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Panama Executive Decree No. 26 (2025): Digital Passport Rules Explained
Life just got easier in Panama! The Government of Panama issued Executive Decree No. 26, an important update to Panama’s immigration and identification rules that directly benefits tourists, expats, retirees, and long-term visitors.
This decree officially allows foreign nationals in Panama to carry a digital photo of their passport and entry stamp instead of the physical passport for routine identification purposes.
The decree was published in Panama’s Gaceta Oficial Digital, making it legally valid and enforceable nationwide.
What Is Executive Decree No. 26?
Executive Decree No. 26 modifies the requirements for foreigners to identify themselves in Panama.
Previously, foreign nationals were required to carry their physical passport and present them when requested by authorities. This often led to concerns about loss, theft, or damage.
The 2025 update reflects Panama’s move toward modern, digital-friendly practices.
The new decree doesn’t eliminate the need for a passport — it simply recognizes digital images as legally acceptable presentation formats. This reflects Panama’s broader efforts to modernize government services and improve accessibility for residents and visitors alike.
There will be checkpoints along roads and on buses in Panama. Be prepared!
What the New Rule Allows
Under Executive Decree No. 26, foreign nationals in Panama may now:
*Carry a digital photo of their passport’s biographic page
*Carry a digital image of their Panama entry stamp
*Store these images on a mobile phone or other electronic device
*Present the digital images when requested by authorities for identification
In everyday situations, the physical passport is no longer required to be carried at all times.
This change applies to routine identity checks and proof of legal presence within Panama.
Why This Change Matters for Expats and Travelers
This decree offers several practical benefits:
*Reduced risk of passport loss or theft
*Greater convenience for daily life in Panama
*Less need to carry original documents while running errands or traveling locally
*Alignment with international trends toward digital identification
For expats living in Panama, this is a meaningful improvement in day-to-day life and personal security.
Important Limitations to Understand
While Executive Decree No. 26 is a major step forward, it does not eliminate the need to own or safeguard your physical passport.
You still need to show your original passport to board a flight to Panama. You will still need to show your physical passport at immigration when you enter Panama so they can stamp it.
You will still be required to present the original passport for:
*Immigration appointments
*Visa applications or renewals
*Banking or legal transactions
*Driver’s license
*Embassy appointments
*Certain government or notary procedures
*Airline or international travel requirements
*Many hotels will require you to show your physical passport
The decree primarily applies to routine identification, not to every formal legal or administrative process.
Are Digital Passports Valid for Domestic Flights in Panama?
Domestic and international airlines still require a physical passport from foreign passengers unless they hold a Panamanian cédula or resident ID.
Best practice:
Carry your physical passport when flying domestically, and use the digital copy as a backup.
What Expats and Visitors Should Do Now
To stay compliant and avoid problems:
Take clear photos of:
*Your passport’s photo page
*Your Panama entry stamp
*Store them securely on your phone in an easy-to-find location.
*Keep your physical passport in a safe place
Authorities can now accept these digital versions as valid proof of identity and legal presence in Panama.
Bring the physical passport for flights, immigration, or formal procedures
(Note: a passport card is not acceptable because it does not show your entry stamp.)
If you are planning to move to Panama, live there part-time, or visit frequently, understanding changes like this can help you avoid unnecessary stress and costly mistakes.
Need Help Navigating Panama’s Rules?
Understanding Panama’s immigration laws, residency options, and daily life requirements can be overwhelming. Having accurate, up-to-date information is critical.
👉 This is exactly why Panama Relocation Tours and the Online Panama Relocation Guide exist — to help you move to Panama the right way and have access to trusted contacts.
