Customs upon return?

[jbix00]

How does customs work upon return? We are driving, so have considered using luggage locks (can't when flying). Do we need to leave them unlocked for return customs? Do we take our own bags through customs? Are they checked onboard? Searched upon return?

If we walk our own bags through customs and are searched, then it would be no problem with the locks. Don't know if they are searched any other time...anyone know?

 

[Billinaz]

After you pick up your bags you walk past a customs person to get out of the terminal.

I dont htink they open the bags unless you are there, I dont think you have to leave them unlocked.

 

[xABearx]

We usually just get a porter to take our bags to the car .... they get us right through customs with no problem and we usually tip them a $1 per bag .... we've done this for all of our cruises and it has always been a breeze ... Andy

 

[cjsmith]

Andy is exactly right.... on all 4 of our cruises we also got a porter and wisked right through customs no problems. They barely even seem to look up!

 

[Horace Horsecollar]

Customs works on an honor system. If you've exceeded the U.S Customs duty free limit, you must see a U.S. Customs officer early on the final morning onboard the ship. The U.S. Customs officer calculates the duty, which you must pay in cash.

I'm sure there are ways that U.S Customs looks for cheaters. And I wouldn't want to be caught cheating.

 

[kcashner]

The luggage is all "dog sniffed" before anyone is allowed off the ship. As long as the entire holding area is "sniffed" clean, customs is no problem at all, as described above. It's far less of a deal than flying home from Europe!

 

[outahere]

I did not see anyone having their bags inspected by Customs in Port Canaveral, however I have seen many people have to unpack everything from their bags at Customs in Miami. I'm sure they do work mostly on the "honor system", but they can and will inspect bags.

You can lock your bags when you set them out the last night. Customs won't usually inspect your bags without you being present (unlike airport security).

 

[jbix00]

Not worried about trying to sneek something past customs - don't need the hassle of possibly being caught...plus everything I've done in my life to set an example for our DD's would unravel in trying to do such a stupid stunt.

My only concern was security of the bags' contents while they are placed out in the hall the night before and while out of our sight. Seeing how we are driving, sounds like it will be OK to lock them.

 

[DMOMof3]

Our luggage was picked up within 5 min of being put outside our door at 11:00. They do not stay in th hall all night.