United States

Scope

Small private pleasure boats arriving in the United States from a foreign port or place must report to CBP. Reporting does not mean that everyone aboard has been authorized to enter.

Official reference (the specific rules in this section have not been individually checked online): Pleasure Boats — Reporting requirements upon arrival in the Unit

U.S. Customs and Border Protection requires small pleasure boats arriving from abroad to report immediately to CBP. People must apply for admission to a CBP officer at an open U.S. port of entry. This federal border requirement does not mean every port has an in-person facility that can process yachts.

Pre-arrival reporting

Under 19 CFR 4.2 / 19 USC 1433, the operator of a private pleasure boat arriving from a foreign port/place must report to CBP immediately upon arrival. Depending on the arrival area, use an approved reporting channel (such as CBP ROAM, where supported locally) or contact the designated CBP facility directly. Reporting does not authorize crew to enter.

Official source: CBP 2026 private-vessel rules

Reporting and admission of people are separate processes: CBP requires people to apply for admission to a CBP officer at an open U.S. port of entry. Each person aboard must meet their individual visa, sea-arrival and any in-person inspection requirements. An aviation ESTA or a marina’s permission to berth does not establish permission to land.

Official source: CBP arrival and admission of people

Small pleasure boats arriving in the United States from a foreign port must report to CBP immediately and follow instructions for vessel/people entry procedures. Some vessels may also be subject to advance-notice rules of the U.S. Coast Guard; pleasure boats have exceptions, so check based on vessel type and tonnage.

People entering the United States must declare all food, plants, agricultural goods and wildlife-related items to CBP; USDA/CBP will determine whether they may be brought in. This applies to items carried by people and is not a complete quarantine procedure for yacht stores. Ask CBP Agriculture at the entry port how food, pets and plants kept aboard or taken ashore are handled.

CBP lists firearms, some fruit and vegetables, animal products and certain animals as potentially restricted. Arriving people must declare relevant food, plants, seeds, animals and wildlife products and follow permit rules of other authorities. These are general U.S. entry rules; confirm before arrival with CBP/relevant authorities whether firearms, medicines and onboard stores may be brought in, must be sealed or declared.

Arrival procedures

The master must contact the nearest CBP facility and proceed to the designated reporting location as instructed.

Official reference (the specific rules in this section have not been individually checked online): Pleasure Boats — Reporting requirements upon arrival in the Unit

Fees and departure

Confirm whether an annual CBP vessel-use fee, related port charge or inspection fee applies based on flag, route and local process. U.S.-flagged yachts used privately and non-commercially in the United States are generally exempt from formal outward clearance under 19 CFR 4.60(b)(1), if conditions are met; do not apply this exemption to foreign-flagged vessels or commercial voyages. On returning from abroad, report to CBP immediately.

Official sources: CBP 2026 departure guidance · Arrival reporting