Clearing CBP
on the Return.

US Customs and Border Protection processes private aircraft arrivals at designated Airports of Entry (AOE). The workflow is different from commercial — there is no shuttle bus, no queue line, and the CBP officer usually comes to the aircraft or meets the passengers in a quiet FBO room. But the paperwork is real, and the penalties for skipping any of it are substantial.

Airports of Entry in South Florida

The common AOEs for Bahamas and TCI return traffic:

The distinction between an "International AOE" and a "User Fee AOE" matters for cost. International AOEs include CBP service in their airport charges (or CBP is federally funded there); User Fee airports require the aircraft to pay a per-arrival CBP service fee, because CBP maintains a contract presence rather than a full staff.

The CBP User Fee Decal

Every private aircraft arriving internationally in the US is required to display a current CBP User Fee Decal. Cost: $27.50 per year. Purchased from the DTOPS portal (dtops.cbp.dhs.gov). The decal covers unlimited international arrivals within its calendar year.

On arrival, the CBP officer will check that the decal is current. Missing or expired decals carry a $5,000 civil penalty per arrival on top of the decal fee.

Purchase a CBP decal (DTOPS)

Notifying CBP of Arrival

In addition to the eAPIS filing, the operator or PIC is required to notify the arrival airport’s CBP office of ETA. Practical process:

1. eAPIS filed at T-60

   This generates a manifest in the CBP system.

2. Handler or PIC calls CBP

   For User Fee airports, a phone call confirms the officer will be on field. Some AOEs also accept ARINC / ACARS messaging.

3. ETA update in flight

   If arrival time slips more than 15 minutes, update CBP via handler or directly.

On the Ramp

Typical sequence after landing at a User Fee AOE like KFXE:

1. Taxi to customs ramp

   Marshaller directs to designated position, often marked CBP or Customs.

2. Shutdown, all doors remain closed

   No one deplanes until the CBP officer signals.

3. PIC meets the officer

   GenDec or equivalent paperwork handed over.

4. Passport check

   Officer comes onboard or asks pax to deplane in order.

5. Baggage inspection as required

   Random or targeted. Typical: light spot check, occasionally a full pull.

6. Release

   Officer signs out. Aircraft and passengers are cleared.

Elapsed time on a clean arrival is often under 15 minutes. A PAET targeting can add 30 to 90 minutes.

The Private Aircraft Enforcement Team

PAET is CBP’s dedicated private aircraft focus group. They watch patterns — same tail, same route, same out-and-back timing — for anomalies. On occasion they will board and do a more thorough inspection, including sniffer dogs, interior panels, and lav kit teardown. This is not personal; it is pattern based. Cooperate, answer straight, and it is over.

User Fee per Arrival

At User Fee airports, a per-arrival CBP service fee applies on top of the decal. As of 2026 this is approximately $40 to $55 depending on station and time of day, billed to the operator or handler and passed to the client. International AOEs (KFLL, KMIA) typically do not add a separate CBP fee because CBP is staffed federally.

Arrival Outside Published Hours

A User Fee AOE at 23:30 may have no CBP officer on shift. Options:

• Re-time the trip to within published hours
• Pre-arrange overtime (possible but costly, typically $150 to $300 per hour)
• Divert to a 24 hour AOE (KMIA, KFLL)
• Use the Remote Video Inspection program where supported

The ATF Form 4457

If you are bringing firearms back to the US that were initially taken out of the US (licensed export), ATF Form 4457 (Certificate of Registration) is the document that proves US origin. Filing the 4457 before the outbound trip avoids any question about duty or import restriction on return. CBP can ask for it. See firearms page.

Agricultural Products Inbound

Fresh fruit, vegetables, meat, and dairy from the Bahamas or TCI are restricted or prohibited into the US. That straw market mango does not make it through. Declare any food item and let the officer decide.

Related Guides

Frequently Asked Questions