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Blaine Harbor is a great provisioning stop and departure point for the San Juan and Gulf Islands. |
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Roche Harbor, San Juan Island, is a favorite stop for many boaters and tourists. |
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This U.S. Coast Guard ship is based in Port Angeles. |
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A sunny day at Point Hudson Marina in Port Townsend. |
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A U.S. Coast Guard patrol boat at Elliot Bay Marina, Seattle. |
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U.S. CUSTOMS UPDATES:
The Latest Information to Help Speed your Trip
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Nexus Cards Easy & Convenient
February 26, 2008. Hi Bob,
I just got NEXUS cards for my family. Here's the story. Feel free to post it in your website.
Regards,
Raul Biascoechea
M/V Moondance
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NEXUS Membership -- Easy and Convenient
After having I-68s and experiencing the convenience of calling in, rather than stopping at a port of entry, my wife and I decided to get NEXUS cards for our family before the start of this year’s cruising season.
The process turned out to be quick and painless:
1- We went to the US Customs Global Enrollment System (GOES) site (http://www.cbp.gov/xp/cgov/travel/trusted_traveler/goes). Followed the instructions, filled the NEXUS applications, and paid with a credit card. The cost was $55 per card. Please note that each person must apply and pay separately.
2- A few days later we each logged into the GOES site and saw that we had conditional approval. This means that we were ready to schedule an interview with the US and Canada Customs people.
3- The system allows on-line appointment scheduling. When we tried this we found out that the dates available were too late for our purposes. Instead, I called and was able to get appointments for the three of us at the Boeing Field Customs office just a few days later. In WA the interviews can be done in Blaine, or Seattle (Boeing Field). BC has a number of other locations.
4- Even though our appointments were spaced out over the period of three hours we were advised to show up together and let the agent know we were a family. We were also advised to ensure that we brought all the necessary documentation with us: passport, driver’s license, birth certificate, Etc. We did this and walked out with NEXUS cards 45 minutes later.
All in all, getting the cards was extremely easy. We are looking forward to clearing at CANPASS docks in Canada, as well as clearing by calling-in when returning to the US. In addition we will be able to use the NEXUS lane when driving to and from Canada, something we do a few times a year.
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New Document Requirements for Entering U.S. Begin January 31, 2008
December 4, 2007. Here’s the press release from the U.S. Dept. of Homeland Security. As we’ve been saying for years, “Get your passport.”
Travelers Reminded of New Document Requirements Beginning January 31, 2008
Documents Proving Citizenship and Identity Will be Required When Entering
The United States Through Land and Sea Ports of Entry
WASHINGTON—The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the U.S. Department of State (DOS) remind the traveling public that as of Jan. 31, 2008, all adult travelers will be required to present proof of citizenship, such as a birth certificate, and proof of identity, such as a driver’s license, when entering the United States through land and sea ports of entry. DHS will be issuing a notice in the Federal Register formally announcing the change.
This change is a necessary step to prepare travelers and ease the transition to the future requirements of the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI). WHTI proposes to establish documentation requirements for travelers entering the United States who were previously exempt, including citizens of the U.S., Canada, and Bermuda. As recommended by the 9/11 Commission, Congress enacted WHTI in the Intelligence Reform and Terrorism Prevention Act of 2004. WHTI will result in both enhanced security and increased facilitation across the border once implemented. During this transition, DHS and the Department of State are working diligently to minimize the impact on legitimate trade and travel.
Currently, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers may accept oral declarations of citizenship from U.S. and Canadian citizens seeking entry into the United States through a land or sea border. However, as of January 31, 2008:
Oral declarations of citizenship alone will no longer be accepted
U.S. and Canadian citizens ages 19 and older will need to present a government-issued photo ID, such as a driver’s license, along with proof of citizenship, such as a birth certificate or naturalization certificate
Children ages 18 and under will only be required to present proof of citizenship, such as a birth certificate
Passports and trusted traveler program cards - NEXUS, SENTRI and FAST - will continue to be accepted for cross-border travel
All existing nonimmigrant visa and passport requirements will remain in effect and will not be altered by this change.
DOS reminds the public that the current turnaround time for a passport is four to six weeks, so Americans planning international travel may wish to apply now. For information on obtaining a U.S. Passport visit www.travel.state.gov or call 1-877-487-2778. Specific documentation requirements for land, sea and air travel may be found at www.cbp.gov/xp/cgov/travel/vacation/ready_set_go/. To learn more about NEXUS, SENTRI and FAST, visit www.cbp.gov/xp/cgov/travel/trusted_traveler/.
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New Nexus Online Application Unveiled
August 17, 2007. We’ll just give you the entire press release.
WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Customs and Border Protection announced today that cross-border travelers wishing to apply for Nexus privileges are now able to do so through a new, online application system.
Nexus is a popular, joint frequent traveler program with Canada where applicants voluntarily undergo a background check, in-person interview and fingerprinting, and pay a $50 five-year membership fee. Under the new system, individuals may submit an online application and pay the membership fee at www.cbp.gov by clicking on the “Apply for NEXUS and SENTRI” link under “Quicklinks.”
“We are pleased to continue expanding the Nexus program, not only at new airports throughout 2007 but also by improving the application process itself with this new online flexibility,” said CBP Commissioner W. Ralph Basham. “This program has tremendous benefits for our law enforcement officials as well as travelers, particularly as it has been proposed as an alternative document to a passport under new document requirements, and we want to encourage new members to sign up.”
Once an applicant is notified that they are conditionally approved through their online account, they will need to schedule an appointment – also through their online account – to complete the interview and fingerprint process and to obtain their membership card.
Approved members have access to dedicated commuter lanes, airport kiosks and telephonic marine reporting that allows expedited processing. Key benefits of the new online application system include expediting the entire application and vetting process, and streamlining the processing time for new applicants and renewals. Individuals who have already mailed their application to the Canada Border Services Agency should continue with this process.
First implemented in 2000, the Nexus program has grown to include 15 lanes at 11 locations along the U.S./Canada border, at marine reporting locations border-wide, and at five Canadian airports. The Nexus card has also been proposed as an accepted alternative to a passport under new travel document requirements, slated to go into effect for land and sea crossings as early as summer 2008. Ample advance notice and a robust public information campaign will precede full implementation of this requirement. The Nexus card is also acceptable as an alternative to a passport for air travel, a requirement that went into effect January 23, 2007.
Currently, U.S. and Canadian citizens are not required to present a passport or specific document when seeking to enter or re-enter the United States at land and sea crossings. CBP highly encourages travelers to carry, at minimum, proof of citizenship such as a certified copy of your birth certificate, along with government-issued photo ID, such as a driver’s license.
Over 133,000 travelers from both sides of the border currently are enrolled in the program, which accounts for more than 6 percent of border crossings. A list of Frequently Asked Questions on the new online system is available at www.cbp.gov. Travelers may also call the CBP Help Desk at 1-800-927-8729, press 0 then 1 for technical support, or the CBSA (Canada Border Services Agency) Help Desk at 1-888-281-5778, or email SGIL-AIDE@cbsa-asfc.gc.ca.
U.S. Customs and Border Protection is the unified border agency within the Department of Homeland Security charged with the management, control and protection of the nation’s borders at and between official ports of entry. CBP is charged with keeping terrorists and terrorist weapons out of the country while enforcing hundreds of U.S. laws.
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U.S. Customs Boater Registration Numbers
July 3, 2007. Those applying for Nexus or I-68 pre-clearance approval will have boater registration numbers assigned as part of the process. Lawrence Walters’ experience applies to Nexus or I-68 approvals obtained before February 1, 2007. The detailed explanation is courtesy of our friends at RBAW, the Recreational Boating Association of Washington.
Hello,
I did not find this information on your US customs updates and thought it would be useful. For those with NEXUS, US Customs requests we call in and get "Boater Registrations numbers" for use when returning to the United States. The numbers bring up all of the boater's information at once so the Customs officer does not have to type or ask as many questions saving everyone time. I just called the Bellingham number and was able to get BR numbers for all four members of my family in about 10 minutes.
Lawrence Walters MD
http://www.rbaw.org/2007/0407_CPB_Report.shtml.
Starting February 1st, CBP instituted what is referred to as the "Boater Registration" program which in some respects is similar to the old PIN program.
Not to be confused with the State Boat Registration Number, this is a number that is only available to holders of NEXUS and I-68s. A BR (Boater Registration Number) will be given to each holder of a NEXUS or I-68.
When a boater calls for an appointment to obtain an I-68, advise CBP that you also wish to obtain a BR Number. CBP will advise what additional documentation will be required.
If a boater has an I-68 that will not expire before the end of the normal boating season or a NEXUS, gather all the pertinent information for your boat to include all required registration and or documentation data plus moorage location, call CBP and state that you would like to obtain a BR(s) number. CBP may state that at the time of your call they are extremely busy but if you call back later they would be glad to accommodate. Don't take offence, call back later.
CBP would like all qualified boaters to obtain a BR Number prior to crossing into Canadian waters as it will expedite re-entry back into the USA.
Boaters with questions about obtaining User Fee Decals or BR Numbers should contact CBP in Bellingham at 360/734-5463, Boeing Field at 206/553-0667 or call the Small Boat Reporting Number 800/562-5834. There may be CBP offices closer to your home. The CBP Officers at the referenced phone numbers can advise.
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Latest U.S. Border Crossing Requirements
May 30, 2007. This press release from Customs and Border Protection has complete information, except for the processing fee amount for boats 30 feet and longer, which we have corrected.
U.S. CUSTOMS AND BORDER PROTECTION ANNOUNCES 2007
PACIFIC NORTHWEST PLEASURE BOATING CLEARANCE PROCEDURES
SEATTLE – U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) implemented revised clearance procedures for small boats arriving in the United States from Canada in January 2006 for Puget Sound boaters. The private boat clearance procedures are part of CBP’s comprehensive efforts to improve security at our nation’s borders while enhancing legitimate travel, including private boaters.
The Pacific Northwest is one of the busiest international boating areas in the United States. Since January 2006, private boaters have been required to report to specified ports of entry for inspection if they are not currently enrolled in an Alternative Inspection Systems Program that would allow arrival reporting by phone. Only boaters participating in the I-68 or NEXUS/SENTRI programs are allowed to report their arrivals by phone. Participation in the Alternative Inspection Systems Program requires the payment of a fee and passing a background check by CBP and Canadian authorities.
Participation in the I-68 program requires each applicant to appear in person for an interview at a Customs and Border Protection port of entry. Fees are $16 (US) for an individual or $32 (US) for a family. U.S. citizens, Lawful Permanent Residents, Canadian citizens and Landed Immigrants of Canada who are nationals of Visa Waiver Program countries are eligible to apply for I-68 seasonal boating permits. Private boaters are encouraged to apply BEFORE attempting their first trip to expedite the border clearance process.
IN-PERSON REPORTING LOCATIONS
Arrivals requiring an in-person report to a CBP Officer may be made at any of the following designated ports of entry. The boat must be made available for inspection at a CBP designated area for possible boarding at the time of report. Regular hours of service are 8 A.M–5 P.M. from September 17th to May 13th. Extended summer hours for each of the below ports are 8 A.M–8 P.M.
Friday Harbor (360) 378-2080
Roche Harbor (360) 378-2080
Port Angeles (360) 457-4311
Point Roberts (360) 945-2314
Anacortes (360) 293-2331
All other ports will require appointments to be made in advance for face-to-face inspections.
“These private boating procedures enhance CBP’s ability to carry out our twin goals of preventing terrorists and terrorist weapons from entering the United States, while at the same time facilitating legitimate travel and trade,” said Thomas Hardy, Director of CBP’s Seattle Field Office. “Participation in an Alternative Inspection Systems Program provides real benefits for those enrolled.”
Boaters are encouraged to contact their nearest CBP office with questions regarding clearance procedures for boaters. Please refer to www.CBP.gov for the listing of the nearest CBP office. Applications for NEXUS participation can be made via the website address at: www.nexus.gc.ca.
Reporting Requirements for all Private Boat Operators in Puget Sound, WA
U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) implemented enhanced security procedures for small boat arrivals and inspection of associated crew and passengers in January 2006. These procedures require physical reporting to a designated local CBP Office unless enrolled in an Alternative Inspection Systems Program that would allow arrival reporting by phone.
Affected individuals are encouraged to participate in any of the Alternative Inspection Systems Programs described in this document to expedite reporting of arrival and clearance into the United States. Participation in any of the Alternative Inspection Systems Programs does not preclude the requirement for a physical report upon request by CBP.
Who Reports: All persons seeking entry to the United States, both U.S. citizens and non-U.S. citizens, MUST REPORT their arrival.
When Reporting Is Required:
Masters must report their arrival to CBP if having been engaged in any of the below activities:
After having been at any foreign port or place;
After having had contact with any hovering vessel;
After having engaged in fishing in foreign waters.
Reporting Procedures:
The master or designee may go ashore only to report the arrival to CBP either in person or if participating in the I-68 or NEXUS/SENTRI programs, by phone. No other person may leave or board the boat and no baggage or merchandise may be removed or loaded until the report of arrival is made and release granted by a CBP Officer. Each crewmember and passenger must also be in possession of an I-68 or NEXUS or SENTRI card to qualify for phone-in reporting.
Where to Report:
Masters, crew and passengers participating in the I-68 and/or NEXUS/SENTRI programs may utilize the following number for phone-in arrivals:
1-800-562-5943
Arrivals requiring an in-person report to a CBP Officer may be made at any of the following designated ports of entry. The boat must be made available for inspection at a CBP designated area for possible boarding at the time of report. Regular hours of service are 8 A.M–5 P.M. from September 17th to May 13th. Extended summer hours for each of the below ports are 8 A.M–8 P.M.
Friday Harbor (360) 378-2080
Roche Harbor (360) 378-2080
Port Angeles (360) 457-4311
Point Roberts (360) 945-2314
Anacortes (360) 293-2331
All other ports will require appointments to be made in advance for face-to-face inspections. Appointments will be honored only during regular port business hours.
If arrival occurs after the normal business hours of a port, boaters must utilize the 1-800 number to report their arrivals. A CBP Officer will provide further instructions regarding reporting and entry processing.
Failure to Report:
Failure to report can result in civil penalties as defined in Title 19, United States Code, Section 1436 to include a penalty of $5,000 for the first violation and $10,000 for each subsequent violation with the conveyance subject to seizure and forfeiture. In addition to being liable for a civil penalty, any master who intentionally commits a violation under subsection (a) of the above stated section upon conviction is liable for a fine of not more than $2,000 or imprisonment for 1 year or both.
Fees:
All documented or registered vessels 30 feet in length or greater are required to pay an annual processing (user fee) of $25.00 in U.S. dollars [$27.50 effective April 1, 2007—Waggoner] if crossing the international border [into the U.S.—Waggoner].
Payment is required for the vessel at or before the time of the first arrival of each calendar year. If you report your arrival in person or by telephone and a fee is applicable, you may charge the fee to your American Express, Discover, Visa or MasterCard. A non-transferable decal will be issued upon payment and mailed to your address of record. CBP will not grant a clearance if outstanding fees are due.
Decals may also be purchased via the Internet at:
https://tradelinks4.mellon.com/cbp/Dispatcher.
If you purchased your decal through the Mellon Bank, Pittsburg, PA, the CBP User Fee Administrator will handle your annual decal mailings/reminders at the Mellon Bank. Please carry a copy of the decal application for verification if you have submitted payment to Mellon Bank and have not received your decal.
ALTERNATIVE INSPECTION SYSTEMS PROGRAMS:
I-68 Program:
Under the I-68 program, applicants for admission into the United States by small pleasure boats are pre-registered and issued a single boating permit for the entire boating season. The I-68 permit allows boaters to enter the United States from Canada for recreational purposes with only the need to report to CBP for further inspection by placing a phone call to report their arrival. I-68 holders are still subject to reporting to a CBP port of entry upon CBP request. Contact any local CBP office in advance to make an appointment to obtain an I-68.
To enroll in the program, each applicant must appear in person for an interview and various law enforcement checks. Proof of citizenship is required at interview.
Fees are $16 U.S. dollars for an individual or a total of $32 U.S. dollars for a family. The names and dates of birth of children less than 14 years of age may be listed on one or both parents’ I-68, however it is recommended that each child have a separate I-68 form.
An I-68 is issued for 12 months and must be renewed in person at a CBP office.
Eligibility:
U.S. Citizens (USC) or lawful permanent residents, Canadian Citizens, or landed immigrants of Canada who are nationals of Visa Waiver Program countries are eligible to apply for seasonal boating permits (proof of status required). When the I-68 is used by a person who is not a USC or lawful permanent resident of the United States, admission shall be for no more than 72 hours and only if they will remain in nearby shopping areas, nearby residential neighborhoods; or other similar areas, adjacent to the immediate shore areas of the United States.
Registration Location:
Applications for the I-68 program are required to be in person at any designated Port of Entry within the jurisdiction of the Seattle Field Office.
NEXUS:
The NEXUS alternative inspection program allows pre-screened, low-risk travelers to be processed with little or no delay by U.S. and Canadian border officials. Approved applicants are issued a photo-identification/proximity card, which is valid for 5 years.
Participants cross the border in a dedicated lane where they present their membership identification and proximity card for expedited processing unless selected for a more intensive examination. Small boat operators in possession of a NEXUS member card may report their arrival via phone.
To enroll in the program, each applicant must fill out an application and mail it to Canada Customs.
Include a check for $50.00 (US Currency) per person for individuals 18 years of age and over.
Appear in person for interview, and various law enforcement checks.
Eligibility:
Citizens or permanent residents of the United States or Canada are eligible for NEXUS. Non-permanent residents demonstrating a need to utilize the NEXUS system may also be eligible. Applicants must be approved by both the United States and Canada and present proof of status.
Registration Location:
Application for NEXUS participation can be made via the website address at:
www.nexus.gc.ca.
For more information contact Blaine, WA NEXUS Enrollment Center at (360) 332-2380 or (360) 332-2381.
SENTRI:
The SENTRI Program is a Southern Border facilitated traveler program. SENTRI participants need not apply for a NEXUS card to qualify for the small boat phone-in program.
REPORTING SUSPICIOUS ACTIVITIES:
Please report any suspicious activities observed to
1-800-BE-ALERT (1-800-232-5378) or the after hours toll free number 1-800-562-5943
HAVE A SAFE AND ENJOYABLE BOATING SEASON!
I-68 ISSUING SITES
Aberdeen (360)532-2030
Anacortes (360) 293-2331
Bellingham (360) 734-5463
Blaine (360) 332-6318
Everett (425) 259-0246
Friday Harbor (360) 378-2080
Oroville (509) 476-3132
Point Roberts (360) 945-2314
Port Angeles (360) 457-4311
Port Townsend (360) 385-3777
Roche Harbor (360) 378-2080
Seattle, Boeing Field (206) 553-0667
Tacoma (253) 593-6336
* Please contact your nearest office for an appointment.
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Nexus Border Crossing Phone-in Pre-clearance Changes
May 21, 2007. Effective April 30, 2007 Nexus border pre-clearance can be used in place of Canpass for telephone check-in into Canada. After phone-in, Nexus card holders still must land at a designated landing site at an agreed-upon time, although as with Canpass they may depart without penalty if a Canada Customs officer does not show up to inspect the vessel. Call 1-866-996-3987 (1-866-99-Nexus) for clearance.
Canpass pre-clearance card holders may continue to use their Canpass program as before. Call 1-888-226-7277 (1-888-Canpass) for clearance.
For boats entering the U.S., telephone clearance using Nexus or the annual I-68 telephone pre-clearance will work as described in the 2007 Waggoner.
Nexus application information: The Nexus application form has been updated, and older forms should not be used. Get Form BSF658E from Canada or U.S. Customs offices. The Nexus process consists of three elements: (1) the application; (2) the review; (3) the interview. The review time has been shortened, but for Seattle-area applicants the wait-time is as long as 3 months now. For telephone clearance into the U.S., boats planning to go north for the 2007 summer season should get I-68s this year and join the line for Nexus next year. Seattle interviews are held only two days each week, so for a shorter wait-time try Blaine, which holds interviews six days a week.
Remember that all persons on board will need Nexus or Canpass for telephone entry into Canada, or Nexus and I-68 for telephone entry into the U.S. If only one person on board lacks pre-clearance, the boat must touch at a designated Customs port of entry to clear.
Nexus cards are good for five years, which will create a new problem beginning in 2008. The first batch (2002) will expire before the 2008 boating season, and will be up for re-application, review and interview. This will add a number of renewals to the growing body of new applicants, straining a system that already must wait months for an interview appointment. What a fun time to be a Customs administrator.
Caution: If you have a felony conviction, no matter how long ago and how young you were, Canada won’t let you in if they know about it. The Nexus application is how they will find out. Note that DUI or DWI convictions are felonies in Canada. If you have a felony conviction, including DUI or DWI, I-68, which doesn’t check for felonies, is the way to go. The same is true of fines for border infractions, such as failure to declare something that should be declared. In any of these situations, don’t apply for Nexus; get an annual I-68.
Last, GET YOUR PASSPORT. A passport is not required to enter or re-enter the U.S. by private boat in 2007, but in all likelihood it’ll be needed in 2008. Thank you, Osama Bin Laden.
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New Passport Requirements Apply to Kenmore, etc.
January 12, 2007. In late November, the Departments of State and Homeland Security announced that effective January 23, 2007, citizens of the U.S., Canada, Mexico, and Bermuda would be required to present a passport or other accepted document that establishes the bearer’s identity and nationality to enter the U.S. when arriving by air from any part of the Western Hemisphere.
The passport requirement for land and sea crossings will become effective as early as January 1, 2008. This means no passports will be required for boaters for the 2007 boating season.
BUT . . . if you or your guests are flying Kenmore, Northwest Seaplanes or any other airplane, passports will be required.
The message is clear: If you don’t have your passport now, get it. Everybody on board will need one, even little babies.
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For more updates:
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• U.S. Customs Updates
• Canada Customs Updates
• General Updates
• Puget Sound & San Juan Islands
• Strait of Juan de Fuca and Strait of Georgia, including B.C.'s Gulf Islands
• Desolation Sound to top of Vancouver Island
• Central & Northern B.C. Coast
• West Coast of Vancouver Island
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