U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Office of Field Operations (OFO) will be issuing I-68 permits from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. on May 23 and May 30 at the Grand Marais Coast Guard/Border Patrol Station. The Form I-68 allows certain applicants entering the United States by small boat to telephonically report their arrival to CBP.
There is no requirement that boaters obtain Form I-68. However, boaters who choose not to obtain Form I-68 must report, in person, for inspection by a CBP officer at a port of entry each time they enter the United States.
The Form I-68, after an initial inspection, permits a boater to report their arrival into the United States telephonically without having to appear at a port of entry for an in-person inspection. The initial inspection involves an interview, checking the individual in the Interagency Border Inspection System (IBIS) and possibly other law enforcement databases, completion of the form I-68, and payment of the fee.
Each applicant who is 14 years of age or older must appear in person for inspection. The names and dates of birth of children less than 14 years of age must be listed on one or both of their parents’ Form I-68. If approved, page 1 of the three-part Form I-68 will be issued to each applicant age 14 years of age and older. Each of the three pages of the Form I-68 will bear the photograph and fingerprint of the applicant for identification purposes. The fees for both individuals and families will remain the same as last year.
Travelers are encouraged to visit www.cbp.gov for more information on the Canadian Border Boat Landing (I-68) Program and other available CBP Trusted Traveler Programs. The Grand Marais, U.S. Coast Guard /Office of Border Patrol Station is located at 315 S. Broadway, Grand Marais.
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