US Customs & Imagration border changes!!
 

I heard, a couple weeks ago, about immigration changes for crossing into the
US from Canada and Mexico. These new requirements will eventually require a
passport by 2007.

Now, I hear something on the new about US Customs has eliminated the "Call
In" method of clearing into the US when arriving by boat. I'm not sure I
heard this correctly and wonder if this is just being "phased" in or is it
in effect for this summers boating season.

I also noted in this news report, that they still are requiring the $25
annual customs permit for boaters (no mention of RVers).

I would welcome an update on the customs clearance changes.


--
Steve
s/v Good Intentions

On Fri, 22 Apr 2005 07:37:27 -0700, Steve wrote:

I heard, a couple weeks ago, about immigration changes for crossing into
the US from Canada and Mexico. These new requirements will eventually
require a passport by 2007.

Now, I hear something on the new about US Customs has eliminated the
"Call In" method of clearing into the US when arriving by boat. I'm not
sure I heard this correctly and wonder if this is just being "phased" in
or is it in effect for this summers boating season.

I also noted in this news report, that they still are requiring the $25
annual customs permit for boaters (no mention of RVers).

I would welcome an update on the customs clearance changes.

I you want to know, go to the official source. Ask the US government. Get
it in writing. Write them a letter and they will respond with a written
letter or document detailing how to clear into the USA. You can take a
look at the Immigration and Customs web sites.

Went to a meeting a couple days ago in Pt Angeles concerning this topic.
There is something in the works but is currently on hold while the bugs are
worked out. Will cost $15 per year, will require passport type pics and
fingerprinting, and a background check will be performed. Also, ALL persons
on board will require same.
Gordon

"Steve" wrote in message
...
I heard, a couple weeks ago, about immigration changes for crossing into
the
US from Canada and Mexico. These new requirements will eventually require
a
passport by 2007.

Now, I hear something on the new about US Customs has eliminated the "Call
In" method of clearing into the US when arriving by boat. I'm not sure I
heard this correctly and wonder if this is just being "phased" in or is it
in effect for this summers boating season.

I also noted in this news report, that they still are requiring the $25
annual customs permit for boaters (no mention of RVers).

I would welcome an update on the customs clearance changes.


--
Steve
s/v Good Intentions

"Anchor" wrote in message
.. .
Ask the US government. Get
it in writing. Write them a letter and they will respond with a written
letter or document detailing how to clear into the USA.


As much as I would like to "get it in writing", I'm now short on time. I
leave in about a month for the Inside Passage.

I guess I will stop and "clear out" at Roche Hbr before crossing over into
Canada. That is where I was planning to pay the $25 boat permit. (correct me
if I'm wrong.)


--
Steve
s/v Good Intentions

On Fri, 22 Apr 2005 08:49:51 -0700, Steve wrote:


"Anchor" wrote in message
.. .
Ask the US government. Get
it in writing. Write them a letter and they will respond with a written
letter or document detailing how to clear into the USA.


As much as I would like to "get it in writing", I'm now short on time. I
leave in about a month for the Inside Passage.

I guess I will stop and "clear out" at Roche Hbr before crossing over into
Canada. That is where I was planning to pay the $25 boat permit. (correct me
if I'm wrong.)

You got it backwards. The news group post was for entering the US from
Canada.

"Gordon" wrote in message
...
Went to a meeting a couple days ago in Pt Angeles concerning this topic.
There is something in the works but is currently on hold while the bugs
are
worked out. Will cost $15 per year, will require passport type pics and
fingerprinting, and a background check will be performed. Also, ALL
persons
on board will require same.
Gordon


Ooooh! That doesn't sound good.. I have a passport already (albeit expired,
last year) but my crew doesn't even have a drivers license.

Just how long will it take to get this permit if they are going to do
background checks, etc.

I better get on the phone or web site and see what I need.

Steve
s/v Good Intentions

In article ,
"Steve" wrote:


Steve
s/v Good Intentions

Hey Steve,

When do you expect to get to Juneau? I might just fly in for that,
if I knew about when you are going to be there. I figure dinner on me,
would be in order....


Bruce in alaska in lew of Hog-in-Dos.....
--
add a 2 before @

On Fri, 22 Apr 2005 07:37:27 -0700, "Steve" wrote:

I heard, a couple weeks ago, about immigration changes for crossing into the
US from Canada and Mexico. These new requirements will eventually require a
passport by 2007.

Now, I hear something on the new about US Customs has eliminated the "Call
In" method of clearing into the US when arriving by boat. I'm not sure I
heard this correctly and wonder if this is just being "phased" in or is it
in effect for this summers boating season.

I also noted in this news report, that they still are requiring the $25
annual customs permit for boaters (no mention of RVers).

I would welcome an update on the customs clearance changes.

Steve,
What I understand is this..

There are, or were, or will be, four ways to cross the US/Canada borders.

I-68 This requires a visit to a US immigration office, paperwork, and a fee.
This process is reported to take months.

NEXUS: This requires a through background check, plus an interview at
the Peace Arch border crossing in Blaine. Birth certificates, marriage certicates,
divorce certificates, etc. are reported to be needed. Four month process.

The advantage to I-68 and NEXUS is the ability to clear by phone. The
downside is that if any person onboard does not have I-68 or NEXUS
preclearance, the boat is treated as if no one on board has clearance.

The PIN system: A boat owner clears in person, is givin a PIN, and from
there on may clear by phone. There is confusion as to whether the PIN
system will be retained.

The fourth system: Clear customs at Friday Harbor or Roche Harbor.
Why these two? Because they are staffed during the season and during
business hours, and have designated Customs docks.
At other locations, you might have to make prior arrangements
to be met by a Customs Officer at a time and/or dock of his choosing.

It's not certain if the I-68/NEXUS (for boats) will be implemented for the 2005
season....the best guess is that it won't be, since the forms, training, etc has
not been sorted out yet.

BTW..to do it wrong will cost $5,000..be safe, follow the rules.

Take a look at www.waggonerguide.com for more info. Bob Hale is trying to
keep on top of the issue.
Norm B

"Anchor" wrote in message
.. .

You got it backwards. The news group post was for entering the US from
Canada.

Well! my summer trip will involve both leaving and entering Canada several
times. My last point, was to visit US Customs on the way north to get what
ever re-entry pass or clearance before we leave.
Then, I will be prepared for re-entry when I arrive in Alaska.


--
Steve
s/v Good Intentions

Well, you can skip checking back in. Who knows how long you have been to
sea.

"engsol" wrote in message
...
On Fri, 22 Apr 2005 07:37:27 -0700, "Steve" wrote:

I heard, a couple weeks ago, about immigration changes for crossing into
the
US from Canada and Mexico. These new requirements will eventually require
a
passport by 2007.

Now, I hear something on the new about US Customs has eliminated the "Call
In" method of clearing into the US when arriving by boat. I'm not sure I
heard this correctly and wonder if this is just being "phased" in or is it
in effect for this summers boating season.

I also noted in this news report, that they still are requiring the $25
annual customs permit for boaters (no mention of RVers).

I would welcome an update on the customs clearance changes.

Steve,
What I understand is this..

There are, or were, or will be, four ways to cross the US/Canada borders.

I-68 This requires a visit to a US immigration office, paperwork, and a
fee.
This process is reported to take months.

NEXUS: This requires a through background check, plus an interview at
the Peace Arch border crossing in Blaine. Birth certificates, marriage
certicates,
divorce certificates, etc. are reported to be needed. Four month process.

The advantage to I-68 and NEXUS is the ability to clear by phone. The
downside is that if any person onboard does not have I-68 or NEXUS
preclearance, the boat is treated as if no one on board has clearance.

The PIN system: A boat owner clears in person, is givin a PIN, and from
there on may clear by phone. There is confusion as to whether the PIN
system will be retained.

The fourth system: Clear customs at Friday Harbor or Roche Harbor.
Why these two? Because they are staffed during the season and during
business hours, and have designated Customs docks.
At other locations, you might have to make prior arrangements
to be met by a Customs Officer at a time and/or dock of his choosing.

It's not certain if the I-68/NEXUS (for boats) will be implemented for the
2005
season....the best guess is that it won't be, since the forms, training,
etc has
not been sorted out yet.

BTW..to do it wrong will cost $5,000..be safe, follow the rules.

Take a look at www.waggonerguide.com for more info. Bob Hale is trying to
keep on top of the issue.
Norm B