immigration and customs when departing St Maarten

[Nearpost345]

I hope this is the correct forum. Can anyone confirm if U.S. citizens leaving SXM go thru U.S. customs and or immigration procedure, or does this not occur until you arrive back in the U.S.A. Also any anecdotal  information  about whether JFK Miami or Charlotte are more or less desirable for dealing with customs and immigration would be welcome.

Thank you.

[davemy]

Haven't been recently, but in 2020, 2021 and 2022 customs was at your arrival airport in the USA. We transited ATL with no problems each time.

[Nearpost345]

thank you davemy

[princeton123211]

On 2/12/2024 at 6:04 PM, Nearpost345 said:

Can anyone confirm if U.S. citizens leaving SXM go thru U.S. customs and or immigration procedure, or does this not occur until you arrive back in the U.S.A.

The only US Preclearance locations in the Caribbean are at Nassau and Aruba. There is also preclearance at Bermuda. You'll go through immigration at your first entry into the US flying from SXM. 

[Nearpost345]

Thank you princeton.

[Steirisch]

I would never fly from SXM to Miami ever again.  The lines of people trying to clear immigration when entering the country are outrageously long.  It was a nightmare and took well over 2 hours, standing after being tired from having to rise early.  Pick almost any other entry point.