CANPASS is Going Away

[senormechanico]

We recently got a letter from the Canada Border Services Agency which states:

"As of April 3, 2018 CANPASS Private Boats Program has been discontinued.
Current members program privileges will remain until their membership expires."

We expect to sail to Canada this June. Does this mean we have to have a NEXUS pass by then, or does a passport suffice?

[LakeSuperior]

We use the Remote Area Border Crossing (RABC) program. Maybe it would work for you.

The Remote Area Border Crossing (RABC) program facilitates the border clearance process for individuals wishing to cross the border into Canada in the following remote areas:

• from Pigeon River through to and including Lake of the Woods
• the Canadian shore of Lake Superior
• Cockburn Island
• Sault Ste. Marie (upper lock system)

From: https://www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/prog/can.../menu-eng.html

[senormechanico]

Thanks, but we're coming from the PNW, headed to B.C. so we're not remote enough.
It looks like NEXUS is our choice so far, and maybe the only one.

[Antares]

If your current CANPASS doesn't expire until after your trip it sounds like you should be good to go. If it does expire, passports and a stop at a port of entry will work. I carry my passport regardless.

[Stu Jackson]

Originally Posted by senormechanico

Thanks, but we're coming from the PNW, headed to B.C. so we're not remote enough.
It looks like NEXUS is our choice so far, and maybe the only one.

KISS

I moved to BC from California a year and a half ago. I have been to the San Juan Islands three times so far and have returned to Canada, twice with a USA registration, once after I obtained my Canadian boat license. It was easy to stop in either Sidney or Tsehum Harbor (Van Isle Marina) and check in by phone. You just need the passports of all aboard, and your boat registration.

Be aware that while you can also check in at Bedwell Harbor on South Pender Island, that office doesn't open until later in the spring.

It is NOT hard to do, and most likely not worth getting anything else that costs $$. My US friends who visit don't bother. My Canadian friends who boat here don't bother.

Read more here:

Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) - Home

[wrwakefield]

Originally Posted by senormechanico

Thanks, but we're coming from the PNW, headed to B.C. so we're not remote enough.
It looks like NEXUS is our choice so far, and maybe the only one.

SeñorM,

As you know, you can get by with your US Passport [or Passport Card- different from NEXUS card] going to and from Canada. [We get both passport card and passport for back-up and convenience.]

We got our NEXUS cards several years ago and they seem to work well for us on water, land crossings, and flying. [We typically experience far less border crossing bureauracry at both borders.] We will continue to renew our cards as long as we can 'feel' the benefits...

If you decide to go for NEXUS [and confirm that this is still the case] consider scheduling your 'interview' at an international airport in Canada [e.g., Vancouver]. The reason is those were the only venues where we could also have our retinas scanned as part of the application process [along with finger and palm prints...] Why? Retina scans open up NEXUS use for air travel in Canada [and possibly more countries in the future...] Many hours in line have been avoided thus far...

You apply for/renew NEXUS online, and it is fairly painless. The only hassle was they were booked 60-90 days in advance [at least in mid 2014] when we were trying to schedule our interviews. That can impact cruising plans...

A NEXUS card is also as good as a passport in countries honoring NEXUS. [e.g., Canada, USA, Mexico, others?] Therefore it is like a back-up passport in those countries.

One caveat you may already aware of is you can only use NEXUS check-in if everyone on board [boat or automobile] has a valid NEXUS card...

In case this is helpful.

Cheers! Bill

PS: NEXUS does not exempt vessels over 30 ft. [from memory] from needing a US DTOPS sticker on the vessel for re-entry into the US. If you don't have one they will just charge you for one when you cross back into the US. [US$28/yr- also from memory]

[bcboomer]

We got our Nexus cards from downtown Vancouver, BC and they had the retina scanner and fingerprint stuff there. More convenient if you are coming by boat than the airport.

[senormechanico]

Thanks to everyone for the details.
I finally realized our CANPASS membership doesn't expire until June 30 of 2019, so we're good for this year.

[naitaka322]

A Passport is fine . Nexus makes it easier going to US.

[01kiwijohn]

I don't know where you intend to arrive, in Canada, but I almost always check in at Tsehum Harbor, just Nth of Sidney. Pull up to the little customs booth, at the Van Isle fuel dock and, usually done in 5 mins.
If you are a US Citizen, you can use the Small Vessel Reporting System. Then you just file a float plan, on line, and I've been able to check in while under way, by phone. Best parts is, the price is very reasonable. (Of Scottish stock, I don't part with my dough easily).

[senormechanico]

I called CBP the other day and asked about SVRS.
They said it was going away as well.
We usually check in at Bedwell around the end of June.