GRAND MARAIS, Minn. – U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Office of Field Operations (OFO) will be issuing I-68 permits from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. on May 9 and May 10 at the Grand Marais Border Patrol Station. Permits will also be issued at the same location from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on May 16 and May 17. 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 for inspection, in person, to a CBP officer at a port-of-entry each time they enter the United States.
After an initial inspection, the Form I-68 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, a check of 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. The fees for both individuals ($16) and families ($32) will remain the same as last year.
Each applicant who is 14 years of age or older must appear in person for inspection. The names and dates of birth of children younger than 14 years of age must be listed on one or both of their parents’ Form I-68. If approved, one of the three copies of the form will be issued to each applicant 14 years of age or older. Each of the three copies of the Form I-68 will bear the photograph and fingerprint of the applicant for identification purposes.
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 Border Patrol Station is located at East Highway 61, Grand Marais, Minnesota 55604.