Panama Immigration Fines

Panama Immigration Fines

When you overstay your visit to Panama, the fine is set at $50.00 per month, to be settled upon exiting the country. It’s a straightforward penalty, but it can certainly add up if you're not careful. Imagine planning a leisurely return, only to find that you owe a considerable amount just because you didn’t pay attention to your stay duration.


Immigration authorities in Panama do not mess around when it comes to expired documentation. Not only can you be met with a fine, but there's also the possibility of detention and, in some cases, outright expulsion from the country. It's crucial to stay alert to your immigration paperwork and ensure that everything is up to date, especially if you're considering a longer stay in this vibrant Central American gem.

Panama Immigration Fines


Foreigners who do not carry their identification documentation (Article 91 of the Decree Law)

  • Warning or Fine of B/.10.00



Regular migrant who is working or carrying out lucrative activities without authorization (Article 90 of the Decree Law) The employer, agent, contractor or intermediary who hires a foreigner without authorization will be subject to Article 54 and paragraph 88 of the Decree Law)

  • First offense Fine of B/. 1,000.00
  • Second offense Fine of B/. 5,000.00
  • Third offense Permit Cancellation



Irregular migrant whose stay has expired at the authorized term and wishes to return voluntarily (Paragraph 1 of Article 84 of the Decree Law)

  • Fine of B/.50.00 per month in arrears and Impediment to entry (2-5 years)



Irregular migrant with expired stay for the authorized term and proof of marriage or Panamanian children (Paragraph 2 of article 84 of the Decree Law)

  • Fine of B/.100.00 up to B/.1,000.00



Foreigner who has expired the authorized term and has been apprehended by the National Immigration Service or other competent authorities (Article 89 of the Decree Law)

  • Fine of B/. 50.00 per month Deportation



Tourism extension or category change extension (for presenting false declarations and/or fraudulent or altered documents, with the purpose of obtaining its extension)(Number 5 of article 31 and number 4 of article 71 of the Decree Law)

  • First offense Cancellation
  • Second offense Deportation
  • Third offense Expulsion



Immigration Registry (for not reporting the change of residence or variations in the information provided, articles 37 and 87 of the Decree Law)

  • First offense Fine of B/.100.00
  • Second offense Cancellation
  • Third offense Deportation



Ship representative or agent (for not complying with their responsibility and obligations with the seamen they represent of article 9 of Law No. 60 of 1978, article 89 of the Decree Law will apply)

  • First offense Fine of B/. 1,000.00 up to B/. 1,500.00
  • Second offense B/. 1,500.00 up to B/. 3,000.00
  • Third offense B/. 3,000.00 up to B/. 5,000.00



Employer, agent, contractor or intermediary that represents private companies or companies that are within special laws (that does not prove the legal stay of the foreigner and their authorization to work) (Article 88 of the Decree Law)

  • First offense Fine of B/. 800.00 up to B/. 3,000
  • Second offense B/.3,000.00 up to B/. 5,000.00
  • Third offense B/.5,000.00 up to B/. 10,000.00



Employer, agent, contractor or intermediary and/or the foreigner who does not notify the termination of the employment or contractual relationship (Article 88 of the Decree Law)

  • First offense Fine of B/. 800.00 up to B/. 3,000. Foreigner: Deportation
  • Second offense B/.1,000.00 up to B/. 5,000.00
  • Third offense B/.5,000.00 up to B/. 10,000.00



Employers who retain identification documents, travel documents or passports of foreign workers or who do not comply with labor, health and social sanitation, article 89 of the Decree Law) Without prejudice to criminal responsibilities.

  • First offense Fine of B/.1,000.00
  • Second offense B/.2,000.00 up to B/. 5,000.00
  • Third offense B/. 5,000.00



Air transport companies (not heeding the warnings of exit impediments, numeral 2 of article 88 of the Decree Law)

  • First offense Fine of B/. 2,000.00 up to B/. 5,000.00
  • Second offense B/. 5,000.00 up to B/. 10,000.00
  • Third offense B/. 10,000.00 up to B/. 25,000.00



International, maritime, air or land transport companies (Enter foreigners whose entry was not admitted by the National Immigration Service, article 61 and article 90 of the Decree Law)

  • Airline Company (Fine of Fine of B/.1000.00 up to B/.5,000.00). Foreigner: Return



International, maritime, air or land transport companies (for not complying with the obligations of article 62, 63, 64 and article 90 of the Decree Law)

  • Fine of B/.1,000.00 up to B/.5,000.00



Failure to comply with your multiple entry and exit visa (authorized term expired, Article 49 and 90 of the Decree Law, Articles 313 and 264; Executive Decree 320)

  • First offense Fine of B/. 2,000.00
  • Second offense B/. 5,000.00
  • Third offense Cancellation



Foreigner who incurs in the departure of a Panamanian or foreign minor, violating or infringing the obligations contained in article 40, 42 of the Decree Law, article 90 of the Decree Law will apply)

  • Fine of B/. 1,000.00 up to B/.5,000 Without prejudice to the criminal sanction



Owners or administrators of hotels or places of lodging (for not complying with the provision contained in article 44 of the Decree Law, article 90 of the Decree Law will apply)

  • First offense Fine of B/.1000.00 up to B/.2,000.00
  • Second offense B/. 2,000.00 up to B/. 5,000.00
  • Third offense B/.5,000.00



In conclusion, Panama is a wonderful country with a lot to offer, and being aware of immigration fines is merely part of the journey. A little knowledge goes a long way in ensuring that your stay is both enjoyable and devoid of unnecessary legal quagmires. Plan ahead, stay informed, and most importantly, take the time to appreciate the breathtaking beauty and vibrant culture that Panama has in abundance.


Safe travels!