Panama Forum

panamajames
Joined 2012
Posts: 5096

10 years ago

Border Crossing Update from some folks

10 years ago

Just wanted to give everyone a heads up as to the NEW requirements for leaving and entering the country. We made the border crossing yesterday. This is the freshest information but as we all know it can change at the drop of a hat depending on your attitude..... Attitude makes all of the difference.

I must say that I highly recommend crossing the border at Rio Serreno. There generally is never a line and the guy that works there is very friendly. I speak fluent Spanish and I asked all of the questions that have popped up on previous threads.
Requirements to re-enter Panama on a Tourist Visa.
Passport (if you cross at Rio Serreno then you will need 2 photo copies of the information page).
***Passport must be valid and under 180 days from the last re-entry***
Proof of Solvency. They want to physically see $500 in cash or a bank statement dated within 24-72 hours of your border crossing
Airplane Ticket/ Itinerary leaving Panama back to your country of Residence. In my case it was the United States. A bus Ticket out of Panama into Costa Rica is no longer valid. Also a car registration showing that you have a vehicle in Panama is no longer valid.
Here's the kicker. Panama is now requiring that tourist must remain out of the country for at least 24 hours. He was saying that their new system will not allow them to check someone back in immediately.
We have been here for 2.5 years. in that time frame I have crossed the border to renew my passport for driving 9 times. This is the first time the rules have changed. The immigration officer could not answer any of my questions as to the "why" and when I told him that my attorney said there was no minimum requirement time frames in which a tourist must stay out of the country.... I received a blank stare and a reiteration that 24 hours was the new rule....This was my final border crossing as my paperwork for residency begins on Monday... I would imagine that it will only get more complicated as time goes on.
Be prepared. Bring everything, Smile, Never let them see you get angry, and have a positive attitude.
Remember we are guests here. If anyone has crossed in the past 7 days with a different experience please reply. I have noticed that it changes between Paso Canoas and Rio Serreno and depending on the person who you are dealing with.
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I just went this last thursday 24th of September and I crossed over and went back in the same day...I was with a client because his 180 days was almost expired and he wants to start his immigration process. Everything above that you have written was the same, the only difference was that I did everything in the same day... all my stamps were for September 24th.

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