customs back from Canada

[higgs]

This is an addendum to Canadian Customs because it is really about US customs. As I understand things one only needs a birth certificate if passing back from Canada into the US by car. As per my understanding, if crossing the border by air or sea into the US, one needs a passport. What do you guys know?

 

[jimq26]

I think you also need photo ID

That's just for the moment - it won't be long now 'till you also need a passport to go either way at the border.

 

[Bob V]

Nexus and Canpass

If you plan on crossing often, consider getting a Nexus card and a Canpass. The Nexus lets you breeze thru US Customs and the Canpass does the same going the other way. We usually just phone it in and never meet a customs agent or stop at a customs dock. You need a pass for each person on board for it to work.

 

[jackhartjr]

Higgs, as I understand it...

...somewhere back in January or so it became mandantory to have a Passport coming back in. I know that because we went to Toronto for a Rankin's concert on February 2nd, and the regulations were to change just prior to that, therefore we got Dianne a passport.Hope that helps.Jack

 

[Ken Palmer]

Passport not needed until Jan 2008

A passport isn't needed until January 2008 when crossing by car or pleasure boat. There has been talk about extending this date but nothing official yet. To re-enter the U.S. by boat you need one of three things.1. NEXUS card for every member on the boat. (or)2. I-68 Form (or)3. Check in at a port using the OARS Videophone. You need photo ID (and birth certificate wouldn't hurt).My website has more information on the above items and more at http://www.lakeontariosailing.com/reporting_requirements.htm .I suggest you apply now for your passport because the system is so backed up. Come next year you will need a passport for all international travel except P.R. and Guam (to my understanding).

 

[C36-2000]

Don't forget your $35 fee

if your boat is over 30 feet. This is what uncle Sam charges to enter the U.S. if you are a rich person with a boat over 30 ft. The Canadians rightfully resent this fee but probably not as much as we do.

 

[Ross]

I wonder if you sail into Canadian waters

but do not land and sail back into US water does anybody care?

 

[Brian]

Ross, Technically yes

Ross, 20 years ago the US authorities cared - The problem was an administrative/practical issue -I entered the Black river in Port Huron to look at the sailboats on the Friday nite of the Mackinaw race - I never touched land - but was pulled over and written up by US authorities while on the water - and was subsequently approached by Cdn authorities for failing to announce my return - even though from my perspective I never got out of the boat!Part of the explanation was that with the advent of GPS systems the authorities know the absolute second that you cross into US or Cdn waters and with the illegal trade and imigration that apparently goes accross the waters - they will stop you if they feel the need.Having said all this - It is impractical to stop every boat that crosses the border and back in the middle of Lake Huron etc. - and they do place some reliance on the system of "checking in when you arrive" and the requirment for I68's etc.

 

[Ken Palmer]

Decal fee

The fee for boats over 30 feet just went up from $25 to $27.50. Not quite as much as the $30 in an earlier post. This rule isn't only for Canadians as the writer said. However, if you do not go to Canada and back, you do not need to buy this decal.Read my rant at http://www.lakeontariosailing.comA link to the the U.S. Customs and Border Protection is listed below.

 

[Al]

I-68 ?

Several years ago my wife and I use to travel by boat to Canada, so we got the I-68 all well and good. Now with the new passport rules, is the I-68 useless, or why even spend more $$$ for it if you have a passport, which we both do? any thought from the collective.

 

[Ken Palmer]

Passport rule

First. The passport isn't required until next year.Second. The I-68 Form gives you the privilege of calling in by telephone when you arrive back in the U.S. The passport is only for identification.Third. You are better off reporting in at a port that has an OARS Videophone. It is free and you need not go to the trouble of the I-68 Form.