Customs needed from St. Thomas (TIST)?

[pilotviolin]

We are planning a flight from TIST to KIAD. Are we going to have to clear customs at the first available airport or can we fly to IAD? I heard about pre customs but I think we are leaving too early in the morning? Anyone please?

 

[cptsesso]

Not sure if you are 135 or not, but we were corporate and if the rules are still the same, you need to request an overflight permit from your local customs guys in IAD. Once it is approved, you can fly non-stop to IAD from TIST.

If I remember correctly, the approval lasts 1 year and you need to list all crew members and at least 1 primary passenger who will be on the plane for all flights. We also had to show cause for the need of the permit, ex: economic factor of having to repeatedly make enroute stop for customs in ILM.

I used to do PNE to TIST 1 to 2 times a month with a return stop in PHL to clear customs. PNE is not considered a full time manned facility, so they wanted us to land at PHL.

If you are able to pre-clear in TIST, you can fly to anywhere in the US as long as they have a manned customs facility. They reserve the right to inspect you again when you land in the US, even though you pre-cleared.

Best bet is to call your local customs office and talk to them about it.

 

[OleGuy]

In a past life we found the best way to handle customs, especially after hours, is to find a customs agent that likes overtime. We used to have the guys home number and would call him a couple hours out and he would meet us and do his thing. The gig here is if they get dressed and come out they were paid an 8 hour shift, so my guy loved it!

 

[2000flyer]

I was just there three weeks ago. Preclear outbound by taxiing over to terminal. Your FBO/handling agent will be able to arrange this for you. Notify your local customs that you'll be preclearing on departure. They may meet you or just ask that you leave your stamped clearance on arrival at the FBO. Very painless.

Preclearing out of TIST, you'll haul all the luggage into customs. It's a matter of lottery and timing whether they'll open and inspect or just scan your passports and bid you farewell.

Have a great trip. I recommend staying at the Marriott. Water taxi or cab to town $5/each way. If you're into jewlrey, watches, etc., you'll have a blast. $3500 Breitling for around $1400 (depending on your negociating skills). $500 Citizen ~$140. Oh yeah, Cruzan rum, 6 bucks. Samples are free and available at EVERY store and corner.

2000Flyer

 

[mxflyer]

pre clear at tist....call Roy at St Thomas jet center...hell take care of u. land at pbi, go to jet aviation and fax your arrival report (tist customs willl give u one) to customs...as soon as fax goes thru u leave.

 

[cptsesso]

pre clear at tist....call Roy at St Thomas jet center...hell take care of u. land at pbi, go to jet aviation and fax your arrival report (tist customs willl give u one) to customs...as soon as fax goes thru u leave.

Why even bother pre-clearing then? If you pre-clear, you are free to fly to any US destination which has a manned facility, not just the first available.

With that said, why would he go to PBI? If he is returning to IAD, he would be better off going to ILM (the most northern allowable customs) and do customs there without pre-clearing.

 

[Metro752]

Aint St. Thomas the United States...............?

 

[2000flyer]

Aint St. Thomas the United States...............?

Yes, but far enough south to require a stop at the friendly CBP office

 

[Metro752]

It's the same as San Juan pretty much, and on an airline (757) I've never stopped for customs. Is it just a small aircraft/unscheduled thing? Just curious

 

[cosmotheassman]

has anyone dealt with the short bald headed white guy at customs in TIST?? That guy is a royal prick.