Panama onward travel

If you arrive in Panama by land from Costa Rica, you may be asked to show a return or onward ticket, especially if you are not a legal resident of Costa Rica.

What travelers should expect

UK government travel advice notes that you may be asked to show a return or onward ticket, particularly if you arrive in Panama by land from Costa Rica and are not a legal resident of Costa Rica. It is worth having proof of your onward plans ready in that situation.^[1]

• The expectation is strongest if you arrive by land from Costa Rica and are not a legal resident there.
• If you fly into Panama, the same proof can be requested by your airline at check-in or by immigration on arrival.

What documents usually count

Airlines normally want a return or onward flight reservation that matches the traveler name and can be checked before boarding. A verified reservation is useful because it includes an airline reservation code and a dated itinerary.

Common arrival planning

For Panama, travelers often plan around Panama arrival airports. Enter your actual route and departure date when you book so the reservation matches the trip you need to document.

Sources

1. UK Foreign travel advice — Panama: Entry requirements

   “show a return or onward ticket – particularly if you arrive by land from Costa Rica and are not a legal resident of Costa Rica.”