Traffic Plan for Carnival in Panama

Each year, Carnival brings thousands of people to the interior of Panama. in 2026, Panama’s National Police will implement a large-scale traffic and security operation, including the reversal of lanes.

General Director Jaime Fernandez detailed the plan on Monday, which includes contraflow lane reversals on major highways, which is a common practice for holidays in Panama.

This year, the security plan will also expand with a drone fleet and a new digital reporting tool for citizens. The measures aim to manage the flow of people from Panama City to the interior provinces expected this weekend.

The lane reversal will start at noon on Friday, February 13. The initial phase focuses on reversing lanes from Avenida de los Martires toward the Howard area, with operations continuing until 7:30 p.m.

The specific highway segments designated for contraflow lane reversal are Burunga to Vista Alegre, El Nazareno to Capira, and Sajalices to San Carlos.

“We are deploying more than 18,700 personnel on the roads, but we will maintain our regular operability across the entire country to safeguard homes and businesses left empty by the travel,”

-General Director Jaime Fernandez 

The return trip to Panama City will see its own special operation from Tuesday, February 17, through Wednesday, the 18th.

Authorities anticipate significant traffic impacts during this period, particularly in the western areas of San Carlos, Capira, and La Chorrera as revelers conclude their Carnival celebrations.

Technology Enhancements for Carnival in Panama with Citizen Reporting

In 2026, the National Police of Panama aims to increase the use of technology in monitoring and reporting. The agency has detailed the use of operational drones for the holiday period. These aerial units will provide real-time monitoring of travel times and vehicle flow, allowing command centers to apply immediate corrective measures. 

Fernandez emphasized that this technology is crucial for dynamic response. It gives commanders a live overview of the entire road network.

A new digital initiative will also debut for the 2026 festivities. The police will launch a national QR code campaign to facilitate crime reporting. Citizens can scan the code, which will be promoted on the institution’s social media channels, to connect directly with authorities via WhatsApp.

This channel is designed for reporting suspicious activity in communities and documenting risky behavior on the roads.