Navigating the world of customs
With the joy and freedom of operating your own aircraft internationally come the pressure and confusion of dealing with customs both in the United States and abroad. Although the process can often seem daunting, comprehensive information is available to guide you through the storm.
The first question when dealing with customs often is: "Do I even have to pay them a visit?" Take a flight from the mainland of the Lower 48 to Alaska. If the aircraft can make it nonstop, there is no requirement to visit customs. However, if you have to make a fuel stop in Canada, you are required to visit customs both at the Canadian fuel stop and upon re-entering the states in Alaska.
The most important thing to remember with U.S. Customs, Canadian customs, and customs of many other parts of the world is that advance notification is required before stopping. For both the United States and Canada, this means you must call the airport of entry where you are planning to stop and alert officials to your arrival. Typically, advance notification of anywhere from an hour to two is required. Previously, simply putting ADCUS (advise customs) in the remarks section of your flight plan was sufficient. However, AOPA has heard from a number of members who were fined for not notifying customs when they used this method.
Another confusing aspect of customs requirements is the question of overflight. Some countries allow you to overfly airports of entry en route to another preferred airport of entry. To make matters more confusing, U.S. policy varies on this matter depending on where the trip originates. When arriving into the states from Canada, you can fly to any airport of entry in the country. However, when arriving from Mexico or the Caribbean (specifically south of 33 degrees north latitude), you must land at the airport closest to the border on your route of flight.
Remember that customs is there to act as the local sheriff, not the welcome wagon. The inspectors are professional and courteous, but they exist to keep our borders safe. Fines start at $5,000 per infraction, so learning the proper procedures is extremely important.
Read AOPA's information on customs, found online. You'll find information on customs procedures, including forms, phone numbers, and a list of airports of entry. Contact AOPA's Pilot Information Center for all your international flying needs. The specialists on staff regularly make trips abroad to keep abreast of the latest procedures. You can reach them during normal business hours at 800/USA-AOPA (872-2672).
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Contact information:
Phone: 800/USA-AOPA (872-2672), 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. ET Monday through Friday
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