"I just did a run to Rio Serena through San Vito. Nice sleepy crossing but still had challenges. I had a Tica with me to help with communication. I intended to do a in-and-out as fast as they would let me as I had no business in Panama.
Costa Rica wouldn't stamp me out because they thought Panama wouldn't let me in.
Had such a long discussion with Panama about how long I had to stay they ended up accepting my verbal that I had enough money in the bank and I didn't need to show any kind of ticket. I did have an ATM receipt showing a balance over $500 but they never asked for it. He did take a copy of my proof of application for residency in Costa Rica. 2 copies of passport required.
Panama said there are new rules for 2014 and I had to stay at least overnight - NO exceptions.
They stamped me entered into Panama.
With the Panama entry, Costa Rica stamped my exit from Costa Rica. Said they'd only give me 50 days if I came back the same day.
So now I'm officially in Panama, so we returned to my friend's place in San Vito (Costa Rica) where it was more convenient to spend the night.
Next morning went back and exited Panama and re-entered Costa Rica for 90 days. Needed another copy of my passport.
The Sereno border is after about 10 km of dirt road.
Costa Rica Immigration is on the left in front of a store where I parked.
Panama Immigration is 75 meters away at the turn in the road.
There are no border markings, guards, gates, parked semis, lines, or anything else.
SUMMARY: Bring 3 copies of passport and be prepared to stay overnight. I got away without proof of $500 or a ticket back to the States, probably because of my residency application, maybe it helped because he knew I wasn't going to stay in Panama and become a burden on them. Interesting and convenient that there was no enforcement of physical location corresponding to legal location. Your mileage may (and probably will) vary :-) :-)"
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NOTE:
I THINK why they're asking for copies of his passport is their system sometimes goes down so best to be safe!!
NOTE:
I THINK why they're asking for copies of his passport is their system sometimes goes down so best to be safe!!
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