2026 Guide Caribbean Complete Customs Declaration Forms
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Customs Breeze
March 1, 2026
32 min read
Caribbean Customs Declaration Forms
The Complete 2026 Guide for Every Island and Central American Country
Last updated: February 2026. We update this guide regularly as governments roll out new digital systems.
Planning a Trip to the Caribbean? Start Here.
Planning a trip to the Caribbean or Central America? Before you pack your bags, there is one question every traveler needs to answer: does your destination require a customs declaration form, and if so, is it paper or digital?
The rules are different for almost every island. Get it wrong and you could face delays, fines, or a stressful experience at immigration when you should be heading straight to the beach.
This guide covers every major Caribbean island and Central American country. We have listed them alphabetically, confirmed which require a digital form completed in advance, included official government URLs, and flagged which are still paper. Whether you arrive by plane or cruise ship, this is the only customs reference you need.
What Is a Customs Declaration Form and How Is It Different From an Immigration Form?
This is one of the most common points of confusion for Caribbean travelers. Here is a plain-English explanation.
Immigration Form (also called an Arrival Card or ED Card)
An immigration form, sometimes called an arrival card, embarkation/disembarkation card, or ED card, collects information about who you are and why you are visiting. It typically asks for:
-Your full name, nationality, and passport number
-Your flight number and country of origin
-Your address while on the island
-How long you intend to stay
This form is reviewed by an immigration officer at the border. It is about you as a person entering the country.
Customs Declaration Form
A customs declaration form is about what you are bringing into the country. It typically asks you to declare:
-Goods purchased abroad above the duty-free limit
-Food, plants, animals, or agricultural products
-Currency or cash above the declaration threshold (usually $10,000 USD)
-Commercial goods, samples, or items not for personal use
This form goes to a customs officer. It is about your belongings, not your identity.
Why This Gets Confusing: Combined Forms vs. Separate Forms
Many Caribbean countries have combined both forms into one, a single digital or paper document that covers immigration and customs in the same submission. Examples include:
-Jamaica's Enter Jamaica form, covers both immigration and customs in one digital submission
-Dominican Republic E-Ticket, covers immigration, customs, and public health in one form
-Barbados travelform.gov.bb, combined immigration and customs
-St. Lucia's ED Form, combined digital form for both
Other destinations still use two separate forms, one for immigration and one for customs. The Cayman Islands, for example, distribute both an immigration card and a separate customs declaration card through airline staff.
And some destinations, like Costa Rica, handle customs declarations verbally at the airport with no paper or digital form required at all.
The bottom line: the term "customs form" is used loosely by travelers to mean any entry form. In this guide, we cover both immigration forms and customs declaration forms for every destination, so you always know exactly what is needed.
Why Getting Caribbean Customs Forms Right Matters More Than Ever
Caribbean customs rules have changed dramatically in the last three years. The shift from paper to digital has been rapid, and many travelers are being caught off guard. Here is why this matters:
Airlines can deny boarding if you have not completed a mandatory digital form. Jamaica and the Dominican Republic have both instructed airlines to check for completed forms at check-in.
Third-party websites are charging $49 to $99 for forms that are 100% free on official government websites. Knowing the correct URL protects your wallet.
Some digital forms have strict time windows. Cuba's D'Viajeros form can only be completed within 7 days of your departure date, too early and it expires, too late and you may be denied boarding.
Cruise ship passengers are not exempt. If your ship docks in Jamaica, Barbados, or the Dominican Republic, you may still need to comply with digital form requirements even for a day visit.
The pace of change is fast. Antigua launched a new digital system in April 2025. Sint Maarten launched one in October 2024. Dominica in October 2024. Always check current requirements close to your travel date.
Customs Breeze covers every destination on this list. Whether you are heading to Jamaica for a resort stay, exploring the Dominican Republic, or island-hopping through the Lesser Antilles, you can book trusted local drivers, tours, and restaurants directly from verified Caribbean businesses at customsbreeze.com.
Quick Reference: Digital vs. Paper Customs Forms (2026)
Use this list to instantly check whether your destination requires a digital form completed before arrival, or whether you will receive a form at the airport.
Destinations Requiring a Digital Form Before You Travel
Complete these forms before your flight. Do not wait until you land.
-Antigua and Barbuda, ArriveAntigua at www.arriveantigua.com (free; within 72 hours of flight; launched April 2025)
-St. Lucia, ED Form at www.travelslu.govt.lc (free; up to 3 days before; one per family)
-Suriname, ICF at www.icf.sr (free; up to 7 days before; mandatory both arrival and departure)
Destinations Still Using Paper Forms or No Form Required
-Anguilla, paper form at Clayton J. Lloyd Airport or Blowing Point Ferry Terminal
-Bonaire, $75 Visitor Tax (not a customs form; paid at www.tourismtax.bonairegov.com)
-British Virgin Islands, paper form; digital system announced but not yet live
-Cayman Islands, paper immigration card and customs declaration card provided by airline
-Costa Rica, verbal declaration only; no paper or digital form required
-El Salvador, confirm current requirements before travel [link to be added]
-Guadeloupe, EU customs rules; no pre-arrival form for most travelers
-Haiti, paper form on incoming flights
-Martinique, EU customs rules; no pre-arrival form for most travelers
-Puerto Rico, US CBP Form 6059B for international arrivals only
-Saba, confirm current requirements before travel [link to be added]
-Saint Barthélemy (St. Barts), French customs rules; no pre-arrival form
-Saint-Martin (French side), French customs rules; no pre-arrival form
-Sint Eustatius, confirm current requirements before travel [link to be added]
-St. Vincent and the Grenadines, paper form at Argyle International Airport [confirm for updates]
-Trinidad and Tobago, digital form now live at www.travel.gov.tt (free; complete within 72 hours of travel; paper forms being phased out)
-Turks and Caicos, paper immigration form on arrival; customs form only if you exceed duty-free allowance
-US Virgin Islands, US CBP Form 6059B for international arrivals only
Complete Guide: Caribbean Islands (A to Z)
Full details for every destination, what form is required, the official URL, fees, and practical tips.
Anguilla Customs Form
Territory: British Overseas Territory
Form Type: Paper — distributed on the plane and at ferry terminals
Online Form: None
Anguilla uses a paper customs declaration form handed out by airlines and ferry operators before arrival. Complete the form on the plane or boat and submit it to customs officers at Clayton J. Lloyd International Airport or Blowing Point Ferry Terminal. There is no online pre-arrival option. Anguilla is one of the most exclusive islands in the Caribbean, known for ultra-luxury resorts and pristine beaches.
✈ Customs Breeze tip: Arriving in Anguilla? Book a local driver from the airport through Customs Breeze to reach your villa or resort without the stress of finding transport on arrival.
Antigua and Barbuda Customs Form
Territory: Independent Nation
Form Type: Digital — ArriveAntigua.com (launched April 2025)
Antigua and Barbuda launched ArriveAntigua.com in April 2025, replacing paper immigration and customs forms with a fully digital system. All travelers must complete the form within 72 hours of their flight on a mobile device or tablet, desktop access is limited. The system includes automatic passport scanning (take a photo of your passport and it auto-populates your details) and generates a QR code for fast-track processing at V.C. Bird International Airport. One form covers an entire family, including spouses and dependent children under 18 living at the same address.
Note: The Customs Declaration portion is included in the ArriveAntigua form. A separate customs form is only required if you exceed your duty-free allowance ($50 for visitors, $200 for residents). Immigration and customs officers will both scan your QR code on arrival.
Aruba Customs Form — ED Card
Territory: Dutch Constituent Country (Kingdom of the Netherlands)
Form Type: Digital — ED Card (Embarkation-Disembarkation Card)
Aruba requires all travelers to complete the free ED Card online before arrival. Complete it within 7 days of your arrival date. After submission, you receive a QR code, save it to your phone or print it for scanning at Queen Beatrix International Airport.
⚠ IMPORTANT: Many unofficial websites charge $49 to $99 for Aruba's ED Card. The official form is completely free at www.edcardaruba.aw. If a website is asking for payment, you are on the wrong site.
✈ Customs Breeze tip: Aruba has some of the best beaches in the Caribbean. Browse verified local tour operators for snorkeling trips, jeep adventures, and sunset cruises at customsbreeze.com.
The Bahamas uses a digital customs declaration system through its official Exempt portal. Complete your declaration before arrival at Nassau Lynden Pindling International Airport or Grand Bahama International Airport. Paper forms may still be available on some flights as a backup, but the digital system is officially required.
Barbados Customs Form
Territory: Independent Nation
Form Type: Digital — Barbados Immigration and Customs Online Form
Barbados requires all travelers to complete an online customs and immigration form before arrival at Grantley Adams International Airport. The form is available up to 72 hours before your flight. After completing it, you receive a QR code for scanning at the airport. The form takes around 5 minutes to complete.
✈ Customs Breeze tip: Barbados is one of the top destinations on Customs Breeze. Book local food tours in Bridgetown, rum distillery visits, and island drivers directly from verified Barbadian businesses.
Bonaire Visitor Tax
Territory: Special Municipality of the Netherlands
Form Type: Digital — Visitor Tax (not a customs declaration form)
Bonaire does not require a standard customs declaration form, but all visitors must pay a mandatory $75 USD Visitor Tax per trip, whether arriving by plane or boat. The tax can be paid online up to 7 days before arrival or at the airport on arrival. Your QR code is valid for 30 days, covering multiple island hops. Only pay through the official link at www.tourismtax.bonairegov.com, any site charging more than $75 is not the official site.
British Virgin Islands Customs Form
Territory: British Overseas Territory
Form Type: Paper — digital system announced but not yet live
Online Form: None (watch for updates)
The British Virgin Islands, including Tortola, Virgin Gorda, Anegada, and Jost Van Dyke, currently use paper customs declaration forms. The BVI government has announced plans to transition to a digital system for both Terrance B. Lettsome International Airport and ferry terminals, but this has not yet launched. Complete a paper form on your flight or ferry for now. The BVI is one of the world's premier sailing destinations.
Cayman Islands Customs Form
Territory: British Overseas Territory
Form Type: Paper — both forms provided by airline staff on the plane
Online Form: None — paper only as of 2026
All travelers arriving in the Cayman Islands receive both an Immigration Card and a Customs Declaration Card from airline staff on the plane. Complete both before landing as there is limited space to do so in the arrivals hall. There is no online pre-arrival form, both forms are paper only.
On arrival you will need:
Immigration Card (provided by airline staff on the plane)
Customs Declaration Card (provided by airline staff, required if you have goods to declare)
Proof of identification and a return or onward ticket
The duty-free allowance and import requirements are listed on the Cayman Islands Customs and Border Control website at www.gov.ky/web/cbc. The Cayman Islands customs forms are also available to download at customsbreeze.com.
Cuba Customs Form — D'Viajeros
Territory: Independent Nation
Form Type: Digital — D'Viajeros Pre-Arrival Declaration
Cuba requires all travelers to complete the D'Viajeros digital form before arrival. There is a strict 7-day completion window, you can only submit the form within 7 days of your departure date. Complete it too early and it will expire. The form covers both immigration details and a customs declaration of items you are bringing into the country. Note that access to this government website may be restricted from certain countries, plan ahead and complete it well before your departure.
Curaçao Customs Form — DI Card
Territory: Dutch Constituent Country (Kingdom of the Netherlands)
Form Type: Digital — Mandatory Digital Immigration Card (DI Card)
Curaçao requires all travelers to complete a mandatory Digital Immigration Card (DI Card) before arrival. The form must be completed at www.dicardcuracao.com at least 24 hours before your arrival at Hato International Airport. Do not wait until the day of travel.
⚠ IMPORTANT: Many third-party websites charge fees for this form. The official DI Card at www.dicardcuracao.com is completely free. If a site asks for payment, you are on the wrong site.
With its UNESCO-listed Willemstad waterfront, vibrant diving, and Dutch colonial architecture, Curaçao is one of the most visited Dutch Caribbean islands, alongside Aruba and Bonaire.
Dominica Customs Form
Territory: Independent Nation
Form Type: Digital — Online Embarkation and Disembarkation (ED) Card
Official URL: www.edcard.dominica.gov.dm
Fee: Free
As of October 18, 2024, Dominica requires all travelers to complete an Online Embarkation and Disembarkation Card before arrival. The form can be completed at any time before your departure on the official Commonwealth of Dominica government platform at www.edcard.dominica.gov.dm. Once submitted, you will receive a QR code and confirmation by email, present both along with your passport at the port of entry. Save the QR code on your phone or print it out before you travel.
Dominican Republic Customs Form — E-Ticket
Territory: Independent Nation
Form Type: Digital — E-Ticket (combined immigration, customs and health form)
The Dominican Republic's E-Ticket replaces the old paper immigration and customs cards with a single online form covering immigration, customs, and public health declarations. One E-Ticket covers the entire traveling family, you do not need a separate form per person. Complete it before your flight. Airlines may check for it at check-in. You will receive a QR code upon completion.
Required for all entry airports: Punta Cana (PUJ), Las Américas Santo Domingo (SDQ), Puerto Plata (POP), and Santiago (STI).
✈ Customs Breeze tip: The Dominican Republic is one of Customs Breeze's most popular destinations. Find verified local drivers from the airport, excursions in Samaná, and authentic local restaurants in Santo Domingo's Zona Colonial through Customs Breeze.
Grenada Customs Form
Territory: Independent Nation
Form Type: Digital — Online Immigration and Customs ED Card (paper also available at ports of entry)
Travelers are required to complete the online Immigration and Customs Form, available up to 72 hours before arrival at www.edcard.gov.gd. Once completed, save the immigration and customs receipts to your mobile device or print them out for presentation to immigration and customs officers on arrival. The form covers both immigration and customs declaration in one submission.
Paper forms are also distributed at ports of entry and by airline staff for those who prefer to complete the declaration on arrival, though completing it in advance is recommended to speed up the clearance process at Maurice Bishop International Airport.
Guadeloupe Customs Form
Territory: French Overseas Region (European Union)
Form Type: EU customs rules apply — no customs form for most travelers
Guadeloupe is an overseas region of France and part of the European Union. Travelers from within the EU do not need to complete a customs declaration form. Non-EU travelers must declare goods that exceed EU allowances at customs, but there is no pre-arrival customs form to complete. Guadeloupe is a butterfly-shaped island with a lush volcanic interior on one side and drier beach resort areas on the other.
Haiti Customs Form
Territory: Independent Nation
Form Type: Paper — distributed on flights
Online Form: None
Haiti uses paper customs and immigration declaration forms distributed on incoming flights to Toussaint Louverture International Airport in Port-au-Prince. Always check current travel advisories issued by your government before visiting Haiti.
Jamaica Customs Form — Enter Jamaica
Territory: Independent Nation
Form Type: Digital — Enter Jamaica (replaces paper C5 form)
Jamaica made the Enter Jamaica digital form mandatory for all travelers in September 2023, permanently replacing the old paper C5 customs and immigration card. One form is required per traveler. Complete it at www.enterjamaica.gov.jm before your flight, airlines check for proof of completion at check-in. A QR code is issued upon completion and scanned at arrival.
Required at all Jamaican airports: Norman Manley International Airport in Kingston (KIN), Sangster International Airport in Montego Bay (MBJ), and Ian Fleming International Airport in Ocho Rios (OCJ).
✈ Customs Breeze tip: Jamaica is Customs Breeze's flagship destination. Book trusted local drivers from Sangster Airport, Dunn's River Falls tours, Blue Mountains coffee excursions, and authentic jerk chicken spots in Kingston, all from verified Jamaican businesses.
Martinique Customs Form
Territory: French Overseas Region (European Union)
Form Type: EU customs rules apply — no customs form for most travelers
Like Guadeloupe, Martinique is a French overseas region and full EU member. No pre-arrival customs declaration form is required for most travelers. French customs allowances apply. Martinique is the birthplace of Empress Joséphine and known for its volcanic Mont Pelée, rum distilleries, and French Creole culture.
Montserrat Customs Form
Territory: British Overseas Territory
Form Type: Digital — Online Immigration and Customs Form
Montserrat requires all travelers to complete an online Immigration and Customs Form, available up to 72 hours before your planned arrival date. Complete the form at www.travelmontserrat.gov.ms before you travel. Once submitted, a confirmation receipt is sent to your email, save it to your phone or print it out and present it to Immigration and Customs officials on arrival.
Puerto Rico Customs Form
Territory: US Commonwealth (United States territory)
Form Type: US CBP Form 6059B — required for international arrivals only
Puerto Rico is a US Commonwealth. Travelers arriving from within the United States do not need to complete a customs declaration. Travelers arriving directly from outside the United States must complete the US Customs and Border Protection Form 6059B, the standard US customs declaration card distributed on international flights. No separate Puerto Rico-specific form is required.
Saba Customs Form
Territory: Special Municipality of the Netherlands
Form Type: Paper — forms completed on arrival (confirm for updates)
Saba is the smallest of the three Caribbean Netherlands special municipalities and one of the most unique islands in the Caribbean, no beaches, just dramatic volcanic peaks, world-class diving, and a single road called The Road. Travelers complete the standard BES paper form (used across Bonaire, Sint Eustatius, and Saba) on arrival. Entry is through Juancho E. Yrausquin Airport (one of the world's shortest commercial runways) by small aircraft from Sint Maarten, or by ferry from Sint Maarten.
Sint Eustatius (Statia) Customs Form
Territory: Special Municipality of the Netherlands
Form Type: Paper — forms completed on arrival (confirm for updates)
Sint Eustatius, known as Statia, is a small Caribbean Netherlands island with significant 18th-century trading history, it was once one of the busiest trading ports in the Atlantic. Travelers complete the standard BES paper form (used across Bonaire, Sint Eustatius, and Saba) on arrival at F.D. Roosevelt Airport. Accessible by small aircraft from Sint Maarten.
Sint Maarten and Saint-Martin Customs Form
Sint Maarten Territory: Dutch Constituent Country (Kingdom of the Netherlands)
Saint-Martin Territory: French Overseas Collectivity
Sint Maarten Form Type: Digital, ED Form at www.entry.sx (launched October 2024)
As of October 8, 2024, Sint Maarten requires all travelers to complete a digital Embarkation/Disembarkation (ED) form before checking in for their flight. The form is available at www.entry.sx and can be completed up to 7 days before travel. Every traveler, including children, residents, and transit passengers, must have their own individual form. One person can complete the form on behalf of a family or group, but each member must be listed individually. You will receive a confirmation by email, present it at immigration on arrival at Princess Juliana International Airport.
The island of Saint Martin is divided between two countries with no physical border. The southern Dutch half is Sint Maarten; the northern French half is Saint-Martin, which follows French customs rules. Once on the island, you can cross freely between both sides.
Saint Barthélemy (St. Barts) Customs Form
Territory: French Overseas Collectivity
Form Type: French customs rules apply; special duty-free status
St. Barts is a small French island in the Leeward Islands and one of the most exclusive destinations in the Caribbean. No pre-arrival customs declaration form is generally required. The island has a special duty-free status. Most travelers arrive by small aircraft from Sint Maarten or by ferry.
St. Kitts and Nevis Customs Form
Territory: Independent Nation
Form Type: Digital — Electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA) and Immigration and Customs ED Form
St. Kitts and Nevis operates a full Electronic Border Management System requiring all visitors to obtain an Electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA) before arrival. As of September 2025, the eTA is mandatory for all international visitors at a fee of $17 USD per traveler. The eTA is not a visa or a tax. It is a digital permission to travel to the islands and must be obtained before departure.
In addition to the eTA, all travelers must complete the free Immigration and Customs ED Form before arrival. Both are submitted through www.knatravelform.kn/en.
Citizens and residents of St. Kitts and Nevis, and citizens of other OECS countries, are also required to complete the Immigration and Customs ED Form before arrival. Both forms are submitted through www.knatravelform.kn/en.
St. Lucia Customs Form
Territory: Independent Nation
Form Type: Digital — Electronic Disembarkation/Embarkation (ED) Form
St. Lucia has replaced its paper immigration card with a digital ED form. Complete it online up to 3 days before your flight. One form covers the entire family. A QR code is issued on completion. Valid for both Hewanorra International Airport (UVF) in Vieux Fort and George F.L. Charles Airport (SLU) near Castries.
✈ Customs Breeze tip: St. Lucia's Piton Mountains, Sulphur Springs, and Marigot Bay are bucket-list experiences. Book local guides, catamaran tours, and trusted drivers directly from St. Lucian businesses through Customs Breeze.
St. Vincent and the Grenadines Customs Form
Territory: Independent Nation
Form Type: Paper — distributed on incoming flights (confirm for updates)
St. Vincent and the Grenadines currently uses paper customs and immigration declaration forms distributed on incoming flights. The country is an archipelago that includes St. Vincent, Bequia, Mustique, Canouan, Union Island, and several smaller Grenadine islands. Main entry is at Argyle International Airport on St. Vincent. Ferry services and small aircraft connect the individual Grenadine islands.
Confirm before travel: SVG has been expanding its digital government services. Verify current entry requirements at www.immigration.gov.vc or through your airline before departure.
Suriname Customs Form — ICF
Territory: Independent Nation
Form Type: Digital — Integrated Customs Form (ICF)
Suriname requires all travelers to complete the Integrated Customs Form (ICF) before both arrival and departure, the form is mandatory in both directions. It can be completed up to 7 days before your travel date at www.icf.sr. Suriname launched its fully digital ICF in January 2025, replacing paper forms completely. Travelers arrive at Johan Adolf Pengel International Airport.
Trinidad and Tobago Customs Form
Territory: Independent Nation
Form Type: Digital — Online Immigration and Customs Form (now live at www.travel.gov.tt)
Trinidad and Tobago has launched its fully digital Immigration and Customs Form at www.travel.gov.tt, replacing paper forms. All arriving and departing passengers must complete the form online within 72 hours of travel. You will need your flight details, passport information, and customs declaration, including any goods exceeding the TTD $3,000 duty-free allowance. A digital or printed receipt must be presented on arrival at Piarco International Airport in Trinidad or A.N.R. Robinson International Airport in Tobago.
Paper forms are being rapidly phased out at Piarco (POS). Complete the digital form before your flight to avoid any delays at immigration.
Turks and Caicos Islands Customs Form
Territory: British Overseas Territory
Form Type: Paper — immigration form on arrival; customs form only if needed
Online Form: None
All travelers arriving in the Turks and Caicos Islands complete a paper Immigration Form on arrival, presented to an immigration officer. A Customs Declaration Form is only required if you exceed the duty-free allowance of $1,000 USD in goods remaining on the islands. Travelers with nothing to declare make an implicit verbal declaration by conduct, walking through the Green Channel on arrival without completing a customs form.
US Virgin Islands Customs Form
Territory: US Unincorporated Territory
Form Type: US CBP Form 6059B — required for international arrivals only
The US Virgin Islands, St. Thomas, St. John, and St. Croix, are a US territory. Travelers arriving from the US mainland do not need a customs declaration. However, the USVI sits outside the US customs zone, meaning travelers flying from the USVI to the US mainland must declare goods just as if returning from a foreign country. International travelers arriving directly from outside the US complete CBP Form 6059B, distributed on flights.
✈ Customs Breeze tip: Browse local USVI tour operators, sailing charters from Charlotte Amalie, and snorkeling guides for Buck Island Reef on Customs Breeze.
Complete Guide: Central America Customs Forms (A to Z)
These Central American destinations are key stops on Caribbean travel itineraries. Belize's cayes and Blue Hole, Honduras's Bay Islands, Panama's San Blas archipelago, and Costa Rica's Caribbean coast are all firmly part of the Caribbean travel experience.
Belize requires all travelers to complete the official online immigration and customs declaration form before both arrival and departure. The form is free and must be completed at www.belizetravel.immigration.gov.bz for all travelers entering or leaving Belize through Philip S.W. Goldson International Airport in Belize City. The form takes a few minutes to complete. Belize is the only English-speaking country in Central America and one of the top Caribbean diving destinations, with the Great Blue Hole, Ambergris Caye, and the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef.
Costa Rica Customs Form
Territory: Independent Nation
Form Type: Verbal declaration — no pre-arrival form required
Online Form: None
Costa Rica does not require a pre-arrival customs declaration form. Immigration and customs declarations are handled verbally by officers at the airport on arrival. Some airlines may still distribute a paper form on the flight, but this is no longer standard practice. On arrival you must declare any goods valued over $500 USD and provide your first night's accommodation address. You must also show proof of a return or onward flight departing within 180 days.
El Salvador Customs Form
Territory: Independent Nation
Form Type: Paper — distributed on incoming flights (confirm for updates)
El Salvador is part of the Central America-4 (CA-4) free movement agreement with Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua, which allows free movement between member countries for qualifying travelers. International visitors from outside the CA-4 zone currently complete paper customs declaration forms on arrival at El Salvador International Airport (Monseñor Óscar Arnulfo Romero y Galdámez). El Salvador has emerged as a growing surf and adventure destination and is expanding its digital government services.
Confirm before travel: El Salvador customs requirements should be verified at www.transparencia.aduanas.gob.sv or through your airline before departure.
Guatemala Customs Form — DJRV
Territory: Independent Nation
Form Type: Digital — DJRV Regional Traveler Affidavit
Guatemala requires all international travelers to complete the DJRV (Declaración Jurada del Viajero Regional) digital affidavit before both arrival and departure. One form per traveler. Complete it up to 15 days before your travel date. Guatemala is essential for travelers exploring the Caribbean coast (Livingston, Rio Dulce) and combining beach time with Mayan ruins at Tikal. Entry is at La Aurora International Airport in Guatemala City.
Honduras offers a digital customs declaration through its official customs portal. Paper backup forms may still be distributed on some flights. The Bay Islands, Roatán, Utila, and Guanaja, are world-renowned for affordable diving and the second-largest barrier reef in the world. Travelers arrive at Ramón Villeda Morales International Airport in San Pedro Sula or Toncontin International Airport in Tegucigalpa, with a regional airport on Roatán.
Panama Customs Form — Single Digital Form
Territory: Independent Nation
Form Type: Digital — Formulario Único Digital (Single Digital Form)
Fee: Free, the official government portal is free (third-party sites charge $27+ as an "expediting" fee; avoid these)
Panama has replaced its paper immigration and customs forms with a mandatory Single Digital Form completed online before arrival at www.declaracion.aduanas.gob.pa. The official form is free. Be aware that third-party websites charge $27 USD or more as an "expediting" fee for a form you can complete yourself at no cost, always use the official .gob.pa portal. Panama is a gateway destination for Caribbean travelers. Bocas del Toro and the San Blas Islands (Guna Yala) are among the most beautiful and unspoiled island destinations in the entire region. Entry is through Tocumen International Airport in Panama City.
⚠ IMPORTANT: The official Panama Single Digital Form is free at www.declaracion.aduanas.gob.pa. Any site charging a fee is a third-party expediter, not the government.
Pro Tips for Caribbean Travelers in 2026
These are the things experienced Caribbean travelers know, and first-timers often learn the hard way.
Watch the Family Form Trap
Not every Caribbean destination allows one form per family. The rules vary significantly by island. The Dominican Republic and St. Lucia allow one form to cover a family including dependent children. Jamaica and Sint Maarten require one form per person, regardless of age, a family of four needs four separate QR codes. Always check the specific rules for your destination before completing your forms.
Screenshot Your QR Code Before You Land
Island Wi-Fi at arrival gates can be slow or unreliable. Once you receive your confirmation QR code, screenshot it immediately and save it to your camera roll. Do not rely on opening an email or loading a website at the immigration hall. This one habit will save you significant stress on arrival.
The Free Rule — How to Spot a Scam Site
With the exception of Bonaire's $75 Visitor Entry Tax, almost every Caribbean immigration and customs form is completely free on the official government website. If a website asks for your credit card to "process" a standard ED card or customs form, you are on a third-party site. The most common scam targets are the Aruba ED Card (free at www.edcardaruba.aw) and the Dominican Republic E-Ticket (free at www.eticket.migracion.gob.do). Always look for the official .gov domain.
Panama Is Now Free — Avoid the $27 Sites
Panama's Single Digital Form is free at the official government portal www.declaracion.aduanas.gob.pa. Several third-party websites charge $27 USD or more as an "expediting" fee. There is no need to pay anyone, complete it yourself for free in a few minutes on the official site.
The 7-Day Rule for Aruba — Do Not Complete It Too Early
Aruba strictly enforces the 7-day window for its ED Card. If you complete the form 8 or more days before arrival, the system will not accept it. Set a reminder for exactly 7 days before your arrival date and complete it then.
Cuba's Form Has the Strictest Time Window
Cuba's D'Viajeros form must be completed within 7 days of your departure date, not your arrival date. Complete it too early and it expires. Complete it too late and you may not board. It is the most time-sensitive form in the Caribbean, so set a calendar reminder.
Frequently Asked Questions About Caribbean Customs Forms
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Do I need a customs form for every Caribbean island?
Not always. Whether you need a customs declaration form depends on the specific island. Some Caribbean destinations, like the French islands of Martinique and Guadeloupe, follow EU rules and require no form for most travelers. Others, like Jamaica and the Dominican Republic, require a mandatory digital form completed before your flight. Check the destination-specific sections above.
What is the difference between an immigration form and a customs declaration form?
An immigration form is about who you are, it collects your personal details, nationality, flight information, and purpose of visit for review by an immigration officer. A customs declaration form is about what you are bringing, it asks you to declare goods, currency, food, or restricted items for a customs officer. Many Caribbean countries now combine both into a single digital form, while others use two separate forms. See the full explanation at the top of this guide.
What happens if I forget to complete the digital customs form before my flight?
For destinations like Jamaica, the Dominican Republic, and Barbados, airlines check for completed digital forms at check-in. If you have not completed the form, you may be denied boarding. Even if you board without completing it, you will likely face delays at immigration on arrival. Always complete the required digital form at least 24 hours before your flight.
Are there fake websites charging for free Caribbean customs forms?
Yes, this is a serious and growing problem. Unofficial third-party websites charge $49 to $99 for forms that are completely free on official government websites. The most commonly targeted are the Aruba ED Card (free at www.edcardaruba.aw) and the Dominican Republic E-Ticket (free at www.eticket.migracion.gob.do). Always use the official government URL for your destination.
Do cruise ship passengers need to complete customs forms?
It depends on the destination. In Jamaica and the Dominican Republic, cruise passengers who disembark to explore the island must comply with customs declaration rules. Your cruise line will typically inform you of requirements at each port of call. If unsure, check the destination-specific section above or contact your cruise line directly.
How much cash can I bring into a Caribbean country without declaring it?
Most Caribbean and Central American countries require travelers to declare cash amounts over $10,000 USD (or the equivalent in any currency) when entering or leaving. This is usually separate from the standard customs form. Failure to declare large amounts can result in seizure of the funds. See our dedicated Caribbean Currency Declaration Guide for country-by-country limits.
Do I need a customs form if I am just connecting through a Caribbean airport?
If you are in transit and not clearing immigration or exiting the airport, you generally do not need a customs declaration. However, Sint Maarten requires all transit passengers, including cruise passengers transferring to a ship, to complete its ED form. Always check with your airline for transit requirements at your specific connection point.
Why are so many Caribbean countries switching from paper to digital forms?
The shift to digital is driven by three factors: faster airport processing (digital QR codes can cut immigration time by 50% or more), improved border security through pre-screening of travelers before arrival, and reduced paper costs. The pace has accelerated sharply, Dominica, Sint Maarten, and Antigua all launched digital systems in 2024 and 2025 alone.
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Now that you know exactly what customs form your destination requires, it is time to plan the best parts of your trip.
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Last updated: February 2026. Information changes frequently as Caribbean governments modernize their systems. Always verify requirements close to your travel date using the official URLs listed above.
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