Customs Information

Documentation needed for yourself and your crew:

As of 2009 every person onboard (adults and children) will need a passport to travel by air between the USA and Canada. There are currently (June 1, 2009) a few other acceptable forms of documentation for travel by land or sea. Click here for information on current list of Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative accepted documentation.

RESTRICTIONS FOR TRAVELING TO CANADA

1. The Canadian government has restrictions on Canadian citizens chartering boats in the U.S. to cruise to Canadian waters. If you and your entire crew are Canadian citizens you will need to restrict your cruising to U.S. waters. If you are transiting through Canadian waters to Alaska, this restriction does not apply.

2. Anyone with a criminal record (including a drunk driving conviction) may be excluded from Canada. A waiver of exclusion may be issued but several weeks are required and a processing fee must be paid. Visit http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/information/applications/guides/5312E3.asp for more information on this process.

Customs procedures on both sides are very courteous, civilized, and simple. These few steps will help keep it that way.

Cardinal Rule: Touch land at customs dock before any other stops. The crew may help you secure the boat at the customs dock, but should get back on board while the skipper clears customs.

Documentation: Everyone aboard, including children, will need a passport to clear customs. In some cases other documentation may be acceptable. Visit http://www.getyouhome.gov/html/lang_eng/index.html for other accepted forms of documentation that may apply to you.

· Common things to avoid: *apples, blueberries, quince, peaches, nectarines, plums, cherries (or bring them the cores/pits in a plastic bag), potatoes, corn on the cob, firewood

*per adult: more than 1.5 liter of wine, or 1.14 liter spirits, or 24 cans of beer per adult. More than 200 cigarettes, 50 cigars, or 2 kilograms of tobacco. (Further information 250-363-3618)

1. Write down the documentation/registration number from the ship's papers, and the names, citizenship, birth date, and passport numbers of all passengers on your customs worksheet (provided at the Safety & Navigation Briefing). Bring that and your charter agreement to the office or dock phone. Leave the ship's papers on board. You will need written permission for all children whose parents are not aboard. Only the skipper may leave the boat until after you have cleared customs – ALL OTHER PASSENGERS MUST REMAIN ONBOARD UNTIL CLEARED.

2. Log the Canadian clearance number onto the last sheet in your Guest Notebook. You will use it for reporting to US customs, and, if you give the sheet to us when you return, for a sales tax rebate for complete days in Canadian waters.

· Clear Customs at Roche Harbor, Friday Harbor, or Bellingham, or 9-5 with pin, 800-562-5943

· Each person may bring articles valued up to $200 US duty free. (Family members may not combine exemptions.) US will disallow some product from Canada including eggs, beef and chicken, citrus.

· Bring the number from the Customs User Fee sticker (on sailboats: attached to the aft side of the binnacle, just below the wheel; on powerboats: posted near the boarding gate or door. That number tells Customs that we have already paid the $25 entry fee for you.

· Log the US "release number" on your notebook Customs sheet for your protection.

· Normal hours are 8:00am to 5:00pm, Monday - Saturday. If the office is closed when you arrive, call 1-800-562-5943. Call from the customs dock, not from the boat or cellular out on the water.

Each person may bring articles valued up to $400, including (if at least 21 years of age) 1 liter alcoholic beverages, 200 cigarettes and 100 cigars. (Family members may combine their exemptions.)

Duty is based on the amount exceeding the $400 exemption. US will disallow some product from Canada including eggs, beef and chicken, citrus.

CANADIAN CUSTOMS OFFICES

· Bedwell Harbor (S. Pender Island) 5/1 - 8/30 9am - 8 pm; 9/1-30, 9am - 5pm.

On standby: 8pm-midnight. From midnight-8am there is a $56.00 fee. Number: (250) 629-3363 or toll free at 1-888-226-7277.

· Victoria and Sydney manned 24 hours, all year. Toll free at 1-888-226-7277.

· White Rock - (nearer Blaine than Pt. Roberts) 24 hrs, (604)531-7581 or 1-888-226-7277.

· CanPass – Six to eight weeks processing, $25 fee, immediate family only. Toll free: 1-888-226-7277.

UNITED STATES CUSTOMS OFFICES

· Bellingham – (360) 734-5463 during duty hours (no customs dock) or 800-562-5943

· Friday Harbor – (360) 378-2080 (customs dock normally manned, call 800 number after hours)