[pct-l] Not legal to enter USA via PCT from Canada (was: Entry to USA from Canada on the PCT)

[pctl at ilja.ws (Ilja Friedel)]

Hi,

here is the answer from the customs website. I have formated it slightly
to make it more readable. In short, it is not legal to cross via the PCT
from Canada into the USA. There is not problem with US law to leave the
USA and walk into Canada. Obviously one has to apply for an Canadian entry
form at 
http://www.pcta.org/planning/before_trip/permits/canadianentry.asp
[It would be nice if the PCTA would add this information to their website]

Ilja.
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>From customs@customs-mail.custhelp.com Tue Apr 27 11:14:36 2004
Date: Tue, 27 Apr 2004 13:53:42 -0400 (EDT)
From: Customs Service Center <customs@customs-mail.custhelp.com>
To: ilja@cs.caltech.edu
Subject: Dear Sir or Madam,
     there are several backpacking trails that cross the border... [Contact:
    040423-000005]
>> Dear Sir or Madam,
>> 
>> there are several backpacking trails that cross the border between the
>> USA and Canada. One of these is the Pacific Crest National Scenic Trail
>> running from Campo in South California through Oregon to Washington into
>> Manning Park (Canada). I'm concerned about the legal aspects (only US
>> law, the Canadian regulations are taken care of) of crossing the
>> US-Canadian border via foot without visiting an official port of entry.
>> 
>> It is my understanding that any US citizen and legal non-immigrant alien
>> does not violate US law by crossing from the USA into Canada when not
>> using an official port of entry. Is this correct?
>> 
>> What documents are required to cross from Canada into the USA via foot?
>> People traveling by boat have the option to apply for an I-68 permit. Is
>> there an equivalent for backpackers?
>>
>> Best regards,
>>
>> Ilja Friedel.

> Discussion Thread
> Response (Christal)04/27/2004 01:53 PM
> There are no regulations which require departure from the United States
> be made through a port of entry for most people. If the entry
> requirements for the country being visited (Canada) are met there are no
> issues from the standpoint of CBP. Entry to the US must be made through
> an open staffed port of entry, except for those registed in an
> alternative inspection program and entering by boat, in which case their
> yearly registration, and telephonic notification of entry, is sufficient.
> No parallel programs exist for backpackers.
>
> Thank you for contacting the Customs Service Center. If you have any
> other questions or would like clarification on this response, please 
> feel free to contact us again.
>
>
> Question Reference #040423-000005
> Topic :?Customs Regs for International Travelers
> Sub-Topic:?Traveling to/through Canada
> Customers :?General Public/Students/Researchers
> Sub-Customer:?General
> Contact Information:?ilja@cs.caltech.edu
> Date Created:?04/23/2004 01:47 AM
> Last Updated:?04/27/2004 01:53 PM
> Status:?Solved
> Language:?English
> Phone Number:?2147483647
>
> Customer Service Center/co
> 
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