usa visa

John Nantz · Dec 23, 2004

Good Points All

After reading that last several posts I can find experiences I can identify and points that I can agree with.My experience with Canadian and US Customs/Immigration tends to mirror Doug's. After years of crossing to Canada I can safely say I've always experienced professional demeanor (like Jim2s). In fact, I've also entered New Zealand four times and can say the same thing for NZ. On the other hand, MY entry into the US has often been met with, shall we say, less than professional conduct. (some 'good' stories available on request)In looking into why there is a disparity in conduct between US officers and those of the rest of the world (I've been to numerous foreign countries including those that were 'behind the iron curtain' at the time, and virtually everybody had officials that acted with professional conduct. For some reason there seems to be a gap between the conduct of our officials and those of other countries.Since I am a retired Federal employee I know how the system works and how it can fail. The Government has been going through the "do more with less" for years and some agencies are at the bottom of the barrel for funding. If you're in DoD then life is good but if you're in some of the other departments then... well, money is typically very scarce. Customs and Immigration, and to some degree also the Coast Guard, has never been one of the highest funded areas - until 9/11.As for whether US officials are more or less professional depending on who is in the oval office, I don't think it makes any difference. The problem (my opinion) is salary, training (one of the first areas for funding cuts), and (prior to 9/11) respect (from our own elected representatives as well as their 'customers').The best way to avoid problems with US Customs people is to clear via radio or phone. This avoids waiting in lines (although sometimes you get put on hold) and what I've found is the voice at the other end of the radio/phone is usually much nicer than the one at the dock.Bottom line, our Customs people are just that, people. In the summer the workload increases and so does stress. Some boaters are probably more 'holier than thou' which can contribute to a less than pleasant work experience (I've seen some of them in action). For those that haven't had the nicest experiences may I suggest trying electronic communications.For Sally: Besides immigration, a new item to deal with in the past year is boat liability insurance. Many marinas on the west coast now are requiring proof of boat insurance so if you have any plans to stay longer than a few days, such at a guest moorage dock, then don't be surprised if the harbormaster askes for insurance. They also want to be listed as the 'Loss Payee'. I can see where this has the potential to be a real difficult item for foreign cruising boaters. About the only other option is to anchor out and even that is slowly becoming more restricted.

John Nantz · Dec 23, 2004

Good Points All

After reading that last several posts I can find experiences I can identify and points that I can agree with.My experience with Canadian and US Customs/Immigration tends to mirror Doug's. After years of crossing to Canada I can safely say I've always experienced professional demeanor (like Jim2s). In fact, I've also entered New Zealand four times and can say the same thing for NZ. On the other hand, MY entry into the US has often been met with, shall we say, less than professional conduct. (some 'good' stories available on request)In looking into why there is a disparity in conduct between US officers and those of the rest of the world (I've been to numerous foreign countries including those that were 'behind the iron curtain' at the time, and virtually everybody had officials that acted with professional conduct. For some reason there seems to be a gap between the conduct of our officials and those of other countries.Since I am a retired Federal employee I know how the system works and how it can fail. The Government has been going through the "do more with less" for years and some agencies are at the bottom of the barrel for funding. If you're in DoD then life is good but if you're in some of the other departments then... well, money is typically very scarce. Customs and Immigration, and to some degree also the Coast Guard, has never been one of the highest funded areas - until 9/11.As for whether US officials are more or less professional depending on who is in the oval office, I don't think it makes any difference. The problem (my opinion) is salary, training (one of the first areas for funding cuts), and (prior to 9/11) respect (from our own elected representatives as well as their 'customers').The best way to avoid problems with US Customs people is to clear via radio or phone. This avoids waiting in lines (although sometimes you get put on hold) and what I've found is the voice at the other end of the radio/phone is usually much nicer than the one at the dock.Bottom line, our Customs people are just that, people. In the summer the workload increases and so does stress. Some boaters are probably more 'holier than thou' which can contribute to a less than pleasant work experience (I've seen some of them in action). For those that haven't had the nicest experiences may I suggest trying electronic communications.For Sally: Besides immigration, a new item to deal with in the past year is boat liability insurance. Many marinas on the west coast now are requiring proof of boat insurance so if you have any plans to stay longer than a few days, such at a guest moorage dock, then don't be surprised if the harbormaster askes for insurance. They also want to be listed as the 'Loss Payee'. I can see where this has the potential to be a real difficult item for foreign cruising boaters. About the only other option is to anchor out and even that is slowly becoming more restricted.

Malcolm Young · Dec 23, 2004

Reporting into US Customs

I agree with John's summary, however I have one potential correction. At one time, as a Canadian, you could report in by a regular phone (and we have done so) but as I understand it you cannot now unless it is a OARS phone (direct video connection to a customs office). We used an OARS video phone this past June in Erie Pensylvania and it went fine. The US Border Protection Officer that I spoke to was professional and helpful. If you are a foreign national, you (and eventually your crew) must initially report in person to a customs office or an OARS station - so your initial port of call should be chosen accordingly. I believe that OARS phones are only available along the US Canada border so they may not be of use to you.There are two hurdles you have to pass - one is border protection and one is customs. I have a 'user decal' for my boat. I obtained this via the internet - if I remember it cost $25. This helps a lot in getting customs clearance and if your boat is above a certain size you are going to have to get it when you arrive. Your face and a passport are necessary for the border protection part. I am not sure if you need a visa or not but a travel agent in NZ (or the US embassy) can likely tell you that in a minute. It should be the same as if you were arriving by air.I have attached a link for the US Customs and Border Protection pleasure craft web site.

Malcolm Young · Dec 23, 2004

Reporting into US Customs

I agree with John's summary, however I have one potential correction. At one time, as a Canadian, you could report in by a regular phone (and we have done so) but as I understand it you cannot now unless it is a OARS phone (direct video connection to a customs office). We used an OARS video phone this past June in Erie Pensylvania and it went fine. The US Border Protection Officer that I spoke to was professional and helpful. If you are a foreign national, you (and eventually your crew) must initially report in person to a customs office or an OARS station - so your initial port of call should be chosen accordingly. I believe that OARS phones are only available along the US Canada border so they may not be of use to you.There are two hurdles you have to pass - one is border protection and one is customs. I have a 'user decal' for my boat. I obtained this via the internet - if I remember it cost $25. This helps a lot in getting customs clearance and if your boat is above a certain size you are going to have to get it when you arrive. Your face and a passport are necessary for the border protection part. I am not sure if you need a visa or not but a travel agent in NZ (or the US embassy) can likely tell you that in a minute. It should be the same as if you were arriving by air.I have attached a link for the US Customs and Border Protection pleasure craft web site.

John Nantz · Dec 23, 2004

Malcolm - you hit another raw nerve!

Thanks for pointing out about the $25 decal. I'd forgotten about that little item. We had both a boat and a plane and they really get you on that decal - one is required for the boat and another is required for the plane, total $50 per year. However, if I drive the car across the border then it's free!!! go figure.Also, you have a good point about calling/radioing in. This past September I called in with no problem (went from Victoria to Blaine WA) - great sail by the way! Like you mention, it wouldn't surprise me if non-citizens would have a much more difficult time of it and especially if it's a first time entry. We're "in the computer" so I'm sure that makes a big difference.It might actually be better to get input from a Canadian on how they enter instead of an american -

John Nantz · Dec 23, 2004

Malcolm - you hit another raw nerve!

Thanks for pointing out about the $25 decal. I'd forgotten about that little item. We had both a boat and a plane and they really get you on that decal - one is required for the boat and another is required for the plane, total $50 per year. However, if I drive the car across the border then it's free!!! go figure.Also, you have a good point about calling/radioing in. This past September I called in with no problem (went from Victoria to Blaine WA) - great sail by the way! Like you mention, it wouldn't surprise me if non-citizens would have a much more difficult time of it and especially if it's a first time entry. We're "in the computer" so I'm sure that makes a big difference.It might actually be better to get input from a Canadian on how they enter instead of an american -

John Nantz · Dec 23, 2004

Rich - crossing borders one of the best...

part about sailing so don't feel talking about Customs is 'diverting from sailing'! In fact, it would be nice if we had some of those islands (with palm trees and sandy beaches) that you guys have 'down there'.On the other hand, come to think of it, don't you guys have 'gators and copper heads? And now those fish that walk across land (who ever brought those things in)? Maybe that's not such a good idea after all!At least the rat'lers usually make a warning noise and the bears don't typically hide under water peering out over the surface.The west coast cure for the 'rat' problem (another post here) is called an eagle. In fact, they've been known to take off with small dogs! But, you know, that 65F does sound pretty darn good!!!

John Nantz · Dec 23, 2004

Rich - crossing borders one of the best...

part about sailing so don't feel talking about Customs is 'diverting from sailing'! In fact, it would be nice if we had some of those islands (with palm trees and sandy beaches) that you guys have 'down there'.On the other hand, come to think of it, don't you guys have 'gators and copper heads? And now those fish that walk across land (who ever brought those things in)? Maybe that's not such a good idea after all!At least the rat'lers usually make a warning noise and the bears don't typically hide under water peering out over the surface.The west coast cure for the 'rat' problem (another post here) is called an eagle. In fact, they've been known to take off with small dogs! But, you know, that 65F does sound pretty darn good!!!

Wanderer138 · Dec 23, 2004

Hey John Nantz, if it's varmints you're after...

...you need to head a little farther south.We got your cottonmouths (also called water mocassins), two kinds of rattlesnake (eastern diamondback and pygmy), coral snakes, skeeters (they named a lagoon on the Atlantic coast after them, no kidding), no-see-ums, bald eagles, and LOTS of gators. We eat those (tastes like chicken).Then there's armadillos, black bears, manatees, wild hogs, love bugs, fire ants, gator ticks, turkey vultures and PWC riders. Still wanna head south?PeterH23 "Raven"

Wanderer138 · Dec 23, 2004

Hey John Nantz, if it's varmints you're after...

...you need to head a little farther south.We got your cottonmouths (also called water mocassins), two kinds of rattlesnake (eastern diamondback and pygmy), coral snakes, skeeters (they named a lagoon on the Atlantic coast after them, no kidding), no-see-ums, bald eagles, and LOTS of gators. We eat those (tastes like chicken).Then there's armadillos, black bears, manatees, wild hogs, love bugs, fire ants, gator ticks, turkey vultures and PWC riders. Still wanna head south?PeterH23 "Raven"

Dana M26D · Dec 23, 2004

I'm no expert but...

I did stay at a Holiday Inn Select last night!Sally,I doubt that you'll have any problem at all, but you must be prepared for a host of inspections in advance. For some reason boaters entering from abroad are likely to meet inspectors from Customs, Immigration, Agriculture and Health. I recommend laying the groundwork in advance by contacting Customs and Immigration officials in several potential points of arrival.I never go to the US, or elsewhere, without my immunization booklet tucked inside my passport... Although it's never been asked for. In an RV we'd only have to pull up alongside an armed Customs officer in a booth and tell him where we're from, where we're going and for how long. They then ask us to enjoy the visit and we drive away. For some reason our sailboats need extra scrutiny, perhaps from rules more meant to apply to large cargo ships.I've never seen a US Customs officer act unprofessionally. Some may have seemed tired or bored, but they all acted with a professional courtesy at least. Some have gone out of their way to make me feel welcome, acting more like old friends happy to see me return. You must remember that these US Customs officers are the front line against terrorists, defending the border of terrorism's number one target. Day after day they stand long shifts in a cramped and boring work environment. The fact that they can do this with courtesy is remarkable. Unlike some other regions they don't ask for bribes or steal from your luggage during private searches. The rules may have been tightened in recent years, but they still stay within the rules.Spain is another prime terrorist target. Spanish hotels all retained a photocopy of my passport on file. I had to show my passport to buy a ticket for the train-hotel from Barcelona to Madrid. Yet when arriving from sea at El Ferro, Spainish officials let me through with a quick passport stamp and smile. I then flew across Spain on Iberia airlines and they left the cockpit door open for most of the flight. Every country handles their security in a different way and we must be prepared to conform to their demands.And Sally, when you speak with the US officials find out about the implications with respect to visiting other countries prior to entering the USA. (It'll be much easier if your passport doesn't have a recent Cuban stamp.) The Customs officials should be able to let you know if any other enroute countries are "less desireable". Before you sail as crew have a critical look at the vessel, her Captain, and the rest of the crew. If anyone or anything is not in order you should expect it to delay or possibly deny your entry. Above all, be completely honest with Customs and Immigration about your visit status. If you claim to be a tourist while secretly intending to seek to immigrate, avoid the USA. Come to Canada instead and we'll waive our laws to let you stay. The attached link is about a sailboat family did just that. It didn't work in the US as they were jailed for violating a deportation order. But, after thay waited until winter to seek to immigrate, we've turned the other cheek and allowed them to stay. Excuse this rant as I digress.Enjoy your time in the US as visiting crew. You'll have no trouble at all if you do your homework in advance and are honest with the officials. Have a great trip!

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