A few years ago we were coming back into the States (as Canadians tend to refer to the US) after cruising the Canadian Gulf Islands. While we had NEXUS passes which would enable us to clear US customs and immigration with a simple cellphone call while still underway, our traveling companions did not, so we pulled into the Customs dock at Friday Harbor to check in.
"What's your citizenship?", asked the Customs official who greeted us dockside.
"I have duel Canadian - US citizenship," I replied.
"No you don't. You can't be both. What are you?"
"Well, then I guess I'm a US citizen" (thinking this would be the wisest claim to make).
"Your not a Canadian, then?"
"Guess not."
Just then my wife handed down my NEXUS card which read Citizenship: Canadian.
"You're not a US citizen. You're a Canadian citizen! Why didn't you say so earlier?"
"Okay," I replied, sensing the emerging of a Laurel and Hardy skit. One had to take this fellow seriously.
So we dutifully checked in, got moorage, and mused the encounter over a cool glass of wine.
Okay. By now most everyone knows that you need a passport or passport card or en enhanced state driver's license to re-enter the US from Canada. A form I-68 or NEXUS also work. (See my November 14th post.)
But did you know that your vessel also needs "permission" to re-enter the US?
If your boat is 30 feet in length or more you'll need to pay an annual processing fee of $27.50 at the time of your first re-entry that year - - the fee is good for the whole calendar-year. With this payment, which requires a credit card, you get a non-transferable decal mailed to your address of record.
Rather than pay this fee at the time of re-entry, I've always found it more convenient to purchase the decal on-line early in the year.
This past September saw a change in how this is done, and by whom. The new system is now operated by the US Customs and Border Protection, rather than a third party as before. This change also means that your current User ID (assuming that you've bought a decal before) will not work with this new system.
The CBP regulations seem to be constantly changing or evolving. It's always wise to check out the latest and not assume that what you knew to be correct last time is still correct. Being a government agency CBP tends to be complex, but they seem to really be trying to be user friendly. This new procurement process is a good step.
But don't grate the folk when checking in at the Customs dock.
2 comments:
Boy, for those of us who love boating (even those of us who are currently landlocked), this is great! What a fun, informative blog; and well-written, too. :) Thanks for doing this, and for doing it so well.
Thanks, Rod. Obviously it is fun doing this, and glad that it is not only informative, but also teases the hopes and dreams and loves of landlocked readers.
Mike
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