US/Canada Customs and Immigration

 

Disclaimer: No guarantee is made as to the totality or accuracy of the information offered here. Check with respective authorities to confirm information in greater detail.

 

From US to Canada:

·        Captain of the boats calls 1-888-226-7277 from the designated phone at any port of entry which includes virtually every marina and harbor

·        Captain needs the following information –

o       Full names and birthdates of all on board

o       Registration (state or federal) number of boat

o       Amount of alcohol on board

·        Captain will receive clearance number which must be posted in window of boat and should be recorded with date in ship’s log

·        No other passengers should leave boat until clearance procedure is complete

 

From Canada to US:

·        With an I-68

o       Call customs at 888-523-2628

o       Have the boat registration number and names of all on board available

o       Have a list of items purchased in Canada

o       You will be given a clearance number which should be recorded in ship’s log

·        Without an I-68

o       Call customs at 888-523-2628

o       Have the boat registration number and names of all on board available

o       Have a list of items purchased in Canada

o       You will be given a clearance number which should be recorded in your ship’s log.

o       Everyone on board without an I-68 will need to use the video phone located either at the Dockmaster’s building at Put-in-Bay or Cedar Point Marina (at the far end of the building on the gas dock).

o       Both the City Marina at Put-in-Bay and Cedar Point Marina will allow you to tie up temporarily for free.

o       Each individual will need proof of citizenship and a picture ID.

o       Call the number listed on the phone and follow the oral instructions.

o       The video phone at Put-in-Bay is often not working.  If you run into this problem, make a notation in your log with date and time that the call was attempted.  You will have fulfilled your requirements.

 

Additional Information

·        Customs and Boarder Protection Offices

o       Downtown Sandusky

§        Jim Ray, Head Officer

§        419-627-2898

§        Winter Hours M – F 8-5, Summer M – Sat 8-5

o       Sandusky Airport         

§        419-625-0022     

§        Winter Hours M- Sat  8-5, Summer  M- Sun 8-5

·        All boats over 30 ft. need annual Customs sticker ($25) available at the above offices or online

·        Getting an I-68

o       Call ahead to the office you intend to visit to be sure it is staffed

o       Cost $16/person, $32/family

o       Family consists of a husband and wife, all unmarried children under 21, and the parents of the husband and wife.  All family members must be present at the time of application

o       Each applicant must have the following:

§        3 – 1 ˝ x1 ˝ inch passport photos. These can be done with digital cameras and home printers

§        ID and proof of citizenship

·        A current or old passport

·        Picture ID and birth certificate

§        Payment in check, cash, money order, or credit card (only at airport)

·        Passports will be required for all boarder crossings as of Jan. 1, 2008 (current proposal, can change)

·        Nexus cards now available for Lake Erie crossings. Call  1-866-nexus26 for complete information and application.

o       Functions as basically a combined I-68 and Canpass

o       Good for five years                          

o       One per person

o       Requires a scheduled interview in either Detroit or Buffalo

 

 

 

Information as of 3/1/06