Paso Canoas Border Crossing: Costa Rica To Panama Step By Step (2026)

Paso Canoas is the busiest land crossing between Costa Rica and Panama, sitting on the Pan-American Highway in the far south of Costa Rica. It is the natural border run choice for anyone living on the southern Pacific coast, the Osa Peninsula or around Uvita and Dominical, and the main route for travelers heading to David, Boquete or Panama City by road.

It is also the crossing where travelers most often get caught out, because Panama enforces its entry rules more strictly than many people expect. This guide walks you through it.

Before You Go: Checklist

Passport with at least three months’ validity beyond your arrival in Panama (six months avoids any argument)
Costa Rica land exit tax paid: US$8, online through Banco de Costa Rica or at BCR points near the border
Proof of onward travel out of Panama
Proof of funds: at least US$500 in cash, a recent bank statement or a credit card
Proof of onward travel out of Costa Rica, for your return
Small US dollar bills and some colones for parking or snacks

Panama’s Entry Rules At Paso Canoas

The US State Department says a return or onward ticket is required for Panama and that this is strictly enforced. Panama also expects visitors to show at least US$500 or equivalent funds. At the border, officers can ask for both.

Travelers have also reported Panamanian officers asking for evidence that they will actually spend time in Panama, such as a hotel booking, rather than turning straight around. Booking a night in David or nearby and keeping the confirmation handy avoids that conversation.

The onward ticket needs to show you leaving Panama. A bus ticket back to Costa Rica is sometimes accepted, but a flight reservation out of Panama is the most reliable proof. See our guide to proof of onward travel.

Step By Step: Costa Rica To Panama

Arrive in Paso Canoas by car or bus. The town straddles the border and is busy with duty-free shopping, so allow time to park and find the migration office.
Exit Costa Rica at the Costa Rican migration office. Show your passport and exit tax payment and get your exit stamp.
Walk to Panamanian migration, a short distance away.
Present your documents: passport, onward ticket out of Panama and proof of funds. Answer questions about your plans.
Get your Panama entry stamp and pass through customs.

Step By Step: Panama Back To Costa Rica

Exit Panama at Panamanian migration and get your exit stamp.
Walk to Costa Rican migration.
Show your passport, proof of onward travel out of Costa Rica and proof of funds. This is where officers check that you plan to leave Costa Rica before your new stay ends.
Check the number of days written on your new stamp before you walk away.

Driving Across

Crossing with a car is possible but adds paperwork on both sides, including vehicle permits and, for rental cars, written permission from the rental company. Many people doing a border run park on the Costa Rican side and walk across instead.

Tips

Arrive early in the day. Queues build up, especially around holidays and weekends.
Mind the time difference. Panama is one hour ahead of Costa Rica.
Print everything. Mobile data at the border can be patchy.
Do not leave without both stamps in each direction: exit from one country and entry to the other.

Alternatives To Paso Canoas

On the Caribbean side, the smaller Sixaola to Guabito crossing leads to Bocas del Toro. In the north, Peñas Blancas takes you into Nicaragua. Compare all options in our Costa Rica border run guide.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need an onward ticket to enter Panama at Paso Canoas?

Yes. Panama requires proof of onward or return travel, and the US State Department describes this as strictly enforced.

How much money do I need to show to enter Panama?

At least US$500, or proof of equivalent funds such as a bank statement or credit card.

Can I do a same-day border run at Paso Canoas?

Some people do, but Panamanian officers may ask about your plans in Panama. Staying overnight is the safer approach.

What is the time difference between Costa Rica and Panama?

Panama is one hour ahead.

Before You Go

Pay your exit tax, pack your funds proof, and have onward tickets for both directions ready. If you need a reservation to show proof of onward travel, Fast Onward Tickets can get you one in minutes.