U.S. Customs and Border Protection wants international boaters to remember and follow reporting requirements when they’re in the Great Lakes region.
People who arrive to the U.S. from a foreign port or place in a small pleasure vessel, any vessel which has visited a hovering vessel, or received merchandise outside the territorial sea, are required to report their arrival to CBP when they land in the U.S., according to the CBP.
CBP is encouraging boats to use CBP ROAM to report offsite arrival. CBP ROAM is a free mobile app that lets boaters report their U.S. entry to CBP via their smart phone.
CBP ROAM qualifies as an Alternative Inspection System that meets the boat operator’s legal requirement to report for face-to-face inspection, though there are some exceptions.
- Travelers who require an I-94.
- Travelers who must pay duties on imported goods; and
- Other circumstances as applicable.
Reporting can also be made to the CBP office nearest where you entered the country. More information about reporting requirements can be found online at cbp.gov