Entering the US for the short term

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Kordie

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Aug 7, 2011
144
Beneteau 393 Cruising Baja
O my Australian registered Boat is currently in Ensenada. I plan on joining the Baja Ha Ha this year and was just going to join from Ensenada.

But I am considering joining in San Diego instead. Maybe spending a week there.

Is it a simple matter for an Australian boat to enter the US for just a week? I can't seem to find the process online anywhere.

Thanks

Simon
 

Kordie

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Aug 7, 2011
144
Beneteau 393 Cruising Baja
Thanks Ross. We have no trouble entering the US as an Aussie. Currently have a two year visa waiver.

I meant to ask more about bringing the vessel back in. Is there onerous fees and inspections etc?

We could just get the bus from Ensenada to San Diego to join the festivities for the start and then head back to my boat to join the rally. Or even hitch a ride with a friendly American Yacht - in my experience all American Sailors are very friendly :)
 

Ross

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Jun 15, 2004
14,693
Islander/Wayfairer 30 sail number 25 Perryville,Md.
Lin and Larry Pardey visit often. I don't believe there are any fees if you take your boat with you when you leave. ;)
 
May 24, 2004
7,215
CC 30 South Florida
I think Australia is a qualifying country. Check the following.

What procedures must a small boat follow when entering the United States?


The master of a pleasure boat must report to U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) immediately upon arriving into the United States from a foreign port or place and must provide a formal vessel entry on CF 1300 within 48 hours. He will also need to report any foreign merchandise on his boat that is subject to duty.
CBP has implemented the Small Vessel Reporting System (SVRS) for information visit CBP.gov. If reporting with SVRS see SVRS Application to enroll. Questions about SVRS can be directed to 800-432-1216.
Cruising licenses exempt pleasure boats of certain countries from having to undergo formal entry and clearance procedures and can be obtained from the CBP Port Direct at the first port of arrival in the United States. U.S. pleasure craft and foreign-flag vessels without a cruising license, which are 30 feet or longer in length, must pay an annual fee of $27.50 for the user fee decal. User Fee Decals may be purchased online through the CBP Web site.
U.S. citizens should carry proof of citizenship such as a passport or birth certificate. Canadian citizens should present proof of Canadian citizenship; Mexican citizens may present a border-crossing card. Canadian, Mexican, and U.S. citizens must carry a passport if they are arriving in the U.S. from outside the Western Hemisphere.
If your boat has anchored or tied up, you are considered to have entered the United States. No one shall board or leave the boat without first completing customs processing, unless permission to do so is granted by the CBP Officer in charge. The only exception to this requirement is to report arrival. If it is necessary for someone to leave the boat to report arrival to CBP, he or she must return to the boat after reporting and remain on board unless instructed otherwise. No one who arrived on that boat may leave until the CBP Officer grants permission to go ashore. A report of arrival into the United States should be made to the CBP office nearest to your point of entry.
A comprehensive guide can be found here: Pleasure Boats.
A listing of ports of entry and their phone numbers can be found on CBP's Web site.
 

Kordie

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Aug 7, 2011
144
Beneteau 393 Cruising Baja
All great info Benny, thanks mate. I don't believe Australia is a listed country, I think it is limited to Canadia and Mexico.

But no info on the fees and other requirements once I have reported in.

I know to arrive at the Police Dock and make phone contact with my details but what then? Will I spend days satisfying red tape or just a simple formality?

Cheers

Simon
 

Ross

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Jun 15, 2004
14,693
Islander/Wayfairer 30 sail number 25 Perryville,Md.
I think that as soon as they determine that you don't intend to stay and that you aren't transporting a squad of commandos the red tape gets rather short. ;)
 
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