Panama’s Ministry of Public Security has implemented significant changes to how foreigners can present identification when requested by authorities. The new regulations took effect on Wednesday, November 12, 2025, following publication in the Official Gazette of Panama. These modifications represent the first major update to identification procedures in sixteen years.
The reforms specifically amend Article 1 of Executive Decree No. 804 from December 22, 2009. President José Raúl Mulino and Public Security Minister Frank Ábrego jointly signed the implementing Executive Decree on November 11. Officials describe the changes as necessary modernization to keep pace with technological advancements while strengthening migration controls.
Digital Documentation Now Accepted
Foreign nationals in Panama can now present identification documents in digital format when requested by migration or security officials. This includes photographs of passports stored on mobile devices or presentation through other technological means. The update maintains the longstanding requirement that all foreigners must carry identification at all times but provides more flexibility in how they can demonstrate their legal status.
This modification seeks to strengthen migration controls and improve supervision of foreigners’ stay in national territory while adapting to current technological advancements. [Translated from Spanish]
The decree maintains the existing penalty of ten balboas for foreigners found without proper identification. Authorities emphasize that the core obligation remains unchanged despite the new technological options. What has evolved is the method of verification available to both foreigners and officials.
Expanded Authority for Security Forces
Under the updated regulations, members of the National Migration Service of Panama and all public security forces retain authority to require identification from any foreigner within the country. This broad mandate aims to ensure comprehensive enforcement of migration laws across all regions of Panama. The legal foundation cites Panama’s Constitution and Law No. 3 of February 22, 2008, which established the current migration service structure.
Security analysts view these changes as part of a broader effort to modernize Panama’s approach to migration management. The country has been grappling with increased migration flows through the Darien Gap in recent years. These updated procedures could potentially assist the national migration service in managing these complex challenges more efficiently.
Implementation began immediately following the decree’s publication. Migration officials are receiving updated training on the new verification procedures. The technological component represents a significant shift from previous practices that required physical document presentation.
Panamanian authorities have been implementing various security measures through different executive decree instruments in recent months. This particular update focuses specifically on balancing enforcement effectiveness with practical considerations for both foreigners and officials. The changes acknowledge the ubiquitous nature of digital technology in modern life while maintaining necessary oversight mechanisms.
Government officials stress that the reforms aim to streamline legitimate verification processes rather than create additional barriers. The ability to present digital documents could significantly reduce processing times during routine checks. This efficiency gain might free up resources for the servicio nacional to focus on more complex challenges.
Foreign residents and visitors should ensure they have accessible digital copies of their passports or other identification documents. Physical documents remain acceptable under the updated regulations. The key requirement is having verifiable identification readily available when requested by authorized personnel.
These procedural updates come amid broader discussions about migration policy and border security throughout Central America. Panama’s approach of incorporating digital solutions while maintaining enforcement capabilities could influence regional practices. The changes reflect an ongoing effort to balance security concerns with practical modernization.