The Essential Documents

As of January 31, requirements for entering the U.S. have been stepped up. Verbal claims of identity or citizenship are no longer sufficient to cross the border. You now need one of the following for every person on board over the age of 19:

A driver’s license or other government-issued photo ID and a birth or naturalization certificate

• Or a passport

• Or a NEXUS card

• Children 18 or under need only a birth certificate or passport.

Basic Registration

When you arrive in Canada, you must dock at an approved marine telephone-reporting site, and call 1-888-226-7277 to register with the Canadian Border Service Agency. Only the master may leave the boat until the registration is complete.

Returning to the U.S., you must report your arrival in person at one of the designated ports of entry: Friday Harbor, Roche Harbor, Port Angeles, Point Roberts or Anacortes.

The CANPASS and I-68 Programs

These programs allow quicker and smoother border crossings by prescreening boaters so they can register by phone when they arrive. The CANPASS expedites arrival in Canada, costs CAN$40 and lasts for five years; the I-68 expedites arrival in the U.S., costs U.S.$16 and lasts for one year. You still need the documents mentioned above.

If you hold a CANPASS card, report your arrival in Canada by calling 1-888-CANPASS up to four hours before arriving. You’ll be given a report number as proof of the conversation. When you arrive at your initial docking site there might be a further customs examination.

If you have an I-68, report your arrival when returning to the U.S. by calling 1-800-562-5943. Note that you must have an I-68 for every person on board over the age of 14 and that children under 14 must be listed on a parent’s form.

The NEXUS Program

The NEXUS card lets you register your arrival in both Canada and the U.S. by telephone and also acts as proof of identity and citizenship. It costs $50 and lasts for 5 years—again you’ll need one for every person on board.

If you have a NEXUS card, call 1-866-99-NEXUS to register your arrival in Canada. The earliest you can register is four hours before arrival, the latest, 30 minutes. As with CANPASS, further examination might be required at your initial docking site. On your return, report your arrival in the U.S. by calling 1-800-562-5943. —Emily Mansfield