrámite reported on 29 July 2026 that the total cost is US$60. This comprises B/50.00 for migration services and B/10.00 for the consular fee, though Cubanet has reported US$50.
Payment instructions from late July 2026 require depositing the fee into account No. 10000353529 at Banco Nacional de Panamá. The account is held in the name of Autoridad Marítima de Panamá Consulado General de Panamá en La Habana.
According to El Nuevo Herald on 25 July 2026.
Note that the decree itself sets no fee, and consular guidance may have changed after August 2026.
Origin of the requirement
The transit visa was first imposed by Executive Decree No. 19 of 8 March 2022, according to vLex Panamá. Decree 162 of 19 December 2022 later replaced it and expressly repealed Decree 19.
Since then, the requirement has been renewed several times. Most recently by Executive Decree No. 22 of 25 August 2025, which set an expiry of 31 July 2026.
Infobae Panamá described the measure as born during the 2022 Cuban exodus.
Gap between expiry and new decree
The previous requirement expired on 31 July 2026, and the new decree was signed on 14 August 2026.
If you traveled during that window, check with the Servicio Nacional de Migración for your specific situation. The published record does not clarify whether the requirement was enforced or waived.
Darién Gap crossings in 2026
Crossings through the Darién Gap have fallen sharply. Infobae Panamá reported on 21 July 2026 that between January and June 2026.
280 migrants crossed the Panamanian jungle, compared with 3,091 in all of 2025.
That 280 figure is preliminary, according to Newsroom Panama on 18 July 2026. By 6 August 2026, Infobae Panamá reported a revised cumulative total of 324 migrants for 2026, with 275 adults and 49 minors.
Among nationalities in the first half of 2026, Venezuelans led with 135 migrants. Followed by Ecuador (48) and Colombia (44), with Cuba at 8.
Changing regional routes
Infobae Panamá reported on 12 August 2026 that the Central American migration route has changed direction in 2026. The Darién is almost empty, with over 5,393 migrants in the north-south return flow.
92% are Venezuelans.
The same report noted that on 8 February 2026, Nicaragua eliminated visa-free access for Cuban citizens. That change closed a corridor many Cubans used to move north through Central America.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Panama’s Cuban transit visa?
It is a visa required for Cuban citizens using Panama as an air stopover to other destinations. The visa allows a stay of up to 24 hours in the international transit area of Tocumen International Airport.
How much does the Cuban transit visa cost?
Consular guidance from late July 2026 put the total at US$60, split B/50.00 for migration services and B/10.00 in consular fees. Cubanet has reported US$50, and the decree sets no fee.
Why was the Cuban transit visa introduced?
The visa was first imposed by Executive Decree No. 19 of 8 March 2022, later replaced by Decree 162 of December 2022. Infobae Panamá described it as a measure born during the 2022 Cuban exodus.
What is the filing deadline for the visa?
You must file at least 30 business days in advance, according to Periódico Cubano on 17 August 2026. Applications go through a Panamanian consulate or a legal representative before the Servicio Nacional de Migración.
Sources
- www.infobae.com
- en.cibercuba.com
- www.infobae.com
- www.infobae.com
- www.infobae.com
- www.infobae.com
- cubatramite.com
- www.elnuevoherald.com
- newsroompanama.com