CBP Remote Video
Inspection.

The CBP Remote Video Inspection program (sometimes called VAIT — Video Assisted Inspection Technology, or RVI) is a CBP operational tool that lets qualifying private aircraft clear customs at smaller Airports of Entry where CBP does not maintain a full time on-field officer presence. A CBP officer at a central facility runs the inspection by tablet video call, and the FBO hosts the equipment at the private terminal.

Why the Program Exists

Small AOEs historically could not support the cost of a full time CBP officer. That meant either limited hours, mandatory appointments, or diverting to a bigger airport. Remote Video lets CBP serve dozens of small fields from a handful of central teams, which expands access without a hiring surge.

Participating Airports

The program rolls out station by station. As of 2026, public-facing participating airports include (verify with your handler):

• Stuart / Witham (KSUA) — Florida east coast
• Naples (KAPF) — Florida Gulf coast
• Vero Beach (KVRB) — Florida east coast
• Space Coast Executive (KTIX) — Florida east coast
• Additional fields in Texas, Arizona, and the Northeast

New airports are added quarterly. Your handler or Vanbert ops will confirm whether the route you are planning is RVI eligible.

Who Is Eligible

RVI is a low risk program. Eligibility factors include:

• Trusted Traveler status (Global Entry strongly preferred)
• Clean CBP travel history
• US citizens and Lawful Permanent Residents
• US N-registered aircraft (typical)
• Pre-filed eAPIS manifest, current decal

Parties with mixed citizenship, first time international arrivals, or travelers with past CBP flags should plan on a traditional on-field clearance at a full service AOE.

How the Clearance Runs

1. Pre-flight filings as normal

   eAPIS 60 minutes before wheels up. CBP notified of ETA. Decal current.

2. Arrival at participating AOE

   Taxi to the FBO. Shut down. Wait in aircraft or move to private lounge as directed.

3. Tablet video call initiated

   FBO coordinates the RVI station with CBP. Officer appears on tablet.

4. Passport scan by tablet camera

   Each passenger holds the passport to the camera. Officer reviews MRZ.

5. Declaration questions asked by video

   Standard CBP declaration questions. Verbal answers.

6. Baggage inspection as required

   Generally visual only on video. Physical inspection escalates only on suspicion.

7. Release

   Officer signs out. FBO releases aircraft and passengers.

Elapsed time on a clean RVI clearance is typically 10 to 20 minutes. Comparable or faster than many on-field AOEs.

Still Required on Top of RVI

• eAPIS manifest 60 minutes before wheels up
• Current CBP decal on the aircraft
• Notification of ETA to CBP (handler handles)
• Valid passports for all aboard
• Agricultural declarations as applicable

When RVI Is Not Appropriate

• Passengers without Trusted Traveler status on first private international trip
• Large parties (officer will ask the group to land at a full AOE)
• Cargo or commercial merchandise on board
• Firearms on board (physical inspection is typically required)
• Agricultural items that require inspection

Why This Matters

RVI has made late night and weekend returns to fields like KAPF and KSUA practical for private operators who would otherwise have had to divert to KMIA or KFLL. For clients with homes on the Treasure Coast or Gulf Coast, RVI saves a long ground drive at the end of a trip.

What Can Go Wrong

• Technology failure — occasional tablet or bandwidth issues. Plan a backup AOE.
• Officer escalation — if something looks off on video, the officer can order a physical inspection, which means a ferry to a staffed AOE or waiting for a mobile officer. Build in time buffer.
• First timer denial — some RVI sites prefer not to clear first time international travelers; the algorithm surfaces these for a full AOE.

Pricing

User Fee per arrival still applies at RVI participating AOEs. The RVI technology itself is not a separate charge. FBO handling is similar to other private terminal rates.

Related Guides

Frequently Asked Questions