US and Canadian border requirements continually undergo changes. As a traveler, it is your responsibility to keep up with these requirements.
If your boat is 30 feet or longer, you are required to have a valid Decal Transponder Online Procurement System (DTOPS) decal to clear customs into U.S. waters.
For the most current information please visit:
Canadian Border Services website (http://www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca)
US Customs and Border Patrol website (http://www.cbp.gov/).
***Download the US Customs CBP ROAM app from the Apple App Store or the Google Play Store.***
Crossing the Border & Customs on Lake Memphremagog: Lake Memphremagog’s status as an international body of water means special rules apply for crossing the U.S.-Canada border by boat. Similar to Great Lakes navigation, boaters may freely traverse the border without clearing customs, but specific activities trigger customs requirements.
When is Customs Clearance Required? A vessel is considered to have “entered” another country under the following conditions:
Example:
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GET THE CBP ROAM APP! If you have a smart phone checking in when arriving back in the States — whether by boat or snowmobile — just got easier! You do NOT need to use the Newport City Dock kiosk if you have a profile set up on the app and have cell coverage as you cross the borderline.
***Download the CBP ROAM app from the Apple App Store or the Google Play Store.***
***Download the CBP ROAM app from the Apple App Store or the Google Play Store.***
Frequently Asked Questions:
1. Do I need to clear customs when crossing the border on Lake Memphremagog?
Not always. Boaters can navigate across the U.S.-Canada border without clearing customs, provided they:
2. What activities require customs clearance?
You must clear customs if you:
3. Can I fish across the border?
Yes, both Vermont and Quebec have identical fishing regulations for Lake Memphremagog.
4. Can I swim off my boat across the border without clearance?
Yes, as long as you return directly to your boat and as long as no customs-triggering activities occur.
5. How do I clear U.S. Customs on Lake Memphremagog?
There are two primary ways to clear U.S. Customs:
CBP ROAM Mobile App (Strongly Recommended)
Reporting Site: Newport City Dock
Call US Customs if you are experiencing technical difficulties
If your boat is 30+ feet in length you must have a Decal Transponder Online Procurement System (DTOPS) to clear customs into US waters
For additional information, please visit the CBP DTOPS website.
6. How do I clear Canadian Customs?
To enter Canada, boaters must report to one of two designated marine reporting sites and call the CBSA Telephone Reporting Centre (TRC).
Reporting Site: Highwater - Leadville Pier (Western Shore)
Reporting Site: Cedarville Pier (Eastern Shore)
7. Can I clear Canadian Customs without docking?
Sometimes. While the CBSA specifically requires docking at a reporting site, travelers have reported receiving entry approval by calling the TRC while underway. However, this may depend on the agent and circumstances.
8. What should I do if weather conditions make docking unsafe?
In rough weather, CBSA agents may allow you to anchor near the reporting site instead of docking. Be sure to explain the conditions when calling the TRC.
9. What documents should I prepare before crossing the border?
10. What happens if I fail to clear customs?
Failing to clear customs after triggering entry requirements can result in penalties, fines, or vessel confiscation. Always ensure compliance to avoid legal issues.
11. Do I need a DTOPS decal for my recreational boat?
For more information, contact the appropriate customs agency.
1. Do I need to clear customs when crossing the border on Lake Memphremagog?
Not always. Boaters can navigate across the U.S.-Canada border without clearing customs, provided they:
- Do not touch land.
- Do not exchange goods or passengers with the opposite country.
- Do not raft alongside a vessel with customs clearance from the other country.
2. What activities require customs clearance?
You must clear customs if you:
- Dock, anchor, or touch land in the opposite country.
- Transfer goods or passengers to or from another vessel or the shore.
- Raft alongside a vessel with clearance from the opposite country.
3. Can I fish across the border?
Yes, both Vermont and Quebec have identical fishing regulations for Lake Memphremagog.
4. Can I swim off my boat across the border without clearance?
Yes, as long as you return directly to your boat and as long as no customs-triggering activities occur.
5. How do I clear U.S. Customs on Lake Memphremagog?
There are two primary ways to clear U.S. Customs:
CBP ROAM Mobile App (Strongly Recommended)
- ***Download the CBP ROAM app from the Apple App Store or the Google Play Store.***
- Allows travelers to submit customs clearance immediately after crossing the border.
- Preparation Tips:
- Download the app at least one day before your trip.
- Create a profile with your passport, vessel registration, and co-traveler details.
- Advantages: Faster and more convenient than the dock kiosk.
- Preparation Tips:
- You can use your cellphone network OR the US Customs wi-fi that broadcasts across Newport's inner harbor
- Network: USCustoms
- Password: Welcometonewport!
- Allows travelers to submit customs clearance immediately after crossing the border.
Reporting Site: Newport City Dock
- Kiosk located at the Newport City Dock Marina.
- Note: There are NO physically present US Customs agents posted here!
- Features a self-service iPad running the CBP ROAM app
- This iPad app is the English language only version!
- Complete the digital forms and wait for clearance. Processing delays frequently occur!
Call US Customs if you are experiencing technical difficulties
- 1-802-873-3219 extension 2320
If your boat is 30+ feet in length you must have a Decal Transponder Online Procurement System (DTOPS) to clear customs into US waters
For additional information, please visit the CBP DTOPS website.
6. How do I clear Canadian Customs?
To enter Canada, boaters must report to one of two designated marine reporting sites and call the CBSA Telephone Reporting Centre (TRC).
- Call: 1-888-226-7277 upon arrival at your reporting site.
Reporting Site: Highwater - Leadville Pier (Western Shore)
- Features deep water and minimal pedestrian activity.
- No on-site telephone; use your own phone to call the TRC.
- Official Reporting Identifier: “Quebec; Highwater; Leadville Pier.”
Reporting Site: Cedarville Pier (Eastern Shore)
- Located north of “the islands” along a south-facing shore.
- Includes a public telephone for direct calls to the TRC.
- Challenges: Shallow waters and crowds of anglers may make docking difficult.
- Official Reporting Identifier: “Quebec; Cedarville Pier.”
7. Can I clear Canadian Customs without docking?
Sometimes. While the CBSA specifically requires docking at a reporting site, travelers have reported receiving entry approval by calling the TRC while underway. However, this may depend on the agent and circumstances.
8. What should I do if weather conditions make docking unsafe?
In rough weather, CBSA agents may allow you to anchor near the reporting site instead of docking. Be sure to explain the conditions when calling the TRC.
9. What documents should I prepare before crossing the border?
- Passports for all travelers.
- Vessel registration.
- Co-traveler details (names, birthdates, and citizenship).
- Any relevant customs forms or prior clearance information.
10. What happens if I fail to clear customs?
Failing to clear customs after triggering entry requirements can result in penalties, fines, or vessel confiscation. Always ensure compliance to avoid legal issues.
11. Do I need a DTOPS decal for my recreational boat?
- If your recreational vessel is 30 feet or longer, you are required to have a valid Decal Transponder Online Procurement System (DTOPS) decal to enter U.S. waters.
- You can purchase one easily online (https://dtops.cbp.dhs.gov/home)
- You may be denied entry without a DTOPS
For more information, contact the appropriate customs agency.
Clearing US Customs
If your recreational vessel is 30 feet or longer, you are required to have a valid Decal Transponder Online Procurement System (DTOPS) decal to enter U.S. waters. (dtops.cbp.dhs.gov/home)
U.S. Customs clearance on Lake Memphremagog is available through two methods:
1. Download the CBP ROAM Mobile App (Recommended)
2. Newport City Dock Kiosk
Note: Both the app and kiosk rely on live agent review, which may cause occasional delays.
U.S. Customs clearance on Lake Memphremagog is available through two methods:
1. Download the CBP ROAM Mobile App (Recommended)
- www.cbp.gov/travel/pleasure-boats/pleasure-boat-overview/roam
- Allows travelers to submit customs clearance immediately after crossing the border.
- Preparation: Download the app and set up a profile in advance, including passport details, vessel registration, and co-traveler information.
- Advantages: Faster processing and the ability to submit remotely.
2. Newport City Dock Kiosk
- Located at the Newport City Dock Marina.
- Features a self-service iPad running the CBP ROAM app.
- Travelers must complete the required forms and wait for clearance, which can result in delays due to limited customs agent availability.
Note: Both the app and kiosk rely on live agent review, which may cause occasional delays.
Clearing Canadian Customs
To enter Canada, boaters must report to one of two designated marine reporting sites and contact the CBSA Telephone Reporting Centre (TRC) at 1-888-226-7277 immediately upon arrival.
Designated Marine Sites
Highwater - Leadville Pier (Western Shore):
Cedarville Pier (Eastern Shore):
Special Notes:
To clear Canadian customs there are two official ports of entry that must
Designated Marine Sites
Highwater - Leadville Pier (Western Shore):
- Features deep water and minimal pedestrian activity.
- No on-site telephone; travelers must call using their own devices.
- Official Reporting Identifier: “Quebec; Highwater; Leadville Pier.”
Cedarville Pier (Eastern Shore):
- Located north of “the islands” with a south-facing shore.
- Includes a public telephone for direct TRC calls.
- Challenges: Shallow waters and crowded with anglers.
- Official Reporting Identifier: “Quebec; Cedarville Pier.”
Special Notes:
- Rough weather may permit anchoring near a reporting site instead of docking.
- In some cases, agents may approve entry over the phone while underway.
To clear Canadian customs there are two official ports of entry that must
Highwater - Leadville Pier
Highwater - Leadville Pier
The Leadville Pier is immediately across the border in Canada on the western shore of the lake. It is exposed to the north wind, but has deep water with minimal pedestrian activity. There is no telephone provided at this location so travelers must call in on their phones. This crossing is the most convenient reporting station when traveling directly North up the lake, but is not always ideal in foul weather. Location identifying wording to use with Customs when on the phone: “Quebec; Highwater; Leadville Pier” |
Cedarville Pier
Cedarville Pier
The Cedarville Pier is roughly a mile north of the border along the eastern shore of the lake. It is north of “the islands” along a south facing shore. It is reportedly difficult to locate visually for many travelers. This pier is frequented by local anglers ashore and it can be a challenge to make landing to tie up. The water is relatively shallow, so larger boats may want to avoid this station when the lake level is low. This location is the only reporting station on the lake with a telephone that calls directly to the TRC. Location identifying wording to use with Customs when on phone: "Quebec; Cedarville Pier" |