The Art of the Border Hop
If you’re planning a border run between Panama and Costa Rica, here’s a detailed guide based on our experience at Paso Canoas. This guide will help you avoid common pitfalls, save money, ensure your trip goes smoothly and maybe save a mango… 🥭
Table of Contents
Entering Costa Rica
Starting in Panama
We had been in Panama for nearly 3 months- the visa limit for UK passport holders. USA Passports get 6 months in Panama – useful. So, we took a 2-week break in Costa Rica—a beautiful yet pricey country. I have no idea how lower income residents survive. Or maybe that’s exactly what they do…Just survive. Gentrification from expats is a huge issue, but that’s a conversation for another day (and glass houses and all that!)
The Journey: Panama to Costa Rica Border Crossing Breakdown
Preparation is Key 🔑
Before embarking on your border run, arm yourself with these essential must-haves:
- Check your visa expiration carefully (90 days is not the same as 3 months). Try not to leave on the last day.
- CHECK BORDER OFFICE OPENING TIMES (see photo below)
- Onward travel ticket (to prove you will leave) – bus or flight ticket. Flights may be purchased using onwardticket.com
- Accommodation booking (at least for first 3 days)
- Proof of funds (statement pdf)
- A smile, patience and a positive attitude! 😀🌈
REMEMBER
The only reason you are here – or anywhere for that matter – is for “‘Tourism”. Working (even online) or Volunteering/house sitting may raise red flags 🚩 —- you could be told you need a work/volunteer visa. Even seeing a girlfriend/boyfriend can be a red flag in some countries, they surmise you may not leave. 🤷🏼♀️
Border Crossing Logistics
Leaving Panama
We caught a ride to the border, although you can also take any bus marked “Frontera” (Spanish for border) from various locations. David is the closest city/big town. ATMs here dispense both US dollars and Costa Rican colones. I advise to always carry some US dollars, so if you don’t plan on coming back to Panama, take some out for emergencies.
Crossing the Border
The road splits around the border official’s boxes. Technically, you could bypass border control, but that would defeat the purpose of renewing your visa. My point being the border is very relaxed but you can’t miss it if you are on the road.
Panama Exit: The official stamped us out of Panama. Easy Peasy. No questions asked.
You are now in No Man’s Land. You must get stamped in on the same day you exit Panama.
IMPORTANT: Costa Rican border control (Migración) to enter is located 5 km up the road in the direction of Corredor (Neily)
Getting to Costa Rican Migración
Buses run hourly, but you’ll have to wait for the next one after crossing the border. We opted for a taxi instead:
- Taxi Fare: $10 return to Costa Rican Migración and back to the border bus stop.
- Extra Stop: Our driver offered to take us to Ciudad Neilly for an extra $5, where buses to our next destination (Uvita) were more frequent and affordable.
Costa Rican Entry Process
We took our bags into the huge new building (in comparison to the panama version of Migración). They asked where we would be staying and I said Uvita. This was sufficient. The they asked for onward travel and I passed my phone over with the details of our “flight out” of costa rica in 2 weeks. They scanned our bags and confiscated our Mango 😢. I joked with them that it was for their lunch eh? but they assured me it would be destroyed! 🤔😆
Then we were back to our friendly taxi man and to Ciudad Neilly.
Bus to Uvita
In Neilly, we purchased a bus ticket directly to Uvita on a local bus—about $3 per person for a 2.5-hour journey. (the no AC style)
Fast forward 2 weeks – Returning to Panama
Back at Paso Canoas
We took a bus from San Isidro de El General directly to the border.
Attention: While the entrance to Costa Rica Migración is at the earlier location described 5 km. from the border, EXIT Costa Rica Migración remains directly at the border.
🚨 Scam Alert: Beware of unofficial “helpers” at the border
As we disembarked at Paso Canoas, a man approached us, claiming to work for Migración. He tried to guide us to a payment station on the opposite side of the road shown below in the photos withe sign : “IMPUESTO DE SALIDA”. Instead, we checked out the legitimate station on our side and paid the exit tax of around $7–$8 via a QR code. I imagine if we had gone with the man, he would have done that for us and we would have paid him cash *with a little extra. This con is common at borders. See photo below:
After the Costa Rican official stamped us out – with not a word spoken – we returned to the Panama office just down the road. With our proof of accommodation and onward travel ready, we were stamped in for another 3 months. However, they didn’t ask for anything and again did not speak to us 🤷🏼♀️ – It was a Friday afternoon!
Final Leg to David
Luckily, as we stepped out of Panama Migration there was a big bus just about to leave for DAVID. We hopped on it for $5. There is a cheaper mini bus version for $3 but we had big bags and tired heads. We were happy to get going and into the air con.
Important Tips
Border Opening Hours
Check the specific opening hours at Paso Canoas Migración before you travel.
Time Zone Difference
Remember, Costa Rica is one hour behind Panama. Keep this in mind when planning your border run.
Preparation is Key: Things to Remember for border crossings.
- Onward Ticket: Always have an onward ticket to show you will leave the country. You can use services like onwardtravel.com for temporary bookings.
- Accommodation Details: Keep at least the address of your accommodation or a booking confirmation for 3–7 days.
- Entry Requirements: Check these in advance on government website.
- Proof of Funds: Have a bank statement screenshot handy.
- Appearance: Dress smartly to avoid unwanted attention. Try not to look too “hippie”. Profiling is real. Look smart enough that you don’t attract the ‘is this person about to sleep on the streets?‘ question.
- Carry Essentials: Pack everything you’re not willing to lose, or have it pre-packed so someone can deliver it if needed.
- Being kind and courteous goes a long way—smile and stay calm. 😊
Final Thoughts
This border run was straightforward for us. We avoided scams, secured another 3 months in Panama, and learned a few valuable lessons along the way. Despite some minor hiccups (like overpriced Pumpkin seeds in CR and losing a mango at the border), the experience was smooth overall.
Final Words of Wisdom
Border runs might seem daunting, but they’re totally manageable with the right preparation. Embrace the adventure, stay flexible, and remember: every border crossing is a story waiting to be told!
Traveler’s Mantra: Prepare, smile, adapt, and conquer! 💪
Disclaimer: Travel regulations change frequently. Always check the most current requirements before your journey.
Have your own border run story? Drop a comment below and share your adventure! 👇
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Happy trails!May the journey be ever in your favour ✌️
Missy x 🌈
