Passports to enter the U.S.A. by Boat this Summer
In June 2009, everyone will need a passport* to enter the U.S. by land or boat. If you are getting one for the first time, apply well before June. (Currently, Canadians flying into the U.S. must have a passport, but you may enter by car or boat with a birth certificate plus a government-issued photo ID.)The new United States Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano is calling for a review of the U.S.-Canada border situation, pressured by some members of U.S. Congress and Homeland Security experts who are requesting greater security at the border. (Canada has not changed any requirements to enter Canada from the States.) U.S. Customs & Border Protection (CBP)
*Also accepted in addition to a passport: NEXUS card, FAST Free and Secure Trade card, or enhanced drivers licence (in provinces where available).
Labels: passports, U.S. border
posted by Pat Drummond @ 2/01/2009
2 Comments:
Will we need a passport just to be in US waters?
I hope that the requirement is only when landing otherwise I will have to carry a passport every time I go sailing.
I'd ask U.S. Homeland Security as rules change often. The rules "used" to be you needed to formally enter as soon as you docked or dropped your anchor in U.S. waters. Any boater should carry a passport in case a breakdown, accident or weather forces you ashore. I realize a passport is expensive but it wouldn't be much fun dealing with U.S. border control if they are having a bad day.
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