I may, just may, be able to hitch a ride on sailing cat as it leaves st. Martin enroute to Virgin Gorda, BVI

In trying to make sure I'd have everything in order for a quick get away I read that US citizens must have a round trip ticket or will be denied entry.

I then called embassy office in NYC and they concurred, and made it very clear that there is no messing around with this.

Surely someone has done this before. Can anyone help?

If you're worried enough about this, buy a 1-way fully refundable ticket from SXM to somewhere else and cancel it after you leave SXM and before the flight takes place.

Your US airline is more likely to be a problem than SXM Immigration. My understanding is that the airline is responsible for removing you from the island at their cost if you're denied entry.

I agree. It's the airline your going to have to satisfy, not immigration upon arrival. Who are you flying to sxm? Jetblue is very strict on this requirement. I have seen them ask people for the confirmation number of their return flight. I haven't seen American agents ask anyone yet like I have seen on Jetblue.

We flew 1 way, Chicago to SXM on American and never got asked about a return ticket. That was in April 2016.

Yes, get a 1 way, fully refundable ticket from SXM to anywhere. Better safe than sorry. I flew to SXM on a one-way several years ago. SXM immigration asked to see my return ticket. Since I didn't have one, (I was staying several months and not sure of my return date). I was told I would have to return to the US and not be allowed to enter SXM. I was able to talk to a Supervisor, who eventually let me purchase a one-way ticket that satisfied the Agent.

We routinely book one way tickets both ways since AA doesn't offer a n/s return for our times of travel. We book our return in JB and we've never had either airline question us nor has SXM immigration. <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/handshake.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/handshake.gif" alt="" />

On a return flight to US, Jetblue is not going to say anything to you. On a flight to SXM, I have seen multiple times gate agents come on the plane and question people about their return flight and ask for their return flight details.

Could be but we do one way tix twice a year to and from SXM via JFK and to date we have not been asked on either end to show return ticketing, either by JB or AA. I'm always prepared with the appropriate docs but have never yet had to show them. <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/handshake.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/handshake.gif" alt="" />

Just arrived Sunday, came on a one way ticket with JetBlue. Did have to show information about my return flight, when checking in. My return is a one way on American. Once she saw the return info things were fine.

We did that 2 years ago. We flew into SXM on a one way airline ticket. We then sailed to the BVIs and flew home from STT. We were not asked to show proof of a round trip ticket when we landed.

Smartest play seems like a one-way fully refundable from sxm to anywhere.

As always, appreciate the knowledge everyone has and their willingness to share these insights with others, because we all care.

Normally post in BVI forum but lurk around here a bit, just knew you all could help...MANY thanks.

In November we did a one way to Beef Island on American Airlines and no issues In fact it went very smooth.

We've had guests arrive in SXM on one-way tickets to help us on a crossing. We sent them a letter, made up a letterhead for the boat advising Customs they would be leaving on our cat with us. I signed as owner/captain and they whistled through C&I.
If you can nail down your ride, a letter like this may help you when you arrive, PM me I'm happy to send you what we used.
Similar situation in St Kitts when we took on friends for the trip to Guadeloupe.

Macpete - I tried to send you a pm twice but not sure it went through....let me know if you got it...

Entering any country on any yacht requires the captain to list you as crew or passenger.

Before leaving the territory, the captain also has to check you off of his boat or take you with him. Checking you off his crew list can be done when checking in with a copy of your plane ticket, or once you decide to leave, again with a copy of the plane ticket.

The immigration officers are pretty specific when it comes to crew check-ins and outs.
Customs has to do with the boat itself and goods brought in or purchased.

Got the PM Brad, and ...you've got mail!

Upon entering SXM wouldn't proof of taking the boat be enough? When the vessel enters British possession their will be another check-point where documents must be shown. Then how will you get from BVI back to Texas?

Not sure this is the same thing but we had a friend come to SXM on a cruise ship, abandon the rest of the cruise itinerary, stay with us a week bought a one-way ticket back to USA in SXM with no problems.