Do Private Jets Have to Go Through Customs?
Private jets come with a lot of travel perks. You will have enough space to relax and even hold business meetings. You will also not encounter a crowd and rush when you board. But do private jets have to go through customs? That is a question a lot of chartered jet passengers ask.
Do Private Jets Have to Go Through Customs? — Does it Differ from Commercial Flights?
Fortunately, this post has the answers you are looking for. It will tell you if private jets have to check in through customs or not. It will also share various conditions and exceptions from and to certain destinations. Read it to the end and be informed before you charter a plane.
Do Private Jets Have to Check in Through Customs?
Yes. All passengers on international charter jets, with no exceptions, have to check in through customs. There is no way around that — even if private jets have the ability to essentially land anywhere. Some jurisdiction will make it mandatory for international private jet travelers to check it at specific ports of entry. A good example is when flying to Bora Bora. You have to make a stop at Tahiti and clear customs. It is the same case when traveling from Mexico to the U.S. You are required by law to make a stop for clearance at the first port of entry.
Exceptions to Custom Stops When Flying Private Jets
Some charter operators obtain permits that allow you to bypass custom clearance at the port of entry and instead do it when you get to your destination. In some other cases, where you are flying from will determine if you make stops at the port of entry or do clearance at your final destination. A case in example is when you fly from Paris, France to Los Angeles, USA. In this case, you will not make any stops until you get to LA. You will deal with custom issues when you are already at your destination. This is one of the differences between flying private and flying commercial.
The U.S. has different approaches to where you can make custom stops. Primarily, it is the operator’s nature of permit that will dictate the airport you will stop for custom clearances. Other factors will be FAA’s regulations as well specific CBP regulations for your country of origin. Each individual passenger must go through customs and make declarations for any valuables you are carrying be it in kind or money. In the U.S. there are separate custom desks for those traveling via private jets. Consequently, there are short queues in these desks and you will be cleared in not more than 15 minutes.
In other countries, both private and commercial passengers check in through the same custom stations. It will take you relatively longer to get clearance. Since there is no way to get in without custom checks, you will have to wait. It is only in cases of medical emergency that you may have an excuse to skip custom clearance.
Wrap-up
Do private jets have to go through customs? Yes. There are exceptions depending on where you are flying from and your operator’s permit. You can skip the port of entry and make custom declarations at your destination. For a smooth travel, ask about customs before you book your private jet.
