Thread: How Long to Clear Customs/Immigration at SXM?

On average, how long does it take to clear customs/immigration once you land at SXM? I've only got about 50 minutes between landing and when the rental car agency closes....don't know whether to rent for the arrival day or just book the rental for the next day.

There are lots of rental companies in the airport and right outside the airport towards the right. Do they all close at the same time?

Hey jgilbert...customs doesn't take long here b/c you tell them you are an AUC student and show them your acceptance letter. If you want, I can pick you up from the airport and take you where you need to go. There are also rental companies right there by the airport. Make sure you ask at each stop where your luggage is and make sure you know where you need to pick it up for customs to check it, etc. Drop me an email with any further questions. One more thing, don't fly Delta!!!

Clearing immigration itself is easy. Here's how it went for me in May:

Immigration Woman: Do you have a return ticket?
Me: Yes.
Immigration Woman: Are you a medical student?
Me. Yes.
<Stamps Passport>
Immigration Woman: Next!

Really, the wait in line (there are three lines, as I recall, Dutch, French, and Foreign) and the damned hot baggage claim "terminal" (more like a barn!) were much worse than immigration itself.

You will get a little information card from the stewardess (at least I did when I left on American from San Juan), asking for your name, address, length & purpose of stay, etc. Fill that out before you get to the window and stick it in your passport.

Also, I know of at least one car rental place that is open 24 hours. Are you arriving on a holiday or something?

The two times I've been through that line, the lady doens't even look up, or event talk. She just stamps. Usually takes about 1 min or less.

Here's how it really works in the immigration line:

Me : Hi. How are you doing.
<stamp stamp stamp>
Her: NEXT!

Rental car agencies are open for a long time at night.. don't know if it's 24/hours. But I use Best Deal Car Rental (you can look them up on the net). Very reliable and good people.

Thanks much guys! Exactly the info I was looking for.

last time they didnt stamp my passport---i am a bit worried--lol

the skipper

Immigration - 10 minutes if the line is long. It is low season, so it likely won't be.

Customs - as long as it takes you to lift your baggage off the belt and walk out the door. Customs is pretty much non-existant.

Rent-a-car - Best Deal...all the way. REALLY nice cars, cheap, good service. A+++

remember to greet and ask the person how they're doing before you give them the passport. the customs officer will be nicer to you if you do