Clearing in in Texas, Easiest Port of Entry?

[KatMarine]

Hi All,

I'll be clearing in after for the first time via Texas.

What is the best marina / port of entry for customs clearing with easy access to international airport?

Thx

[leboyd]

Texas has more than 350 miles of Gulf coast shore. Where are you coming from and ultimately want to be? I think the closest port to an international airport is probably Brownsville, but are you flying north, south, east or west? Houston’s IAH is maybe 70 miles from Galveston, where you can fly just about anywhere. But if your sailing in from the south, you may want to go to Brownsville and fly to IAH. More information is needed.

[RobPatterson]

Are you a citizen of the USA?
I recently used the new CBP ROAM app on my phone when I returned to the US.

[Sailmonkey]

Are you planning on any particular Texas port? The coast is, as mentioned above, very long.

Galveston is easy, followed by a four hour trip up the ship channel to Kemal, then a 45 minute cab ride to IAH. Or depending on destination Hobby is closer.

You can also opt to leave the boat in Galveston and take a longer cab ride.

[KatMarine]

I have a voluntary crew member who is not a US Citizen. So may need to go to CBD and not be able to use ROAM.

If I were to choose Galveston, what are the best Marina's to contact for slip availability? I've got a 40' x 22 beam Catamaran. I don't mind leaving it in the wet for a couple of months. I called a Freeport Marina yesterday and told they don't have slips big enough.

Thanks for the input.

[Sailmonkey]

Originally Posted by KatMarine

I have a voluntary crew member who is not a US Citizen. So may need to go to CBD and not be able to use ROAM.

If I were to choose Galveston, what are the best Marina's to contact for slip availability? I've got a 40' x 22 beam Catamaran. I don't mind leaving it in the wet for a couple of months. I called a Freeport Marina yesterday and told they don't have slips big enough.

Thanks for the input.

If you hit Galveston you’ll tie up to the Galveston yacht basin fuel dock and clear in. Then you can either leave the boat in Galveston most likely @ pelican rest marina in offsets bayou.

Alternatively there’s harborwalk marina in the swamp, near nothing, but is an option.

Further north are a plethora of marinas in Kemah. We’re in watergate, and there seems to be room for a cat on at least two or three of the t heads.

[Triumphant]

Originally Posted by KatMarine

I have a voluntary crew member who is not a US Citizen. So may need to go to CBD and not be able to use ROAM.

You may want to check if the voluntary crew member who is not a US Citizen will need a pre applied visa as an ESTA will not work

[KatMarine]

Good points. My UK volunteer just told me has a ESTA visa that's good through 2020.



Although, my boat is not flagged U.S. It's Marshall Islands. I have Volvo engines that don't meet EPA standards for import so had to flag elsewhere. I'll need a cruising permit. That is another reason for Customs hurdle.



thx for your help.

[Eigenvector]

I called a Freeport Marina yesterday and told they don't have slips big enough.






There are 3 marinas in Freeport/Surfside.

There are 3 of us cats in the Municipal marinina behind the gillotine, and there's room for 2 -3 more.

[Triumphant]

Originally Posted by KatMarine

Good points. My UK volunteer just told me has a ESTA visa that's good through 2020.

.

An ESTA only works if you arrive by an airline or by a cruise ship, arriving by boat the UK volunteer will need a B1/B2 pre applied visa, I am from the UK and have been through this so suggest you sort this out first or you may end up paying for the UK volunteer's flight home

Good Luck

[KatMarine]

Thanks for the heads up on the UK nationals requirement for a B1/B2 visa. Too bad. How long does this take? I can't believe he'd need that just to get off the boat and head straight to the airport to leave the US.

I too was given the Freeport Municipal as a berthing option. I need to get some antifouling work done. Is that an option there or will I have to go elsewhere?

Thank you everyone for your input and help on this. It makes a huge headache much easier to endure.

[KatMarine]

Hi Sailmonkey,

I sent an email to that marina inquiring. I heard nothing in response. I get this lack of response quite a bit. The ones who respond with a yay or nay get my business then or in the future. A response is just professional courtesy for a business. I assume a Marina is a business.

[Triumphant]

Originally Posted by KatMarine

Thanks for the heads up on the UK nationals requirement for a B1/B2 visa. Too bad. How long does this take? .

It depends from Country to Country, I looked into Guatemala City, long wait so we used Belmopan in Belize, applied on line then it took 2 visits about 10 days apart as they hold onto your passport

And do not be surprised if they do not know that you need a visa!!!!