Customs
U.S. Customs
User Fees for International Arrivals to the United States
When arriving into the United States from a foreign location, commercial operators are subject to several federal inspection fees, including a customs user fee, an immigration user fee, and an Animal and Plant Health inspection Service (APHIS) use fee. Learn more here.
Customs Preclearance
The U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Private Aircraft Preclearance program allows the U.S. Department of Homeland Security to screen travelers before takeoff through essentially the same process a traveler would undergo upon arrival at a U.S. port of entry. Learn more here.
Customs Bond Information
A Customs bond, officially known as an "International Carrier Bond," is a financial backing and guarantee that insures the performance of an obligation or obligations imposed by law or regulation. All FAR Part 135 charter operators who fly internationally are required by Customs to be bonded. Learn more here.
U.S. Customs and Border Protection Visa Waiver Program (VWP) Information
With some exceptions, anyone who is not either a U.S. citizen or a U.S. resident alien must present a valid passport and a valid U.S. visa upon entering the United States. The Visa Waiver Program enables nationals from designated countries to apply for admission to the United States without first obtaining a nonimmigrant visa. Learn more here.
News
Although there are not a large number of business aircraft operators affected, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) are reminding US-bound passengers, traveling from Visa Waiver Program (VWP) countries, on aircraft approved for the VWP, of the requirement to use the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA).According to the CBP “Beginning January 20, CBP will initiate a 60-day transition to enforced ESTA compliance for air carriers [operators]…” VWP travelers are required to complete an on-line application, which can be found on the CBP web site.
U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) announced last week that agents are now available to conduct aircraft inspections at Valley International Airport (HRL) in Harlingen, TX. For a fee, CBP agents will perform the required inspections for Part 91 and 135 aircraft returning to or arriving in the U.S. from across the southern border. The CBP requires that operators provide at least one hour's notice prior to crossing the U.S. border. The CBP Guide for Private Flyers will be updated to reflect this change. Review the announcement.
The San Antonio International Airport (SAT) has been officially designated by Customs and Border Protection (CBP) as an airport where Part 91 and 135 aircraft arriving in the United States from the south (south of 30° on the east coast and 33° on the west coast) must land for Customs processing. CBP regulations require that aircraft arriving from these locations provide at least a one-hour notice prior to crossing the U.S. coastline or border and land at a designated airport nearest to the border crossing point.
On December 30, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) implemented a program to scan all internationally arriving general aviation (GA) aircraft for illicit radiological/nuclear materials. Operators will be asked to shut down the aircraft engines, auxiliary power unit and certain electronic systems. At the discretion of the CBP officer, passengers and crew may be required to disembark the aircraft prior to screening. During the five to 15-minute procedure, the CBP officer will scan both the exterior and interior of the aircraft using the RIID. Learn More.
Frequently Used Forms
- Customs Form 442
- Application for Southern border overflight
- Customs Form 262
- Request for Printed Material, which can be used to order Customs Declaration forms as well as other print publications and forms from U.S. Customs and Border Protection
Canadian Customs
- Advice On Clearing Canadian Customs
- Updated September 23, 2002
Several NBAA Members recently have reported minor problems in clearing Canadian Customs when they declared that they were carrying flareguns on board in response to the question, "Do you have any firearms onboard?" NBAA recommends that Members answer this question by stating: "There is a 'pyrotechnic signaling device' in the life-raft survival kit in accordance with Canadian, U.S. and international regulations." For more information, refer to U.S. FAR Part 91.509 - Survival equipment for overwater operations. - Canadian Deportation Warning
- August 21, 2002
In recent months, NBAA has received reports of U.S. citizens being deported from Canada by the Citizenship and Immigration Canada inspectors when the U.S. citizens have accurately responded on immigration questionnaires that they had been convicted of a felony, usually involving driving under the influence of alcohol (DUI). Deportation under these circumstances is consistent with Canadian law, however there are processes available to allow such persons to be legally admitted to Canada. - CANPASS-Corporate Aircraft Program
- Information from Revenue Canada's official Web site.
