MHOR Customs Information

U.S. laws and regulations require that ALL private boats arriving from a foreign port or place MUST report to the Bureau of Customs and Border Protection IMMEDIATELY upon their arrival into the United States.
Every person must be seen in person for immigration purposes, except those participating in the I-68 “Canadian Border Boat Landing Program”. (However, holders of form I-68 are still required to report their arrival into the U.S. to the Bureau of Customs and Border Protection.)
Masters and Passengers must provide proof of citizenship or legal immigration status, and be in possession of a valid passport and visa, if required.
Citizens of countries that are participants in the Visa Waiver Program are not eligible to seek admission to the U.S. under that program via private vessel.
Once your boat is anchored or tied, you are considered to have entered the U.S. No one may leave the vessel until Customs and Border Protection grants permission. The only exception to this requirement is to report your arrival to Customs and Border Protection.
Mariners arriving in Maine, New Hampshire, or Massachusetts must report their arrival and provide all required information (see below)* to Customs and Border Protection at HOULTON MAINE (CASC); (207) 532-2131 X 255. This office is OPERATED AND STAFFED TWENTY- FOUR HOURS/SEVEN DAYS A WEEK.

* Review the list of Required Customs Documents.

If boarding and inspection is required, you may be directed to proceed to a site as determined by the Customs Border Protection Officer.
If arriving in the Greater Boston area Officers from the Boston seaport Customs and Border Protection office (617)443-4134 will conduct the inspections.
If arriving in the Gloucester / Marblehead area Officers from the Beverly Customs and Border Protection office (978)921-0782 will conduct the inspections.
Failure to comply with these requirements could result in serious criminal and civil penalties, including seizure of the vessel.

IF YOU ARE ON A CRUISING LICENSE, YOU MUST REPORT YOUR ARRIVAL AT EVERY US PORT – CALL (207)532-2131 EXT 255