Clearing out of USA in American yacht

[BrendanChandler]

Are there any pecularities about clearing out of USA in an American registered yacht which make it different to clearing out of anywhere else?

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[AndrewB]

There is a thread this week on this on a US forum, <A target="_blank" HREF=http://forum.cruisingworld.com/forums/genlmesg/index.pl?read=371339>HERE</A>, with oddly contradictory opinions. It seems that things have become more formal since 9/11.

There are issues regarding a UK citizen coming and going by yacht. If this is a charter which will return to the US, and you are carrying a return airline ticket from the UK, there is no special problem. You should check out and back in with Immigration (as well as Customs coming in), but at least pre 9/11 this could be done simply by phone (except in Florida), and a visa is not needed. I understand it gets more complicated if you are flying one-way. Unless someone else can help I think you would be advised to contact the US Embassy to check the current requirements.

If it is not a charter obviously you are aware that a yacht owned by a foreign citizen cannot retain US registration.

 

[BrendanChandler]

Thanks for that Andrew. I followed the link and it is all clear as mud.

The new owner apparently has 6 months to reregister the boat.

I probably need to check whether the authorities in Bermuda will want proof of clearance from US on arrival there. Can't remember them being too fussy last time I was there.

Brendan

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[Keith]

if you are clearing into the US by boat you must have a visa, you can clear customs initially by phone on the small boat reporting number and then clear in person you have 24 hrs to clear customs and immigration after the initial phone call, they do not finger print us yachties, obviously not considered a threat !!! when you leave the US you must post your cruising permit back to the office you got it from if you are not returning inside the expiry date on the permit, same goes for the immigration cards.........keith

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