Clearing Customs with CBP ROAM App

“Go, fly, roam, travel, voyage, explore, journey, discover, adventure.”

I didn’t take the time to report on the process of our check in when we returned to the U.S. after our visit to the Thousand Islands and Canada. Years ago while we were in Florida we went through the process and interview to acquire our Small Vessel Reporting System numbers. For years this was the quickest process for return to the U.S. from a foreign port, but the U.S. Customs and Border Protection has made it even easier now with their new CBP ROAM (Reporting Offsite Arrival-Mobile) app. As soon as we anchored in U.S. waters and had data on our phones, I reported our return through the app...no need to go ashore and no inspection. If you're docking at a marina, you can either use the app on your phone or check in via one of the CBP computers located at the marina. I believe most phones have been removed and there are now signs telling boaters to use the ROAM app.

The app is free and can be downloaded on iOS or Android. Follow the prompts to set it up your account. You’ll need your login.gov credentials or you can make a new account (a free login.gov account is required). 

Once you’re in the app, input the information for your boat under “Modes of Travel” 

and the info for the people who are traveling with you under “Travelers”. The app can scan a passport or NEXUS card and populate the appropriate fields automatically. You’ll also be required to upload a picture of your travel document. 

The process of putting in our info took a little time, so I suggest you download the app and fill out the info before you leave.

When you’ve crossed the border into the U.S. click on “Report Arrival”...don’t try to report early, the app makes use of your smartphone’s GPS. Select the boat, select the passengers and answer a few questions. You’ll either be approved for entry and notified by email/text/push notification or a CBP officer will request to begin a video chat. Our data was a little spotty when we checked in and I didn't notice till later that they had tried to do a video chat...not a problem, they sent me an email approving our arrival. From reports that I've read, if they do a video chat they can see you, but you can not see them and they may ask to look around your vessel. There’s no guarantee that you’ll be granted entrance solely from the app, they may direct you to a designated Port of Entry for an inspection. The app worked great for us and made our check in process quick and painless.