Border complications from C.R. to Panama?
 

Hi there!
I plan to enter panama overland, starting from San Jose . Though, I read some strange bureaucratic procedures at he border, with obligation to present an onward / return ticket for leaving Panama on a certain future date / way.
Anybody knows the current situation with that, if it is strictly enforced?
This could be a bus ticket, or obligatory to be flight ?
And anyway, normally best would be to be free to decide later, while in Panama, about the exact date and form of transport back to CR.
Possible to go around it?
Somewhere was mentioned, to have printed a ticket and cancelled it later, but generally seems a big trouble after all, maybe putting travelers off that destination..
Any ideas guys?
Many thanks !
Nikolaos

Hello Nikolaos!

There are countries in Central America that don't bother if you leave the country by flight or bus. I never went to Panama, sorry, however I red on Panama's border agency website that they specifically require your onward or return ticket by flight (originating from within the country):

''Presentar reservación aérea comprobada con itinerario de continuación del viaje.''

Even if you enter by bus from Costa Rica, they will ask you to present it. So I think you have no choice but have you flight back booked!

Laurent

thanks for your tips and researching for me, very polite !
this situation probably is a trouble for their tourism, since most tourists just want to have vacations, stay some time and get out, without a lot of hussle
I don't know how many 'illegal' visitors (usually from Europe, North America etc) are a real threat of any kind to Panama...
everybody wants just to enjoy some time there, and of course will leave some money , supporting the local economy - I can't see the use of this control system (for most countries of origin of tourists, at least)
maybe I will not go to Panama after all, because such a problem at the border can upset a good period of precious travel time, which is in short supply...

Hi Nikolaos, you're very welcome. I understand your disappointment, but I think they may have good reasons to do that because of course this hurts their economy. But anyway, if ever you change your mind why don't you go to Nicaragua? Nicaragua is a very wonderful country and it is cheaper than Panama! Let me know if you want some info about it ;-)

Laurent

Laurent thanks for your support!
maybe Panama will wait for now
But I'm going to Nicaragua for sure
I have a relative post there:
http://www.fodors.com/community/mexi...-solo-trip.cfm
A plan, for now seems::
to start for Nic/a just a few days after landing to San Jose, stay about 2+ weeks around the SW part of the country (up to Leon, Ometepe, and around). Probably will not have enough time for farther in the country.
Then, will return to CR, for about 10 days and flight out!
that's all, time is over already!
would be great if you'd give your tips!! (here or at the Nic/a or CR forum)
all the best!!!!

Great! Let me answer in the other post then!

Laurent