U.S. Embassy in Panama: Tourist Visa Appointments Continue Normally Despite Immigrant Visa Pause
Visas & Travel
Key Facts
- The clarification. U.S. Embassy Panama: nonimmigrant visa appointments — including tourist (B1/B2) visas — continue normally.
- What is paused. Immigrant visa issuance for nationals of certain countries, paused by the Trump administration since January 21, 2026.
- Not affected. Tourist, business, student and other nonimmigrant visa categories.
- Context. Colombia is among the countries affected by the immigrant-visa pause; Panama’s consular operations for visitors are unchanged.
- Where to check. The embassy’s official site, pa.usembassy.gov, publishes current visa service status.
The U.S. Embassy in Panama City has clarified that appointments for nonimmigrant visas — including B1/B2 tourist and business visas — continue normally, despite the Trump administration’s pause on immigrant visa processing for certain countries.
If you hold a U.S. tourist visa appointment in Panama City, keep it. The embassy clarified on Friday that nonimmigrant visa services are running as normal — the pause ordered by Washington applies to immigrant visas for specific countries, not to tourism or business travel.
What the Embassy Actually Said
In a public clarification reported Friday by La Estrella de Panamá, the U.S. Embassy in Panama City stated that appointments for nonimmigrant visas are proceeding normally.
The statement targets a wave of confusion among applicants who feared that Washington’s January pause on immigrant visas for certain nationalities had spilled over into tourist and business travel.
Pause vs. Normal Service: The Difference
The pause, in effect since January 21, 2026, concerns immigrant visas — the category for people moving permanently to the United States — for nationals of a list of countries that includes Colombia.
Nonimmigrant visas are a separate track: B1/B2 visitor visas for tourism and business, student visas, work visas and transit visas are not covered by the pause, and interviews in Panama City continue on schedule.
Why It Matters for Expats in Panama
Panama hosts one of Latin America’s largest expat communities, and many residents — Panamanian and foreign — travel regularly to the United States for family, business and healthcare.
The rumor that ‘visas are suspended’ had begun to trigger cancellations and panic in expat forums; the embassy’s clarification restores the practical status quo: if your appointment is booked, show up.
For Colombians and Other Affected Nationals
For nationals of countries on the pause list, the distinction is crucial: immigrant visa cases may be frozen, but applying for or renewing a B1/B2 tourist visa remains possible.
Consular officers continue to adjudicate nonimmigrant applications individually; a pause on immigrant visas does not change the legal standard for visitor visas.
What to Do Now
Applicants with scheduled interviews should attend as planned and bring the standard documentation: DS-160 confirmation, passport, photo and supporting evidence of ties and funds.
For the latest service status, the embassy directs the public to pa.usembassy.gov — and warns against paying intermediaries who claim appointments have been cancelled or can be ‘rescued’ for a fee.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are U.S. tourist visa appointments in Panama cancelled in 2026?
No. The U.S. Embassy in Panama City confirmed that nonimmigrant visa appointments — including B1/B2 tourist and business visas — continue normally.
Which U.S. visas are paused by the Trump administration?
Since January 21, 2026, immigrant visas (permanent relocation) for nationals of certain countries, including Colombia. Tourist, student and other nonimmigrant visas are not affected.
Where can I check the current status of U.S. visa services in Panama?
On the embassy’s official website, pa.usembassy.gov, which publishes up-to-date information on visa services and appointments.
Connected Coverage
We track U.S. visa policy across Latin America — check our Panama file for updates.
Sources: La Estrella de Panamá; U.S. Embassy in Panama (pa.usembassy.gov).
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