In an earlier thread it was reported that technically, to re-enter the US after coming out of Canada (Quetico) one needed a specific form. However, many did not seem to do this. I talked with an outfitter recently who verified this fact.

If you are coming out of the Q along the Gunflint, is there any US customs office you can report in to in either Grand Marais or someplace close to it? If you need to obtain this US permit, how much trouble and cost is it?

Please advise. Thanks, Moonpath

There is one in Grand Marais you can report to. I never have gone that way and have read a few posts complaining about hours and the the agent not being there, at airport or somewhere else. Still seems like best bet and stop in Duluth if you can't find agent in Grand Marais.

OR you can do a Form I68 - but there is a cost ($16?), you do have to stop in at a customs office to apply, and everyone in your party needs one. Then all you do is call and report. Unless I could use it more than once a year, I have not thought it made sense.

I68

PS - Some here report they ignore the regulation to report when entering the US and have never gotten caught. I guess that is an option, but not one I would use or recommend.

Bill has it right.

I also agree that the customs office in Grand Marais is useless. I thought it got moved to Grand Portage but it still shows up on the Homeland Security web page here..

The last time I tried to use the Grand Marais station they were closed so I called the Duluth Customs office to explain my situation. He cleared me over the phone and was pretty understanding.

Thanks guys for the advice, that is what I needed to know. Moonpath

I also have read/heard that when coming back to the US you are "supposed" to stop by the Customs office but that 9/10 people dont do it and there is no issue.

I have heard that the Grand marais one also has weird hours or is not staffed when it is supposed to be open.

This seems strange but is the way it has been done for many years according to people I have talked to.

"I also have read/heard that when coming back to the US you are "supposed" to stop by the Customs office but that 9/10 people don't do it and there is no issue."

Care is needed with a statement like that. Laws and fines are in place for violations. Hearsay and anecdotal excuses do not carry much weight with enforcement.

butthead

Sort of like you are " suppose to" pay your federal income taxes.

quote billconner: "Sort of like you are " suppose to" pay your federal income taxes."

This is true but there have been times that the station in Ely is not manned during office hours. Then the instructions are to report at a different " out of the way" station. Really is that what they expect. It seems that if the station is not going to be staffed the option should be to fill out a form and leave it at the station as was done in the past. ~JOE~

In a dozen trips to the Q through Ely, I've never had a problem checking in. Once I forgot, and simply went in morning after planned night in Ely. I think if no one was there, I'd call IF and/or stop in Duluth.