US Customs ROAM App

[Midnightsun]

This application is for Canadians and I assume returning Americans who need to report their arrival into the States entering by boat or plane.

Had guests on board the last few days and wanted to go to the US side. We could not use our Nexus as the guests had none and the reporting center was out of the way so I asked about alternatives and I stumbled across the best thing since sliced bread! Definitely 2 thumbs up

The application is for your smart phone or tablet which is called ROAM. This is not available everywhere so you need to check if this works in your location. I have a feeling the west coast is out of luck because everything over there when it comes to US customs seem to be rather complicated. That being said this was implemented only a few months ago for the St Lawrence/Great Lakes region and works very well here. https://www.cbp.gov/travel/pleasure-boa ... rview/roam

Once all the required the info is added to your account and you are set up, checking into the US is a breeze and literally in a couple of minutes you can send your request. Open the app, select or add the passengers and your boat, answer a few questions and voila, you are either accepted or they will appear on your phone for a video chat.

The weird thing is there is no date of entry or return and no specific location, only what state you are requesting entry into. In a nutshell I can say both my wife and I aboard Midnight Sun will be going to NY state and submit the application even though it may be next week. A few minutes later I get the approval or the initiate a video conference and all is done. You will receive an email stating you are admitted to the states so you do have proof of acceptance if you were ever approached by customs and immigrations while on the water. So simple and so effective you really do not need Nexus for boat crossing however I still recommend you have a Nexus card.

We happened to also pop into Alexandria Bay NY where I noticed the video phone facility was no longer there. The sign instructed boaters to use the ROAM app which I assume is going to replace video stations.

[RGrew176]

Sounds like a neat app for our northern friends to use when coming here. Thanks for sharing with the rest of us.