Departure from Panama

This section prepares you for an uneventful departure from our country. It presents you with all the information that is available at the moment.

Leaving from Tocumen International Airport

There are two things that are always certain in this life. One is that death comes to us all (unfortunately) and second that all good things come to an end. We are sad to see you leave but we hope that your stay was fabulous, full of pleasant surprises and that you leave with good memories and a lot of pictures!. We would be glad to see you back with us again.

Unless you were dropped in Panama blindfolded we assume that you know how to get to the Tocumen International Airport. The flight departures area is on the first level (above the ground floor), as soon as you enter you can go directly to the airline counter to check in. On this same lobby you will find a small booth were you will most likely need to pay the departure tax (about US$20), the airline representative will be able to tell you precisely.

Once you have checked in, if you have no loved ones or friends to leave behind simply walk towards the Immigration booth near the stairs that lead to the 2nd level. There you will have to present your passport, a proof of payment of the airport tax and your plane ticket.

Passed the immigration procedure, you step into the tax free area where you may want to do some last minute shopping before walking towards the gate designated to your flight. Think of the nice memories you will hopefully take with you and get ready to board your plane. Have a pleasant flight!.

Leaving by sea (Cruises)

This happens in either Colon or Panama. If you are on the Pacific side the only place would be the Amador cruise terminal.

On the Atlantic side in one of the two ports of Colon city. One being the Cristobal port for ships crossing the Panama Canal or the Colon 2000 cruiseship terminal.

Leaving by Land (By car)

As mentioned before there is only one place you can use to leave Panama by car and that is on the northern border by crossing over to Costa Rica. If you have a lot of time in your hands while in Panama you may continue your trip in Costa Rica or perhaps Colombia (by plane though...).

The border with Costa Rica is on Bocas del Toro and Chiriqui. Most likely you will leave by using the border crossing at Paso Canoas, Chiriquí. This is about 550 kilometres from the capital, or some 8-9 hour drive.

Expect a relatively lengthy stay at Paso Canoas. You have to leave your car or bus, go to the office and present your travel documents. And very likely you will have to wait even longer, so why not cross over on foot and explore the markets. Then at some point you will get your passport stamped and you will be allowed to get back into your car or bus and continue your trip to Costa Rica.