By Laura Gutierrez of Immigration Help Costa Rica

In response to some emails requesting clarification to my previous article, the following is a brief synopsis regarding visa expiries, the validity of foreign drivers’ licenses, and border runs.

1. If you have been in Costa Rica on a Tourist Visa extended several times throughout 2020 and 2021, that visa expired on June 1, 2021. You need to do a border run or fly out and back into Costa Rica and comply with all entry requirements outlined on the Ministry of Tourism site at the bottom of this article.
2. Suppose you are awaiting approval on a submitted residency application or have been approved for residency and are completing the final steps. In that case, you do not have to do a border run at this time.
3. If you booked an appointment for submission of a residency application and have proof of that appointment on your person at all times, you do not have to do a border run at this time. That appointment overrides any visa expiry.

Foreign Drivers’ License validity. (Separate subject)

1. All those with tourist visas only – that expired June 1, 2021, must also do the border run or fly out and into Costa Rica to maintain the validity of their foreign drivers’ license.
2. For those of you who are awaiting approval on submitted residency applications or are in the final stages of completing the last steps of a Resolution, your foreign drivers’ license has been extended to September 30, 2021. No need for a border run.
3. If you booked an appointment with the DGME to submit a residency application in the future, you would still need to do a border run to maintain the validity of your foreign drivers’ license.

In recent days, I have received client feedback and seen posts on social media sites that Panama is giving grief over said border runs or flights in and out of Panama for visa stamps (Many people have been denied the stamp). On the other hand, client reports on experiences in Nicaragua were more positive. I have been to neither border nor have first-hand knowledge, so I suggest you check in with friends and neighbors and monitor social media sights for the most accurate information about Panama vs. Nicaragua. We’re in strange times and all information you act on should be vetted carefully.

After contacting a Panamanian border agent his unofficial answer was as follows” We are tired of processing thousands of perpetual tourists from Costa Rica each year who contribute nothing to Panama. Thinking you are “entitled” to have your passport stamped is a misconception and the times of the past are no longer”.

He explained that many of the border agents will require the following to “Renew Your Visa through Panama

1. Negative Covid Test
2. $500 USD in physical Cash
3. Minimum 2 day Prepaid hotel reservation
4. Return Bus and or Plane ticket to Costa Rica

In either case, please be mindful of the re-entry requirements found here:
https://www.visitcostarica.com/en/costa-rica/planning-your-trip/entry-requirement

If you are in need of immigration assistance Laura can be reached by clicking here, Toll-free at 1-833-733-6337, Locally at or by sending an email to [email protected].