U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) pre-departure operations in the Cyril E. King Airport Terminal and operations at the Edward W. Blyden Marine Terminal on St. Thomas have been temporarily relocated until further notice. The Virgin Islands Port Authority (VIPA) is addressing emergency issues it found during construction projects being conducted at both terminals this week. VIPA Executive Director Carlton Dowe said that contractors are working post-haste to complete the work necessary to resume normal operations.
U.S. Customs and Border Protection has relocated its operations to ensure that travel and commerce will not be interrupted while VIPA completes the repairs. At the CEK Airport, passengers will clear at Checkpoint A near Gate 1. Longer wait times are anticipated. VIPA advises travelers to arrive at the airport three to four hours before their scheduled departure to allow enough time for the screening process.
The CBP operations at the Blyden Terminal have been temporarily relocated to the Urman V. Fredericks Marine Terminal in Red Hook. All foreign passenger vessels, including the ferries from the British Virgin Islands, will clear customs at Red Hook until the Blyden Terminal checkpoint is reopened. Cargo vessels will be cleared at the CEK Airport’s CBP entrance and clearance window (located in the hallway next to the LIAT counter). VIPA assures the public that the agency is working as fast as possible to return to normal operations.
