Do I need to book my boat trip from Panama to Colombia before I enter Panama?
I've got an Australian passport and I plan to do the boat trip from Panama to Colombia, via the San Blas Islands.
I read though that to be allowed entry into Panama, I'll have to provide information that shows that I'm leaving the country, so another flight ticket out of the country or whatever. Basically, showing that I'm not staying there for a long time.
The deal is though, I don't particularly want to book any tickets yet since I want my dates and plans to be pretty flexible when I arrive in Panama. Or is that not possible? Do I have to book my boat trip before I even arrive at the country?
Also, the reason I don't want to book as well is because I want to ask others in the area the best tour/boat to book.
If anyone knows, that'd be great!!!
Best Answer
They do ask for a ticket to show that you are leaving the country but when you are at immigration you can buy a cheap bus ticket out of the country and they will accept it (even if you don't actually take the bus). There are always plenty of bus operators selling tickets. If you are on a tight budget you can print out flight details (without having paid for a flight) of any flight leaving Panama and they will usually accept it as well.
Regarding the boat to Colombia, you can book it once you are in Panama City. Any good hostel (including Luna's Castle) will help to organize it for you including stopping in the San Blas islands. If you are looking for a good deal, make friends with a few people and book it together. You can negotiate a better rate if there are 4 or 5 of you than if you are on your own!
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Can you take a boat from Panama to Colombia?
There are a number of sailing boats and catamarans which operate tours between Panama and Colombia. These trips usually take five days and five nights, most operating between Puerto Lindo in Panama and the stunning colonial city of Cartagena in Colombia.Can I take a boat to Colombia?
There are no public ferries crossing the oceans into Colombia. Private boats are the only option, which you can organise at the docks or through some hotels and hostels.Can you cross into Colombia from Panama?
The Darien gap is a region of southern Panama that borders Colombia and is the only overland route into South America. It consists of a large watershed, forest and mountains. It's possible to cross it.How do I travel from Panama to Colombia?
But those looking to travel from Panama to Colombia have other viable options. Direct air travel is the traditional method, but there are also five-day boat trips through the San Blas islands, known locally as the Kuna Yala, and a series of plane and boat rides that allow for a stop right at the border.Sailing from Panama to Colombia... It's Paradise UNTIL You Hit the OPEN SEAS
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