His Majesty’s Customs has joined the Department of Immigration with the launch of a fully online card processing system to modernise the Embarkation/Disembarkation process in the Territory.

Commissioner Mr. Clinton ‘Greg’ Romney in an interview gave insight on the reasons for the transition and the expectation of this transformation. He stated that both agencies had combined the process by utilising the same form that was once done separately, thus eliminating the travellers from having to fill out the same information twice.

Mr. Romney, said that an online module of Embarkation/Disembarkation was introduced to both departments by CARICOM IMPACS, shortly after the decision was made to go digital. Additionally, they were also educated on how to utilise the module and had the opportunity to offer input and feedback.  

The Commissioner said both agencies are seeking to advance to a seamless way to expedite processing time at the various ports of entry and avoid stagnating services offered to travellers when visiting or returning to the Territory. He added that the process has gone green by going completely digital while reducing expenditure.

Mr. Romney said travellers completing the form as far as 72 hours prior to travel time, positions both Immigration and Customs officers with advance receipt of information for a planned response when necessary.

Following the initial stage of this development, it is expected that travellers will be more familiar with the process, be more receptive and overcome any fear of not being savvy with technology thereby improving the experience for all involved.

The connection of the Departments of Immigration and His Majesty’s Customs in this advancement seeks to offer an advanced progressive approach in the service of border protection and national security to the Virgin Islands.