www.CostaRicaTicas.com

DonCarlos, I know that crossing into Panama is/has been a problem at times for years. I also know I have been very lucky when crossing (probably 20+ times over the last 8 years) and my luck just ran out this time. For me the biggest problem is and has been the slowness especially the Panamian immigration and the Costa Rican customs. I have had an open ended Ticabus ticket to Nicaragua for years and have been asked for a ticket out of CR more when entering from Nicaragua than when entering from Panama. Have been asked to show x amount of $$$ more at the Panamian borders. This was the first time Panama had ever asked me for a ticket out of Panama (I know others have been asked in the past). What upset me was the total stupidity of a country trying to tell a tourist entering their country to spend money (in a poor country that is suppose to be Gringo friendly) where that tourist had to go when leaving their country. That and the total lack of using reason and having no flexibility (etc. the woman going to Europe for 2 years having to have a ticket back to the USA within no more than 90 days.).

Several people who work at the border commented on the already drastic drop in the number of tourist crossing into Panama. Panama has never had enough immigration agents working the windows thus the very long lines! Maybe this is their answer to solving their problem rather than hiring more agents!!! I am sure the merchants who make their living off tourist will agree it is a good solution to the problem!!!

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Old and retired but still bang, and bang, and bang!!!

Panama's tourist number are not down or are they trending that way. Do the research and you will see their tourist numbers are continuing upward each year. Every chart or indicators point to increased growth each year. All countries have a right to protect their boarders and make rules for entry. All countries want to make sure they are not responsible for your way home in case you have a problem in their country. And it makes sense it has to be your country of residence, not some country you are a perpetual tourist. Also they do not want people in their countries who do not have money for basic essentials. They don't want to worry about taking care of someone from another country.