On 29 Nov 2006 21:27:53 -0800, "Chuck Gould"
wrote:


wrote:
On Wed, 29 Nov 2006 13:43:29 -0500, JohnH wrote:

Why make it so hard for American citizens to get in, but so easy for
Mexicans?

We are talking about going through customs, not wading across the
river. I always get waved through with a "do you have anything to
declare" but a latin looking person better have his papers in order.

I am aware of these new rules and I do have a new passport coming,
just in case they are profiling rednecks some day. The picture on mine
looks like my high school yearbook picture and so does my driver's
license. I need to show my CCW if they want a recent picture.

Coming back in by boat is a little more complex than driving across in
a car.

Everybody who isn't previously enrolled in NEXUS or a similar program
has to report to a US Customs Port of Entry. Once there, only the
skipper is allowed to go ashore until cleared by customs and the
skipper has to proceed directly to the customs office. Better have 1)
ship's papers, 2) Photo ID, preferably a passport but in any case
sufficient to prove residence and citizenship, for everybody aboard. 3)
A list of items being brought back into the country. 4) An inventory of
alcohol and tobacco aboard. 5) A disclosure of any firearms on the
boat. 6) A list of fresh fruits and vegetables aboard. 7) $25 to buy a
decal/permit to reenter the US. The decal is an annual deal, so the $25
only applies to the first reentry every year. Boaters who are
pre-screened by the NEXUS or similar programs can clear by telephone
upon reentry, but they must be prepared to report to a Customs Office
if so ordered by the party on the phone.

Sounds fair to me, except that I can't figure out what anyone would be
trying to smuggle in from Canada. :)
--
John H

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