What Happened
Panama’s Ministry of Government issued Executive Decree 9 of 2026 to regulate the administrative operation of national and municipal public offices during Semana Santa. The decree orders the closure of public offices starting at midday on Thursday, April 2, 2026, to allow public servants to participate in Holy Week commemorations.
Exemptions and Essential Services
The decree specifies exceptions for services that must continue to operate due to their nature. Exempt institutions include health and security services such as hospitals, clinics, policlinics, health centers under the Ministry of Health and the Social Security Fund (Caja de Seguro Social), the Benemérito Cuerpo de Bomberos, the National Civil Protection System, and the public security forces.
Basic services and transport entities listed as exempt are the National Aqueduct and Sewerage Institute (IDAAN), postal services, Metro de Panamá, MiBus, the Authority of Cleaning (Autoridad de Aseo), and the electricity and energy entities Etesa and Egesa. Transit and border-control bodies named in the decree include the Land Transit and Transport Authority, Migration, Customs, Civil Aeronautics, and auxiliary entities operating at ports and airports. Other specified exceptions are the Animal and Plant Health Quarantine and the Panamanian Food Agency.
Banks and Financial Operations
The decree notes that the operating hours and availability of banking institutions on Thursday, April 2, 2026, are governed by a 2006 resolution from the Superintendency of Banks of Panama. That older resolution does not necessarily require the same midday closure that applies to other public offices; banks customarily inform customers in advance about their Semana Santa schedules.
What This Means
Public services deemed essential will remain available throughout the holiday period to ensure health, safety, transport and critical infrastructure functions continue uninterrupted. Other government offices will close from midday on April 2, which may affect in-person administrative processes that normally require daytime attention. Citizens and businesses should check directly with specific agencies and banks for precise opening hours and any contingency services during the holiday.
Background
The measure follows a long-standing practice of adjusting public administration schedules during national religious observances so that public employees can participate in Holy Week activities. The Ministry of Government published the decree and attached the full text for reference.