WELCOME
TRAVEL Tips
TRAVELING IN THE USVI
Federal and state partners of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security hope that you have enjoyed your stay in the Virgin Islands. As you leave, keep in mind the following advice to help make your trip through the airport as efficient and comfortable as possible:
ARRIVE ON TIME. Remember to leave adequate time to
check baggage and move through security. Security measures in the Virgin Islands are unique. All passengers and crew traveling from the U.S. Virgin Islands to the continental United States and Puerto Rico must be cleared by officers of U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) to determine admissibility to the United States. Each individual must complete the CBP Declaration Form 6059B. Check with airlines for recommended arrival time.
PACK SMART. Pack an organized carry-on bag using layers
– a layer of clothes, then electronics, more clothes, and then any heavier items. Innocent items can actually appear to be potential threats in an X-ray image, simply by the way they are packed.
PAY ATTENTION TO 3-1-1 RULE. Liquids, gels, and aero-
sols are permitted in 3- ounce containers, placed in a 1-quartsize, clear plastic, zip-top bag, one bag per traveler. If you can pour it, pump it, squeeze it, spread it, smear it, spray it, or spill it, it’s subject to these limits. Tamarind and cherry stews are considered liquids and gels. Breast milk and medically necessary liquids like baby formula and insulin are permitted, but must be declared to a security officer at the checkpoint before they go through the x-ray machine.
ing procedures to those 12 and under and will be able to leave on their shoes and a light jacket or outer wear when passing through security. Travelers and families of passengers with disabilities or medical conditions may call the TSA Cares helpline toll free at 855-787-2227, 72 hours prior to traveling with any questions about screening policies, procedures and what to expect at the security checkpoint.
FOR CHECKED BAGS. Lock your suitcase with a TSA-
approved lock and be sure not to pack any hazardous materials. Liquids and gels greater than 3 ounces - such as duty free purchases (including alcohol, perfume and lotion) - purchased before entering the checkpoint, should be placed in checked baggage.
FISH AND WILDLIFE. In order to keep our islands beauti-
ful, we must protect our natural resources. The VI code prohibits the taking, catching, possessing, transporting or exporting of indigenous species. The prohibition also includes the removal of coral, sea shells, sand, and other native species, flora and fauna. Commercially caught legal size conch and whelk are the only shells that can be removed from the territory. Some of the items may also be considered prohibited based on TSA security protocol. Federal and state partners of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security remind travelers to be vigilant by reporting suspicious activity to local law enforcement. If you see something, say something. The traveling public plays an important role in security.
DRESS THE PART. Transportation Security Officers (TSOs)
have to resolve any anomaly detected at the checkpoint. TSA strongly recommends removing ALL items from pockets, as well as certain accessories, including wallet, belt, bulky jewelry, money, keys, and cell phone. Place those items into your carry-on bags. Also please remove shoes before entering the screening technology and put them directly on the belt. Removing all of these items will reduce the chance of needing additional screening.
HAVE THE FOLLOWING READY. Passengers should
be prepared to present their own boarding pass and a valid federal or state issued government ID, such as a valid driver’s license or passport with your name as it appears on your boarding pass. You will have to show these items twice. Once to CBP and the second time to TSA security personnel.
RISK BASED SECURITY. Passengers 12 and younger
can now leave their shoes on during security screening. Passengers 75 and older will undergo similar modified screenPage 12 M A R C H + A P R I L 2 0 1 4
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