Panama Forum

panamajames
Joined 2012
Posts: 5096

10 years ago

Rio Soreno Border Crossing

10 years ago

From an anonymous individual who had to cross the border recently for his 90 or 180 day stamp in and stamp out at Costa Rica.

“Let me add my experience at Rio Sereno. They are indeed enforcing 24 hours out of the country for tourists (I have a multiple entry VISA)………..when challenged that there was no such 24 hour rule, declaration, or decree posted to the immigration web site, a call was placed to the "commandante" with much chit chat and laughing (I caught a few words like stupido) and it was confirmed that the 24 hour rule was in effect, and he could not cite who changed it or how…....Then I was asked if I had ever paid a $50 fine or "multa" ... I told him that I have never paid any fine or multa related to my passport since I have never done anything that would cause the issuance of a fine.

I had a feeling that the mention of $50 was not just curiosity so then I also said that I never have had any financial dealings with ANY official for any reason………..at that point we discussed where I could lodge a complaint on the illegal rule change, and he suggested (with a smirk) the immigration office in David ...

I then asked him to go ahead with stamping me out of the country, and I checked into Costa Rica...........Although I was supposed to stay in Costa Rica for 24 hours, or pay a fine or multa of $50 if I left early, I decided to leave Costa Rica and headed back to Panama for the night……I know that during that period that I was in Panama illegally, but I was taking my chances on not getting stopped.

The next afternoon I returned after the 24 hours had passed, checked out of Costa Rica and when I got to Panama immigration the same officer was there...we exchanged pleasantries and I requested to re-enter the country……….after producing the passport photocopy, $500 cash, the airline ticket back to the US (also had a bus ticket to CR) my car registration, and credit/debit cards (most of which he was not interested in) he stamped me back into Panama and asked if I filed a complaint in David, and of course I told him I could not since I was out of the country for 24 hours but would inform the US consul of the illegal rule change at the frontier…...and he asked how long I planned on staying (90 days) but wrote nothing in the passport...all because I was trying to keep my driving privilege since I had only been back from the US for 89 days at the time I checked out……..I think the US Consul will be interested in hearing this."

William Russell

Get a quote for international health insurance from our partner, William Russell.
Get Quote

William Russell

Get a quote for international health insurance from our partner, William Russell.
Get Quote

Living in Panama Guide

Our Guide to Living in Panama is a perfect primer for readers interested in Panama. Covers healthcare, cost of living, best places to live, residency, visas, real estate, moving tips and the pros and cons of living in Panama.

Panama Forum
Join our Panama forum to meet other expats and talk about living in Panama.

Contribute
Help other expats and newcomers by answering questions about the challenges and adventures of living in Panama.

Best Places to Live in Panama

If you're dreaming about living in Panama, here are the 15 Best Places to Live in Panama in 2023.

Healthcare in Panama

Expats have differing opinions about healthcare in Panama. Many advice against public hospitals and healthcare, but some recount good experiences. This article covers public vs private healthcare, cost of healthcare, obtaining prescription medications and much more.

Cost of Living in Panama

Expats in Panama enjoy a relatively low cost of living. However, it's important to do your research to make sure you'll actually enjoy those saving while creating a high quality of life as an expat in Panama.

Moving to Panama Guide

Do you have to buy a round trip ticket when moving to Panama? How difficult is it to bring my dog? Should I buy a home in Panama? Can I find health

Real Estate in Panama

Real estate listings in popular cities and towns in Panama.

Pros & Cons of Living in Panama

Take off your rose-colored glasses and learn what expats have to say about the biggest challenges and the greatest rewards of living in Panama.

Retiring in Panama

Advice for people retiring in Panama.

Panama Visa & Residency Guide

This article covers the ins and outs of the most common tourist and residency visas that expats and global nomads obtain when moving to and living in Panama.

10 Tips for Living in Panama

If you've recently arrived in Panama, here are 10 tips for digital nomads living in Panama.

Additional Information:

Visit our Panama Index for a Full List

William Russell

Get a quote for international health insurance from our partner, William Russell.
Get Quote

William Russell

Get a quote for international health insurance from our partner, William Russell.
Get Quote

Contribute
Help others in Panama by answering questions about the challenges and adventures of living in Panama.