Panama Extends Transit Visa Requirement for Cuban Travelers

The Panamanian government has decided to extend the mandatory transit visa requirement for Cuban travelers until July 31, 2026. This measure, in place for nearly three years, continues to complicate travel plans for those needing to transit through the isthmus on their way to other destinations. Executive Decree No. 22, signed by President José Raúl Mulino and published in the Official Gazette on August 25, reaffirms that all Cuban passengers and crew members must present this visa to pass through Panamanian territory.

The decree extends the provisions of Executive Decree No. 162 from December 2022, which initially imposed the transit visa requirement for Cuban nationals, including both passengers and crew. The document states that this measure aims to "ensure the sustainability of migration policy" and is necessary for maintaining a controlled and secure management of migratory flows through the country.

Visa Application Process and Exceptions

Cubans must apply for the transit visa through the Panamanian Embassy in Havana, facilitated by a qualified lawyer. The visa allows a stay of up to 24 hours in the international transit area of the airport, without formally entering Panamanian territory.

Exceptions to this requirement include Cubans holding valid visas from the United States, Canada, Australia, Japan, or European Union countries, provided these visas remain valid for at least six months and have been previously used. Additionally, those with permanent residency in third countries or a verifiable job contract at their destination are also exempted.

Challenges and Criticisms

This news comes amid significant discontent among Cubans. The Panamanian Consulate in Havana recently warned about rising scams concerning visa appointments, emphasizing that no travel agencies or agents are authorized and that the only valid channel is through an accredited lawyer on the Panamanian judicial platform.

Despite this requirement, several Cubans report ongoing abuses. Even when hiring “qualified” lawyers, appointments are elusive, and processes drag on without explanation. “I’ve been working with a qualified lawyer since last year and have pending appointments. The lawyer reactivates monthly, but Migration does as they please. They just say: ‘wait for the process,’” shared a Cuban-origin Panamanian agent.

Impact on Cuban Families

Since 2022, Panama has mandated the transit visa for Cubans as a prerequisite for continuing their journey to a third country. Although the decree includes exceptions for those with visas or residencies in countries with "high migration standards," most travelers remain trapped in a bureaucratic maze that increases costs and delays their plans.

With this new extension, thousands of Cuban families using Panama as a stopover to reunite with loved ones or embark on new migration routes will continue to face a process fraught with hurdles, uncertainty, and the constant risk of falling victim to scams.