Clearing in to the USA

Wahoo Sails · 24-02-2007, 11:41

As I'm sure you all know by now, the procedure for clearing in to the USA has changed, it now requires that you have a passport. Myself and my friends have tried talking to others that have RECENTLY reurned from the Bahamas and asked "what do we need to do to clear in?" You would be AMAZED at how many different answers we have gotten! "You have to have the sticker (?) before you leave ... but that's only for certain size boats (?)", "You can still clear in with a phone call (then what about the passport?)" "You have to check in with both Customs & The INS in person at both places, even though they may be many miles apart". No one could even tell us if the USA stamps your passport upon re-entry. Does anyone have "current" knowledge?
Bob

Sunspot Baby · 24-02-2007, 15:11

What may be required of one vessel at one location, may not be requeired of another. Get your information from Homeland Security. Plan for the most stringent requirements and be pleaqsed if they don't go that far. INS and Customs are now comvined under Homeland Security.

George

Morgan Paul · 24-02-2007, 16:09

If you fit the profile of a terrorist you will not have any trouble.

Lynx · 25-02-2007, 00:22

They do not stamp your passport unless you ask. Don't want to use up the space.

You must call customs first and then do passport control with everybody who is on board. I had a lot of problems getting through to customs. Call on cell phone when you enter USA waters. If you cannot get through, go to passport control anyway and tell them.

Sticker, Small boats cannot get it, you may be big enough. It should help.

The list of places to clear at has changed. Where are you planning on clearing at? Make sure that you can get to them 24 hrs after you reenter, no latter.

Do not skip clearing customs or passport control. You are being tracked. Big fines can result.

About as bad as going through the airport. No big deal. You just have to do it.

24-02-2007, 11:41	#1
Wahoo Sails Registered User Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: Marathon, Florida Boat: Cape Dory 28, "Night Wind" Posts: 353	Clearing in to the USA As I'm sure you all know by now, the procedure for clearing in to the USA has changed, it now requires that you have a passport. Myself and my friends have tried talking to others that have RECENTLY reurned from the Bahamas and asked "what do we need to do to clear in?" You would be AMAZED at how many different answers we have gotten! "You have to have the sticker (?) before you leave ... but that's only for certain size boats (?)", "You can still clear in with a phone call (then what about the passport?)" "You have to check in with both Customs & The INS in person at both places, even though they may be many miles apart". No one could even tell us if the USA stamps your passport upon re-entry. Does anyone have "current" knowledge? Bob

24-02-2007, 15:11	#2
Sunspot Baby Registered User Join Date: May 2003 Location: New Bern, NC Boat: Prout Manta 38' Catamaran - Sunspot Baby Posts: 1,257	What may be required of one vessel at one location, may not be requeired of another. Get your information from Homeland Security. Plan for the most stringent requirements and be pleaqsed if they don't go that far. INS and Customs are now comvined under Homeland Security. George __________________ She took my address and my name Put my credit to shame Sunspot Baby, sure had a real good time Bob Seger

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24-02-2007, 16:09	#3
Morgan Paul Registered User Join Date: Feb 2007 Boat: 1973 Morgan 36T Posts: 778	If you fit the profile of a terrorist you will not have any trouble.

25-02-2007, 00:22	#4
Lynx Registered User Join Date: Apr 2006 Boat: MacGregor 26M Lynx Posts: 350	They do not stamp your passport unless you ask. Don't want to use up the space. You must call customs first and then do passport control with everybody who is on board. I had a lot of problems getting through to customs. Call on cell phone when you enter USA waters. If you cannot get through, go to passport control anyway and tell them. Sticker, Small boats cannot get it, you may be big enough. It should help. The list of places to clear at has changed. Where are you planning on clearing at? Make sure that you can get to them 24 hrs after you reenter, no latter. Do not skip clearing customs or passport control. You are being tracked. Big fines can result. About as bad as going through the airport. No big deal. You just have to do it.