Welcome to Canada (the Great white North)
MY BORDER CROSSING PROCEDURES CHEAT SHEET
Flying South to USA (file e-APIS Northbound first then Southbound)
(1) Call the CBP office at airport of entry two + hours prior to book an arrival time.
(2) One + hour before flight to US submit a "Notice of Arrival" to E-APIS and wait for email reply authorizing departure.
(3) File a flight plan (Canada 1-866-992-7433) If times change submit new flight information via E-APIS, or phone CBP at port of entry & ask them to change your E-APIS information. Or National CBP office 1-800-973-2867.
(4) Open flight plan.
(5) Make contact with a controlling agency for border crossing, FSS or ATC.
(6) Obtain a discrete transponder code prior to crossing the border (This may be given to you on telephone when you file your Flt plan).
(7) Close flight plan.
Flying North to Canada
(1) Call CANPASS 1-888-226-7277 two + hours prior to arriving in Canada.
(2) One + hours prior to your flight North to Canada submit a "Notice of Departure" to E-APIS, wait for reply authorizing your departure (use your webmail).
(3) File a flight plan (USA 1-800-992-7433). If times change submit new information via E-APIS, or call CBP at closest port of entry (to your USA departure apt.) and ask them to change your E-APIS information. If unable call National CBP 1-800-973-2867.
(4) Open flight plan.
(5) Make radio contact with a controlling agency (Canadian/US ATC or FSS).
(6) Obtain & set discrete transponder code prior to crossing the border.
(7) Close flight plan.
Useful Information to have before Flight.
My e-APIS log in ID --
Passengers data, date of birth, passport number etc.
Residence - if unknown use FBO or APT address including ZIP
DUATS -- sign in passwords--
Webmail -- sign in info
E-APIS help line 1-808-237-4601
US FSS recorded weather from Canada 1-877-484-2799
CANPASS 1-888-226-7277
E-APIS
https://eapis.cbp.dhs.gov/
Customs KCLM Port Angeles WA 1-360-457-4311
Customs KBLI Bellingham WA 1-360-734-5463
Customs Cut Bank Airport, MT - On Call Service Phone: (406) 335-9610
Customs Oroville Wa. 1-509-476-2955
Record your E-APIS Inbound and Outbound approval numbers.
Put CanPass clearance number in aircraft log.
Fuel up in USA on cheaper gas, get flight following and go direct to Campbell River for customs. Overflying Vancouver, Victoria and Comox requires ATC contact. Campbell River (CYBL) has a MF (mandatory frequency). Check notam's for construction at CYBL.
Have a great trip and if you are like me plan for at least two hours on the e-APIS web site!