A Boater's Guide to Canada & U.S. Customs (NEXUS & CBP ROAM)

Published:  08/11/2025

Our 'Little Bear' in Octopus Islands Marine Park B.C. Canada

Heading out on your boat from the San Juan Islands to the beautiful Gulf Islands of Canada, Desolation Sound, the Broughton Archipelago, The Sunshine Coast, or Inside Passage are favorite destinations for many Pacific Northwest boaters. But before you can drop anchor in a secluded Canadian cove, you'll need to navigate the customs and border crossing process. This essential guide is your resource for a smooth and stress-free journey, providing American boaters with the specific information they need to report to Canadian and U.S. customs when crossing the maritime border.

Whether you're a seasoned boater or planning your first international trip, understanding the correct procedures is crucial. This article breaks down the reporting requirements for NEXUS members, from using Canada's Telephone Reporting Centre (TRC) to using the CBP ROAM app for your return to the U.S.

And, we'll also cover the often-confusing rules on what food items you can and cannot bring, ensuring you're fully prepared for a compliant and enjoyable trip. Let's get you ready for a seamless boating adventure.

Entering Canada from the San Juan Islands (with NEXUS)

Important Note: The information provided here is for general guidance. Always refer to the official websites of the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) and U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) for the most up-to-date and complete regulations. Regulations, especially regarding food, are subject to change.

Entering Canada from the San Juan Islands (with NEXUS)

When arriving in Canada from the U.S. San Juan Islands, follow these procedures using your NEXUS membership:
•    All on Board Must Have NEXUS: This is a critical requirement. If even one person on board does not have a valid NEXUS card, you cannot use the NEXUS marine reporting procedures. You must follow the standard reporting process for non-NEXUS travelers (which typically involves physically presenting yourself and your vessel at a designated marine reporting site and making a phone call from there).
•    Locate a Designated Marine Telephone Reporting Site (DMRS): Even with NEXUS, you generally need to be at or very near a designated marine telephone reporting site. While you can often use your cell phone, the intent is that you are at a location where CBSA officers could meet you if they deem an inspection necessary. Check the CBSA website for an up-to-date list of designated sites. Some sites are NEXUS-only. Website: www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca

Call the NEXUS Telephone Reporting Centre (TRC):  Phone Number: 1-866-996-3987 Call between 30 minutes and 4 hours before your Estimated Time of Arrival (ETA) at the Canadian DMRS.

Information You'll Need to Provide:

• Your NEXUS card number (as the boat master).
• The boat's registration number and/or name.
• The name and location of the designated landing site you are arriving at.
• Your Estimated Time of Arrival (ETA).
• Full names, dates of birth, country of citizenship/permanent residence status for all NEXUS members on board.
• Passport and visa details for any passengers if required. (Yes, it is a good idea to have your passport too).
• Destination, purpose of travel, and length of stay in Canada for each passenger.
• A declaration of all goods being imported, including currency if you're carrying CAN$10,000 or more (or equivalent).

Receive Your Report Number: Once you've provided all the necessary information and the officer is satisfied, you will be given a report number. This is your proof of presentation and clearance. Keep this number handy.

Proceed to Your Destination: If a border official is not present at the DMRS at your reported ETA, and you have received your report number, you may proceed to your intended final destination. However, remember that you are still subject to potential inspection at any time while in Canadian waters.

Key Considerations for Entering Canada:
•    Remaining Onboard: Typically, only the boat master may leave the vessel to make the call from a shoreside phone at a DMRS. All other passengers should remain onboard until clearance is granted.
•    Goods to Declare: Be prepared to declare all goods you are bringing into Canada, including any alcohol, tobacco, firearms, or large amounts of currency. Know the restrictions on food, plants, and animal products.

Exiting Canada and Entering the U.S. (with NEXUS)

When returning to the U.S. from the Canadian Gulf Islands, you'll need to report your arrival to U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP).

All on Board Must Have NEXUS (or other approved programs): Similar to entering Canada, to use the expedited reporting methods for the U.S., all persons on board should ideally be NEXUS members. Other approved programs like Global Entry or I-68 (Canadian Border Boat Landing Permit) may also allow for phone reporting.

Use the CBP ROAM App:

• Download: Download the "CBP ROAM" app on your smartphone or tablet before you depart Canadian waters.
• Create a Trip: Once in U.S. waters, use the app to create a new trip. You will enter information about your vessel, all passengers (including their NEXUS numbers), and declare any goods.
• Video Interview (Possible): CBP officers can access your information through the app and may initiate a video chat to verify information or conduct a visual inspection.
• Clearance: If cleared, you'll receive a clearance number through the app.
• Proceed: Once cleared, you can proceed to your final U.S. destination.

Telephone Reporting (Alternative for NEXUS):   Phone Number: 1-800-562-5943 (Small Boat Reporting Office)
Call after entering U.S. waters.

Information You'll Need to Provide:

• Your NEXUS card number (as the boat master).
• Name, date of birth, and citizenship of all persons on board (including passport number or citizenship identification).
• Name of the boat and vessel registration or documentation number.
• NEXUS BR Number.
• Declaration of any goods.

Clearance: You will receive a clearance number.

Key Considerations for Entering the U.S.:
•    Designated Reporting Location: While NEXUS and ROAM app often eliminate the need to physically go to a staffed CBP office immediately, you are still expected to report your arrival and be available for inspection if directed.
•    Annual Processing Fee: Boats 30 feet or more (U.S. and non-U.S.) will need to pay an annual processing fee when entering or returning to the U.S. NEXUS holders are also required to pay this fee. You can often pay this online or at a customs dock.
•    Food and Beverage Restrictions: Be aware of restrictions on bringing certain food, plants, and animal products into the U.S. It's often safest to consume or discard any Canadian-purchased perishables before re-entering U.S. waters (see Food Restrictions section).

Food Restrictions for Cross-Border Boating: Entering Canada from the U.S. (San Juan Islands to Gulf Islands) from the U.S. (as an American Visitor)

Food Restrictions for Cross-Border Boating: Entering Canada from the U.S. (San Juan Islands to Gulf Islands) from the U.S. (as an American Visitor)

Always declare all food items you have on board. Failure to declare can result in significant fines, confiscation, and even revocation of NEXUS.

For the most precise and up-to-date information, consult the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) website, particularly their "Bringing food into Canada for personal use" section, and the CBSA website.

Canada tends to be slightly more lenient than the U.S. on some categories, but strict on others, especially related to animal and plant diseases.

You have a legal obligation to declare all goods you are bringing into the country. If over the personal exemption, you will be required to pay duties and taxes. If you do not declare thee CBSA officer has the right to seize the goods and htere may be fines. 

Alcohol Entering Canada 
You can bring a certain amount of alcohol into Canada duty-free.This is PER PERSON of legal drinking age, not per boat or per group. 

The specific limits depend on the type of alcohol:
•    Wine: Up to 1.5 litres (approx. two 750 ml bottles).
•    Spirits/Liquor: Up to 1.14 litres (approx. one large standard bottle).
•    Beer/Ale: Up to 8.5 litres (approx. 24 cans or bottles of 355 ml each).

•    Exceeding the Limits: If you bring more than your personal exemption, you must declare it and be prepared to pay duties, taxes, and provincial or territorial levies. The agent at the border has the final say on the exact amount owed.

•   Private Boats: The "bar stock" scenario on a private boat falls under these general personal exemption rules. You can't have a large commercial quantity of liquor. It must be for personal use, and you'll be subject to the same limits as other travelers. 

Generally Allowed (with limits and conditions): This is PER PERSON, not per boat or per group. 
•    Baked Goods: Bread, pastries, cakes, cookies, etc., generally allowed if they do not contain meat.
•    Dairy Products: Up to 20 kg (44 lbs) per person, but quantities in excess of CAN$20 value may be subject to high duty rates. Products from certain countries with disease outbreaks may be restricted.
•    Fish and Seafood: Most species are allowed, except for pufferfish and Chinese mitten crab. Shark fins not attached to a carcass are prohibited.
•    Fresh Fruits and Vegetables: Up to 20 kg (44 lbs) each per person. This includes citrus fruits like oranges, lemons, limes, and grapefruit. Potatoes must be commercially packaged and graded US No. 1.
•    Frozen, Dried, Canned Fruits and Vegetables: Up to 20 kg (44 lbs) or 20 L (if by volume) per person for processed fruits/vegetables.
•    Meat and Poultry Products (fresh, frozen, chilled): Up to 20 kg (44 lbs) per person. Must be retail packaged with identifying marks (e.g., "Product of USA") and proof of country of origin. Homemade meat products, restaurant leftovers, or products directly from a farm are often restricted, especially due to avian influenza outbreaks.
•    Eggs and Processed Egg products: 5 dozen eggs per person. During avian disease outbreaks, eggs must be retail packaged, for human consumption, and clearly labeled "Product of USA." Eggs from backyard flocks are generally not permitted.
•    Spices, Tea, Coffee: Generally permitted up to 20 kg.
•    Honey: Generally permitted up to 20 kg.
•    Maple Syrup and Products: Generally permitted (e.g., 20 L maple syrup, 4 kg maple products).
•    Canned/Commercially Packaged Goods: Many shelf-stable, commercially packaged items are generally allowed.

Often Restricted or Prohibited:
•    Live Baitfish or Leeches (check provincial restrictions, as some provinces like Ontario have specific bans).
•    Homemade Foods with Meat/Poultry (be extremely cautious, as these are often prohibited due to lack of verifiable origin and processing standards).
•    Certain Fresh Fruits and Vegetables (always check for specific restrictions based on origin and current disease outbreaks).
•    Items without clear origin labeling.
•    Large quantities beyond personal use (implying commercial intent).
•    Soil and items with soil.

Food Restrictions for Cross-Border Boating: Entering the U.S. from Canada (Gulf Islands to San Juan Islands)

Food Restrictions for Cross-Border Boating: Entering the U.S. from Canada (Gulf Islands to San Juan Islands)

The U.S. has very strict regulations on agricultural products to protect its ecosystem from pests and diseases. Always err on the side of caution.

9-3-25: No eggs or poultry. Hardboiled eggs ok
Generally Allowed (with conditions):

• Baked Goods: Bread, crackers, etc. Dry baking mixes are usually accepted if in original commercial packaging. Cannot contain meat.
• Butter: Generally allowed.
• Candy: Chocolate and other solid desserts.
• Cheese: Solid cheese (hard or soft) is typically allowed if it does not contain meat. Cheeses in brine are also generally allowed. Keep original packaging to prove origin.
• Condiments: Ketchup, mustard, etc., as long as they do not contain meat.
• Flour: Generally allowed.
• Commercially Canned Fruits and Vegetables: Generally allowed, keep in original packaging.
• Dried Fruits and Vegetables: Some are allowed (e.g., beans, dates, figs, nuts – but not chestnuts or acorns, okra, peas, raisins, Szechwan peppercorns) but must be declared and inspected. Many are prohibited.
• Mushrooms: Allowed if there is no soil on them.
• Noodles and Ramen: Allowed as long as they do not contain animal products.
• Nuts: Allowed if prepared (roasted, boiled). Raw nuts or those with less preparation may have specific rules.
• Oil: Olive and other vegetable oils.
• Spices: Most dried spices allowed, except for leaves and seeds of citrus fruits and seeds of many fruits and vegetables. Lemongrass should only be brought if it's part of a commercially packaged product.
• Tea: Commercially packaged and for personal use generally allowed. Loose leaf herbal teas may be subject to inspection.
• Milk products for infants: A "reasonable amount" for use over a few days is typically permitted.
• Cooked Fruits and Vegetables: Generally allowed.
• Hunter-Harvested Game (from Canada): Specific rules apply, often requiring a hunting license as proof of origin.
• Most Seafood: Not regulated by APHIS unless breaded seafood products contain animal-origin ingredients (milk, eggs).

Often Restricted or Prohibited (and most likely to be confiscated):

• Almost all Fresh Fruits and Vegetables (whole or cut): This is a major one. Most fresh produce is prohibited due to pest and disease risks. This includes fresh fruits or vegetables given to you on your airplane or cruise ship.
• Citrus (Oranges, Lemons, Limes, Grapefruit, etc.): PROHIBITED. This is a very firm "no." Citrus fruits can carry highly contagious diseases. Even U.S.-grown citrus taken into Canada is prohibited from re-entering the U.S.
• Fruits with Pits/Seeds (Peaches, Nectarines, Plums, Cherries, Apples):
• Peaches and Nectarines (and other stone fruits): Generally prohibited when coming from Canada due to pests like the Oriental fruit moth.
• Apples: Generally prohibited from Canada for personal import unless clearly labeled as U.S.-grown and in original packaging, or commercially grown in Canada, in season (May 1-Oct 31 for field-grown), and with clear documentation. Homegrown apples are generally prohibited.
• Cherries: Specific restrictions can apply (e.g., Ontario cherries historically prohibited).
• Almost all Frozen Fruits and Vegetables: Similar to fresh, due to pests surviving cold temperatures.
• Home-canned products: Canning practices vary and may not remove all pest and disease risks.
• Meats and Meat Products: Many fresh, dried, and some canned meats and meat byproducts are prohibited from countries affected by diseases like Foot-and-Mouth Disease (FMD), Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy (BSE), etc. This includes products where meat is an ingredient (e.g., beef broth). Restrictions on poultry meats are also common due to avian influenza.
• Dairy products from countries with FMD.
• Eggs from regions with avian disease outbreaks (check current status).
• Live plants or plant parts for growing (seeds, stems, bulbs).
• Soil.
• Firewood.

For the most precise and up-to-date information, consult the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) website, specifically their "Bringing Agricultural Products Into the United States" and "What food items can I bring into the United States for personal use?" sections, and the USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) website.

General Advice for All Crossings:
•    Declare EVERYTHING: If you're unsure, declare it. It's much better to declare an item and have it confiscated than to not declare it and face significant fines or penalties (up to $1,000 for undeclared prohibited agriculture items) and potentially loss of your NEXUS membership.
•    Keep Original Packaging: This helps prove the origin and commercial nature of the product.
•    Cleanliness: Ensure fruits and vegetables are clean and free of soil or insects.
•    Be Prepared to Discard: If an item is prohibited, you will be required to dispose of it before entering.
•    Check Before You Go: Regulations can change. Always check the official government websites for both Canada (CBSA, CFIA) and the U.S. (CBP, APHIS) just before your trip for the latest updates, especially concerning disease outbreaks.

Always be polite, cooperative, and have all your documentation readily available.

Enjoy your boating in the beautiful San Juans and Gulf Islands!

Join the Crew

Captain Maria Faires Naumann and her husband George

Follow along with us, Captain Maria, and my husband George aboard our 30' Tollycraft, "Little Bear"! We're exploring the stunning San Juan Islands and bringing you along for the adventure.

As a registered dietitian and master personal trainer, I have a private practice in Sammamish, Washington, where I help people create a healthy lifestyle. Now, I'm bringing that same dedication to the water. I combine my deep knowledge of nutrition and fitness with my skills as a captain, creating a unique approach to help you feel strong, vibrant, and fully alive, whether you're at the helm or relaxing on deck.

Follow us for amazing views, boating tips, and a peek into our life on the water. We'll share our favorite anchorages, cruising tips, and the beautiful sights we discover.

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