Seaplane pilots arriving in the United States can now use an app to clear U.S. Customs as part of a test program. Available at two locations in Minnesota, the Reporting Offsite Arrival-Mobile (ROAM) app lets pilots clear customs by video conference at Scott’s Seaplane Base on Crane Lake and at the Shagawa Lake Seaplane base in Ely. Pilots must file a flight plan using the electronic Advance Passenger Information System (eAPIS), but the ROAM app can be used to close the flight plan.
Seaplane Pilots Can Now Clear U.S. Customs by App
Key Takeaways:
- Seaplane pilots can now use the Reporting Offsite Arrival-Mobile (ROAM) app for U.S. Customs clearance via video conference as part of a test program at two Minnesota seaplane bases.
- The ROAM app, initially for pleasure boaters, allows pilots to clear customs remotely using a smartphone or tablet, eliminating the need for an on-site customs officer.
- This program streamlines the re-entry process for travelers, particularly benefiting tourism-dependent border areas, though pilots still need to file an eAPIS flight plan.
- U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) intends to expand this program to more locations in the future.
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