Taking car to Panama

RichardHol

Active member

Member since 12 September 2017

RichardHol

13 June 2018 00:46:57

RichardHol

13 June 2018 00:46:57

Hello. I am still on tourist visa and own a car with Costa Rican plates. I would like to go to Panama Bocas del Toro by car for few days. Do I need to provide a permit to cross the border with a car? Living in Heredia, where do I get such permit? Thank you.

kohlerias

ViP

Member since 05 September 2013

kohlerias

13 June 2018 01:07:04

1572

kohlerias

13 June 2018 01:07:04

1572

You must obtain a "Permiso de Salida" from Registro Nacional, to take your CR registered car out of the country. Best to get it within 3 weeks prior to your trip.
Your Costa Rican auto insurance will not cover your vehicle in Panama, so you must purchase Panamanian insurance when crossing the border.
You will be given a permit to temporarily import a vehicle into Panama at the border.

While on a tourist visa, you will be asked to show a return ticket to your home country. They may also ask for a print out of a recent bank statement or even ask to see $500 cash, per family member.
Make sure that your RTV permit is up to day and carry the original vehicle papers.

Good luck.