For anyone needing to do a border run, everything is running smoothly at Paso Canoas. I was there yesterday and came across with my car a week ago. No problems. Aduena is checking luggage on both sides which was new for us. $8 for Costa Rica exit tax which is paid across the street from the border control station.
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So is the 3 night stay out still in effect or not? Also can one pay the overstay fine at the border to the Panama Migra?
Also did the Migra offices in David move?
And lastly any good Pensionado attorneys. I heard Julio Brown in Boquete was good.
As of 2 weeks ago Migracion was next to Setracen in the mall next to Pricemart. Marco Contreras is also a good attorney and dual citizen. His office is half a block down from Super Baru on the left in David. marcoacontreras7@hotmail.com 6582-0885 Not sure about the stay, it changes and we are permanent residents. If you can pay the fine at Migracion in David and then head for the border you might be better off. They would have to deport you there which is much more difficult than refusing you entry. If you have already paid the fine and have the receipt they would not be able to refuse you entry.
Thanks for the info Steve. I paid an overstay fine at the old Migra office in the past with no problems, two different times. I am not overstayed now, but if that happens paying at the border would be more convenient.
Regarding an expensive deportation. I don't think they have the resources for it, especially now and if you can pay the fine instead. They were actually happy and friendly when I paid the fine before. They stapled a big permit in my passport that gave me about a week to leave.
We did the border run mid July and overstayed 4 days. We had to go inside the custom office at Paso Canoas. Took about 45 minutes, as they have to make a whole new paper file. Even for this short overstay we had to pay for 30 days. $ 55.- p.p. After the 3 days we were send by the Costa Rica customs to the Panamanian customs. Had to wait about 45 minutes and a go with about 12 other people under guidance of a Panamanian customs officer holding our passports to the Costa Rica Customs to be stamped out. Then back to the Panamanian customs to check into Panama. Took a couple of minutes.
IS THE 3 DAYS RULE STILL ON?
The 3 day rule is still on. I just got back today. I tried yesterday thinking being out during the days of Tue, Wed and Thur might work and they said no. Seems that you need to spend 3 nights out. Also they are strict on the ticket reservation being paid, and they check.
IMHO Julio Brown is good, and the overstay fine can be paid, however, watch out with that. There were new laws or laws being enforced where the immigration officials at their discretion could reject entry to those who overstay. You must look into this before you go, I am not sure of the details