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Paso Canoas

The Pan-American Highway crossing between Costa Rica and Panama.

All border crossings · Costa Rica ⇄ Panama · Road · checked 2026-09

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The two posts

Hours: About 06:00–22:00 (check)

Entering Costa Rica

Paso Canoas (Costa Rica) · Corredores, Puntarenas

Visa on arrival
No
E-visa accepted here
No

Visa-free for many passports; proof of onward travel is often asked for (check).

Entering Panama

Paso Canoas (Panama) · Chiriquí

Visa on arrival
No
E-visa accepted here
No

Visa-free for many passports; onward ticket and funds can be checked (check).

Visa answers are for most Western passports and change often. Check yours on entry check and the official e-visa site; for e-visas, the post must be on the country's list of accepted ports.

Getting across

  • International buses San José → Panama City (Tica Bus and others), about 15–17 h.
  • Local buses to the border from David (Panama) or Ciudad Neily (Costa Rica).

Scams and traps

  • 'Onward ticket' sellers at the border charging for printouts.
  • Costa Rica exit tax paid only at the official kiosk: ignore sellers in the street (check).

Tips

  • Carry a printed onward ticket: airlines and officials both ask.
  • The border runs through a busy shopping town: the offices are easy to miss.

Nearest places

Everything marked check, and every hour and fee, needs confirming before you travel: posts close for holidays, disputes and roadworks with little notice. Written from Voykit's own notes; checked 2026-09.