Leaving the US

[mkjhartmann]

We are planning to leave the US in the next few days to head for Mexico. I have a friend from Portugal and Canada that joined me in SF. Does anybody know how they, or for that matter us US citizens, have to check out of the US?

The government is it's usual non helpful self here. Must be the sequester.

Mike

[Sailmonkey]

They will need to check out, US citizens do not. You should also get a port clearance form filled out. The US does not require it, but most every other country in the world does, including Mexico.

http://forms.cbp.gov/pdf/CBP_Form_1300.pdf

[sageofsalem]

I was just in Isla Mujeres last week or so and I am told that if you can not get a departure clearance in the Us from the Port Captain, it helps alot to have something like a dated fuel receipt to show when you left.

The best thing to have is a "zarpe" or a "transire." Last time I sailed to Isla from Pascagoula I tried to see the Port Captain but was unable. The Mexican authorities do not like to play games and are very serious so courtesy is in order. That said, we pulled in from Livingstone, guatemala to Marina Paraiso (dual green strobes) and other than costing money, clearing in was a snap. No Hassle.

[jeremiason]

Pacific Mexico is a little different than the Caribbean side... The Mexican authorities do not expect a Zarpe from California. Another one of those Mexican things....

When you get to San Diego... Go to the Customs Dock and your friends can get checked out of the country there or at the airport.

A US Citizen does not have to check out or obtian an exit stamp in there pssport.

[seandepagnier]

this is often a problem for people when they leave the US then arrive at other countries with no clearance. For example, I showed up at penrhyn with no clearance and they refused to let on the island. I was 44 days at sea and aching to walk around.