[Elecraft] Traveling and US Customs

[Edward R Cole]

Ray,

I guess it has changed a lot since the time I flew to Winnipeg from 
Minneapolis in 1999.  I specifically telephoned the Canadian customs 
in Winnipeg to check requirements since I was bringing along a radio 
to a conference.  That is when I discovered the main issue was 
returning to the US.  At that time it was recommended to have 
invoices showing proof of ownership.

But, alas, Homeland Security did not yet exist.  So I wonder if there 
is a Custom's Office in Anchorage or will I have to fly to Seattle to 
find one?  Hopefully, the form 4457 is valid for more than one trip!

My point about having a passport for travel into Canada should be 
noted.  Used to be only a US Drivers license was needed.

A K3 would not, but the discussion had folks talking about smaller 
radios like the KX3, FT-817, HT's which could be taken to look like 
cell phones.  I've never had a HT or my FT-817 questioned by 
TSA.  But I stopped taking my home-built 10-GHz portable station in 
Pelican case as the mass wires and HB switches and lights likely 
would not pass.  I cannot take that chance after traveling 4-hours by 
road to the airport and parking my vehicle off airport.  So I ship it 
ahead by Fedex if I travel with it.

73, Ed - KL7UW
---------------------------------------------
Just remember folks...when you are traveling inside the USA, you probably
won't run into any problems.  I have to question how much my K3 looks like
a cell phone...but I digress.  Ed's right...it's probably not a bad idea to
have your license with you.

Ed's advice on going into Canada and returning through US Customs is a
little shaky.  As a US Customs Agent in Bermuda told me, "anybody with a
scanner and a color printer can dummy up an invoice."  To extend that
thinking, and remember you are dealing with Homeland Security, your license
means that you have a license...period.

It means absolutely nothing to the Customs Agent regarding what you are
bringing into the US.

Officially, your papers, as they say, are not in order.

If you are planning on taking your gear out of the good ol' US of A (even
to Canada)...the only way to guarantee that you'll clear US Customs with no
problems, is by showing the agent a Department of Homeland Security CPB
Form 4457 aka Certificate of Registration for Personal Effects Taken
Abroad.  This form is available the the web...you can Google it.

You complete the form describing the articles you're taking overseas
including serial numbers...then you have to go to a Customs Office to have
the items inspected.  I live near Youngstown, Ohio...the nearest Customs
Office was at the Pittsburgh International Airport.

Pain in the ass?  Certainly!  But remember, US Customs has the right to
impound anything they deem as questionable...it's up to YOU to prove it's
not.


*73, Ray-ND8L, occasionally ND8L/VP9*




73, Ed - KL7UW
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