The U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has implemented enhanced security procedures for small boat arrivals. This increased enforcement posture requires physical reporting to a designated local CBP office when returning from foreign ports or locations for a face-to-face inspection, unless enrolled in an alternative inspection program that would allow arrival reporting by app or phone.
Pleasure Boat Clearance Procedures
Clearance procedures for pleasure boats arriving at the United States from foreign port include:
- Arrivals to the US Virgin Islands from a foreign port and,
- Arrivals to Puerto Rico (including Vieques and Culebra) from the US Virgin Islands and foreign ports
Alternative Inspection Programs Accepted in Puerto Rico and U.S. Virgin Islands
- CBP Reporting Offsite Arrival - Mobile (CBP ROAM)
- Verified Traveler (including LBO, SVRS, and I-68 numbers)
CBP Reporting Offsite Arrival - Mobile (ROAM)
The CBP ROAM app is a free mobile application that provides an option for pleasure boaters to report their U.S. entry to CBP via their personal smart device or a tablet located at local businesses to satisfy reporting requirements.
Travelers using the CBP ROAM app may use the app to apply to become Verified Travelers (which includes existing LBO, SVRS, and I-68 numbers) and receive expedited processing on future arrivals.
Participants in these programs may report their arrival to CBP by calling one of the locations mentioned below. Participants in these programs may be exempt from reporting for an in-person inspection, unless directed by a CBP officer. Participation in the LBO program does not exempt boaters from decal requirement.
Beginning September 5, 2018, SVRS will no longer be in service and float plans will no longer be accepted.
Boaters looking for a new, faster way to report their arrival and/or apply for a registered boater program may use the CBP ROAM app, available for free on the Apple App and Google Play stores. Current SVRS registration numbers may be used within the CBP Reporting Offsite Arrival – Mobile (ROAM) for expedited processing. Boaters may also continue to report their arrival via designated telephone reporting numbers, if desired.
What information do I need to provide when I call?
The Master of the vessel must report arrival via telephone immediately upon arrival to a designated inspection site within the jurisdiction of Puerto Rico (including Vieques and Culebra) and the US Virgin Islands. See below telephone numbers.
- LBO registration number or Float Plan Number (if applicable)
- Name, date of birth and citizenship of all persons on board (including passport number and visa information if applicable)*;
- Name of the boat and/or boat registration number and nationality
- CBP user fee decal number (if vessel is 30 feet or longer);
- If qualified foreign vessel, cruising license number
- Return contact number
Designated Sites for Inspection at Ports of Entry for Private Boats Operators
Puerto Rico
The telephone number to report arrival seven days a week is 1-877-529-6840 or (787) 729-6840, manned from 0800 until 2400. After hour arrivals, leave a brief message with boat name, registration number, date and time of arrival and a return telephone number. If no return number or the number is international, please call again after 0800 upon arrival. You will be advised with instructions on entering procedures according to normal hours of the below inspection sites.
U.S. Virgin Islands
Telephone number to report arrival seven days a week are:
- St Thomas: 1 877 305-8774
- St. John: 1 877 305-8775
- St. Croix: 1 340 773-1011 (day time) and 1 340 773-1490 (after business hours)
After hour arrivals, leave a brief message with boat name, registration number, date and time of arrival and a return telephone number. If no return number or the number is international, please call again after 0800 upon arrival. You will be advised with instructions on entering procedures according to normal hours of the below inspection sites.
Designated Sites for Inspection in Puerto Rico (Including Vieques and Culebra)
Port of Fajardo
Puerto Real Municipal Pier
In front of the Custom House
(787) 863-0950
(787) 863-0102
Vieques Station
Mosquito Pier
(787) 741-8366
Alternate: (787) 863-0950
Culebra Station
Dewey Dock Ensenada Honda
(787) 742-3531
Alternate: (787) 863-0950
Port of Ponce
Ponce Pier
Caribbean Image Marina
(787) 841-3130
(787) 841-3131
Port of Mayagüez
Mayagüez Seaport
(787) 831-3340/3368/3369/3370
(787) 882-3556/76 (Airport Phone#)
Port of San Juan - San Juan Marinas
San Juan Bay Marina
Club Náutico de San Juan
Cangrejos Yacht Club
1-877-529-6840
Alternate: (787) 729-6840
Designated Sites for Inspection in USVI
Port of St. Thomas
Edward Wilmoth Blyden Marine Terminal
1 877 305-8774
Port of St. John
Cruz Bay CBP Terminal
1 877 305-8775
Port of St. Croix
Gallows Bay, St. Croix
1 340 773-1011 (day time)
1 340 773-1490 (after business hours)
Decal Information
Decals are stickers that are placed on all private aircraft and private vessels (30 feet or more in length) as proof that the User Fee for entry into the U.S. has been paid for the calendar year. If a vessel or aircraft does not have a decal upon entering the U.S., an application must be completed and a User Fee purchased when reporting to CBP. Participation in the LBO program does not preclude the decal requirement. In order to obtain your decal you can login to our web page or submit a paper application:
Paper Application
CBP sent User Fee renewal applications to all customers who purchased calendar year User Fees. The renewal application will list all the information the customer provided for the purchase of the User Fees. Instructions are included for the completion of the application. Incorrect information should be revised and missing information should be provided on the pre-printed renewal application. We recommend that applicants provide all information requested, per the instructions, to avoid CBP having to return the application without a decal/transponder. Please contact the User Fee Help Desk at (317) 298-1245 or email for free assistance: decals@dhs.gov.
If you do not receive a renewal application in the mail, you may obtain an "Annual User Fee Application for vessels or aircraft" (CF-339) from a local CBP port office or by calling User Fee Help Desk at (317) 298-1245. "Annual User Fee Applications for commercial vehicles (trucks)" may only be obtained by calling the User Fee Help Desk at (317) 298-1245 or email decals@dhs.gov.
Failure to Report
Failure to report can result in civil penalties as defined in Title 19, Unites States Code Section 1436, to include a penalty of $5,000 for the first violation and $10,000 for each subsequent violation with the conveyance subject to seizure and forfeiture. In addition, to being liable for a civil penalty, any master who intentionally commits a violation under subsection (a) of the above stated section, upon conviction is liable for a fine of not more than $2,000 or imprisonment for one year or both.