Clearing Canadian and US Customs
Needed Documentation
There are a few acceptable forms of documentation when crossing land or marine borders: U.S. Passport; Passport Card; Enhanced Driver’s License; Trusted Traveler Program card.
You must clear Canadian customs at Bedwell Harbor (May-September), Sidney, Victoria, Nanaimo, White Rock or Vancouver before anchoring, landing any vessel, or touching a dock (other than the customs dock), a mooring buoy or another boat.
Everyone aboard must have the proper documentation with an adequate period of validity to clear customs.
No more than 1.5 liter of wine, or 1.14 liter spirits, or 24 cans of beer per adult. No more than 200 cigarettes, 50 cigars, or 2 kilograms of tobacco per adult. For further information call 250-363-3618.
Canadian Customs will not allow apples, blueberries, quince, peaches, nectarines, plums, cherries (or bring the cores/pits in a plastic bag), potatoes, corn on the cob, firewood, uncooked poultry, avian by-products (eggs),
Helpful Tips for Entering Canada
Helpful Tips for Entering The United States
Less than 48 hours: Each person may bring articles valued up to $200 US duty free. (Family members may not combine).
More than 48 hours: Each person may bring articles valued up to $800, including 1 liter alcoholic beverages, 200 cigarettes and 100 cigars.
US Customs will not allow some product from Canada including lamb, goat, whole tomatoes and peppers, allium vegetables, citrus, out of season fruits or fruits and vegetables of unclear origin. Information on current restrictions can be found here.
You must clear US Customs via the CBP Roam App or at Roche Harbor, Friday Harbor, Point Roberts or Port Angeles before anchoring, landing any vessel, or touching a dock (other than the customs dock), a mooring buoy or another boat.
Everyone aboard must have the proper documentation to enter the United States. If you are not a US Resident, you must have adequate period of validity to clear customs.
Children have additional documentations options.
Entering Canada Procedures
On August 9, 2021 the US/Canada border opened to fully vaccinated US residents (2 weeks after their 2nd dose of the Pfizer- BioNTech or Moderna COVID-19 vaccine, or 2 weeks after the single-dose Johnson & Johnson’s Janssen COVID- 19 vaccine). All traveler information must be entered in to the ArriveCan App in advance of arrival.
Before arrival, Kyler will collect your entry documents (including boat registration) and record the names, citizenship, birth date, and document # of all passengers. If traveling with children, you will need written permission from each parent not present.
Upon arrival at the customs dock, crew may help secure the boat but must immediately re-board the boat. Only Kyler may leave the boat until we have cleared customs – All other passengers must remain onboard until cleared.
Kyler will record the Canadian clearance number. We will use this number for entering US customs.
Entering The United States Procedures
There are two ways to clear US customs: Via CBP Roam App or a US Customs office (If everyone aboard has Nexus call 800-562-5943.)
Via the CBP Roam App
Once in US waters, initiate a call with US Customs.
Each passenger aboard must be present and ready to appear on camera and answer any questions.
If approved to enter the US, we can sail directly to our destination.
If denied, we must report to a US Customs office (see below)
Via a US Customs Office
Before arrival, Kyler will collect your entry documents, Boat registration, Canadian Customs clearance.
Upon arrival at the US customs dock, crew may help secure the boat but must immediately re-board the boat. Only Kyler may leave the boat until we have cleared customs – All other passengers must remain onboard until cleared.
US Customs will provide Kyler the US "release number".
Normal hours are 8AM to 5PM, Monday - Saturday. If the office is closed when you arrive, call 1-800-562-5943. Call from the customs dock, not from the boat while out on the water.
Helpful Numbers
Canadian Customs Offices
Bedwell Harbor (S. Pender Island) – Unknown if open in 2022. In normal years open seasonally: 9am - 8 pm May through August and 9am - 5pm in September. 250-629-3363 or toll free at 1-888-226-7277.
Victoria and Sydney - 24 hours, year-round. 1-888-226-7277 or 250-363-3339 (Victoria) 250-363-6644 (Sidney)
White Rock - 24 hrs, 604-531-7581 or 1-888-226-7277.
Nanaimo - 24 hrs, 250-754-0341 or 1-888-226-7277.
Us Customs Offices
Friday Harbor or Roche Harbor – (360) 378-2080 (customs dock normally manned, call 800-562-5943 after hours)
Point Roberts - (360) 945-2314 (customs dock normally manned, call 800-562-5943 after hours)
Port Angeles - (360) 457-4311 (Call for appointment. Clearance available until 6:30 pm year-round and until 9
pm during the summer.)
