Starting Point in Costa Rica
Starting in Puerto Viejo de Talamanca take a bus towards the southeastern border town of Sixaola. The crossing here includes a bridge over the Sixaola River, and it is a common entry point for travelers heading between Costa Rica and Panama.
- At the border in Costa Rica, you have to pay the a $9 tax to exit Costa Rica. This can be paid in United States Dollar or Costa Rica Colon.
- In the next window, you will get your stamp out of the country. Don’t forget this step. I saw plenty of people being turned back by Panama officials because they missed the small window and went straight to the bridge.
3. Cross the bridge by foot into Panama.
4. Once you enter Panama make an immediate turn left. Here you will stand in line at immigration to get your stamp into Panama. At the same window there will be an entrance tax of $4
When presenting your passport make sure you have a printed flight itinerary with you for immigration officials. Panama is only accepting flight itineraries for entry into Panama. No bus tickets will be accepted. It can be a flight can be from anywhere in Central America back to your home country.
Please note that border crossing procedures and requirements may change, so it’s important to check with the relevant authorities, such as immigration and customs, for the most up-to-date information before crossing the borders between Costa Rica and Panama. Additionally, travel documentation, visa requirements, and entry regulations may vary for different nationalities, so it’s advisable to research the specific requirements for your citizenship and purpose of travel.
If you don’t want to cross the border by yourself and you want to do it through an agency, check out Caribe Shuttle. They will guide you through the entire process.
From the Costa Rica/Panama border I made my way to Bocas del Torro, Panama to enjoy some island living. Read about it here.
Helpful Tips for Planning your Trip to Panama
Book your Flight
Book your Accommodation
Travel Insurance for the unexpected
Other Panama Travel Blog Posts
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