I have done some research on this topic in the forums but have yet to find a conclusive answer. I'm planning to fly into Panama on a way way ticket from Mexico (where I live) and then travel back up through Central America and into Mexico again. Would this cause problems with immigration in Panama? I've read that printing out bank statements and the like might help...
Any information much appreciated.
Last year about this time of year I flew to Panama from Columbia and didn't have a out bound ticket. After a few weeks I flew to Costa Rica without a outbound ticket. I was not asked for evidence of outward travel in any country. Also when I flew to Columbia from Ecuador I didn't have a outbound ticket at that time. I didn't have any problems with immigration anywhere. A couple of years ago I bused into Costa Rica from Nicaragua, before that El Salvador and before that Guatemala all without outbound tickets. I onetime said on this forum that maybe it's where your from or how you look or how you act that determines if you need a outbound ticket. Someone else said I was wrong all I know is what I've experience.
It's not so much immigration you'll have problems with, but the airline. All coun tires have the requirement of an onward ticket, it's just a matter of how strictly they enforce it. It's generally not very strictly enforced at the international airport or at the land crossing at Sixaola. Paso Canos and Puerto Obaldia are different stories. They usually enforce the requirement very strictly. But not always.
The same as Mott2, I've travelled without onward tickets before and been allowed on a flight, but usually after arguing with the ticket agent. At the hostel we've had a number of people who have been rejected for certain airlines and others who make it through with the same airline. It all depends on the day. You could get lucky but I don't know if it's worth the risk.
You may have trouble. They sometimes ask for proof, but that can be a bus ticket I imagine...
Thanks for all the information. It seems like a question of luck then in most cases. Someone mentioned that airlines might be more problematic than immigration. Are there some airlines which enforce this rule more than others, say Copa? As we're flying from Mexico City, we'll probably go with Mexicana or Aeromexico as their schedules seem better. I guess we'll just invest in bus ticket then...
Well, I’m back from my travels and thought that I would share my experiences with others who might find the information useful.
So yes, I did need proof of onward travel whilst checking in at Mexico City for the Copa Airlines Mexico City – Panama City flight. They seemed pretty thorough with this too, as some other passengers were frantically explaining their onward travel plans to convince the Copa check in staff. They definitely seemed like they wouldn’t put up with any nonsense.
I got around the onward travel proof by making an online ‘reservation’ with expedia for a Panama City – San Jose ticket, but just printed out an itinerary of the flight details with my name highlighted before the purchase ticket stage. This looked like an online ticket, especially with the ads and logos around the flight details. Now, I know this was risky, and it did appear that she looking for my onward flight details for about 15 or so seconds, but eventually she just gave the printout back and advised me that I would need proof of onward travel when entering Costa Rica. Relief, but I’m not sure how close I was to being found out. As for immigration itself in Panama City, it was a doddle. I was asked what the purpose of my trip was and then had my passport stamped and then I proceeded through. So it seems that the airline check in process is far more thorough and travellers really do need proof of onward travel when flying into Panama.
I should also point out that Costa Rican immigration was very thorough too, and demanded proof of onward travel. Again, I produced a ‘reservation’, this time a Tica Bus ticket that I put together before leaving Mexico. I was fine, but my friend was quizzed as to how she bought the ticket. No delays though and we were let through. It seems as though Costa Rica is pretty thorough, and many travel agencies that we saw throughout Central America were warning travellers of the fact that onward travel proof was needed when entering Costa Rica, and some agencies would refuse outright to sell tickets to Costa Rica if customers didn’t have onward travel plans. Before leaving, I got the impression from reading forums that Costa Rican immigration might be pot luck, but seems as though they’re enforcing this requirement quite rigorously.
As far the rest of Central America, no problem. Obviously things change quickly in this region, but I hope some of the info is helpful.
Just a note on WHY the airlines may be more stringent than the actual customs folks. If you are refused entry into a foreign country because of some such requirement upon ARRIVAL at your destination, then the AIRLINE is legally obligated to return you to the point of departure. Thus the situation such as Tom Hanks living in an airport bathroom for a few years is averted. The airline doesn't want to forced into giving you a "free" ticket to return you to the country that you just left. That experience is from working in 25 foreign countries over a period of four years (mostly all sections of Europe, Asia, Middle East and not so much Central America). Think about it - How many people go to Central America to "take advantage" of their generous welfare benefits? Thus customs isn't AS concerned with you staying awhile as the customs people.