Customs in the Caribbean

Each time you enter and leave a country in the Caribbean, you will need to go through the Customs and Immigration Office. Fees will generally be charged. They vary significantly from country to country.

In recent years, some of the countries have added systems that facilitate the process.

eSea Clear - Caribbean Pre-Arrival Notification System

Register On Line

With eSeaClear, your custom's declaration information can be entered via internet before you leave the US. As a result, you do not have to fill in declaration forms by hand at each country you arrive in. eSeaClear gives you the ability to:

• Notify a country of a pending arrival
• Store vessel characteristics and crew lists
• Easily add or update crew and passenger information
• Edit or cancel notifications if travel plans change
• View historical notifications
• Utilize stored information to easily create new notifications

By using eSeaClear to make your arrival notifications, you’ll be able to clear Customs faster and more efficiently so you can start enjoying your visit sooner. However, it does not replace clearing in and out of Customs.

Local Boater Option

LBO Registration Form

The Local Boater Option (LBO) is, according to a release from U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), a part of their “comprehensive effort to improve security at our nation’s borders while enhancing legitimate travel, including private boaters.”

Unlike, eSeaClear, you must appear in person at one of the participating Customs offices to receive your LBO Boater Registration number. Once you have obtained a Boater Registration number, your entry into the US can be processed over the phone by CBP. Agriculture requirements can be satisfied over the phone, as well. If everyone onboard an incoming vessel has a Boater Registration number, then the vessel and passengers will not have to report for inspection, unless requested to do so by CBP.

For more information on the Local Boater Option, click here.