Does anybody have any "FIRSTHAND" info if the new Passport Regs. have been extended for fishing on the Border Lakes? Or if there have been any other special considerations?

(Not looking for "I think" or "I heard" rumors. Don't want this post to get out of hand with a bunch of gossip or hearsay.)

I asked the same thing a few days ago and Carl from anglers lodge was checking on it for me if I hear any thing I will let you know.

The way I understand it is this, If you dont land on mexican soil. In other words beach the boat and go walking around mexico, then you dont need a passport. I think they are applying the same laws that govern the coastlines of the country to the lakes.

yeah just don't beach it

Just got phone with CBP-Customs Supervisor, Del Rio--She stated that what they have been told is that, starting June 1, 2009, you will be required to have a passport when returning from Mexican waters--She said it would be "better" if you had a passport with you even now--the other issue that is vague but "may" be a requirement, is after June 1, "all" boaters returning from "Mexican" waters will have to report to Customs--

We were stopped (just window down obviously wanting to talk to us) by a US Border Patrol officer coming off the lake during practice for the Stren. He did not mention a Passport at all, but wanted to let us know that all boaters were required to call customs prior to returning to US Waters "IF" they stopped to visit/boarded another boat (didn't matter if it was a US or Mexican vessel) -OR- if we made landfall/beached the boat. That call would initiate a visit from a customs official and the boater is supposed to wait in Mexican waters before coming across the international line.

We drove off thinking "yeah, that's going to happen." I have no problem with them wanting to search my boat if they see me coming out of Mexico (even if there is no cause.) In fact, it would make me happy to know they were out there doing that. I can't imagine anyone taking to time to call them everytime they decide to stop and visit with their buddy while fishing though.

I have been told by other Customs and Border Patrol officials (not supervisors) that the Passport requirement was not going to happen after all.

We shall see, I have one and guess I'll go ahead and get it in a Zip-Loc in the boat...

THERE IS A PASSPORT CARD THAT COST LESS THAN A PASSPORT IF YOU DON'T INTEND TO FLY. I WOUNDER IF THIS WILL WORK?

I can see it now.

"Hello customs? Yea, I just wanted to let you know that I went to the shore in Mexico".

Why did you do that sir? "I had to take a big [censored] on the bank".

I just pulled this from the US Border Patrol Website (dated 27 May 09):

CBP Commits to Flexible, Practical Implementation of June 1 Document Requirements for U.S. and Canadian Citizens at Land and Sea Ports of Entry

(Wednesday, May 27, 2009)
contacts for this news release
Washington - U.S. Customs and Border Protection assured U.S. and Canadian citizens today that, if otherwise admissible, they will be able to re-enter the United States when the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI) is implemented for land and sea travel on June 1.
�CBP�s mission is to protect our borders,� said CBP Acting Commissioner Jayson P. Ahern. �WHTI implements a key 9/11 Commission recommendation by requiring secure travel documents while facilitating entry. We will be practical and flexible in implementing WHTI using the same informed compliance approach that proved successful during other major changes at our borders over the last two years.� CBP is committed to working with travelers to ensure they have access to and can obtain appropriate travel documents. U.S. and Canadian citizens who lack WHTI-compliant documents are encouraged to continue with their travel plans and to obtain WHTI travel documents as soon as possible to further expedite future border crossings.
WHTI documents for land and sea travel include:
� U.S. or Canadian Passport;
� Trusted Traveler Card (NEXUS, SENTRI, or FAST/EXPRES);
� U.S. Passport Card;
� State or Provincial Enhanced Driver�s Licenses (when and where available)
U.S. and Canadian citizen children under age 16 arriving by land or sea from Canada, Mexico, or the Caribbean need only present proof of citizenship, such as an original or copy of his or her birth certificate, a Consular Report of Birth Abroad, a Naturalization Certificate, or a Canadian Citizenship Card.
Document requirements for lawful permanent residents of the United States do not change under WHTI; lawful permanent residents should continue to present their Permanent Resident Card (I-551) when entering the United States. A passport is not required.
The Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative is the joint Department of Homeland Security- Department of State program that implements a key 9/11 Commission recommendation and Congressional mandate to establish document requirements for travelers entering the United States who were previously exempt, including citizens of the United States, Canada and Bermuda. WHTI document requirements for air travel went into effect in 2007.

Then all we need is a state issued drivers license?

Hell if I know. That's 3 minutes of my life I'll never get back and I'm none the smarter for it. I guess one dept of the gov't puts the rules online and then we have to go to the Dept of Translation to figure out what the first one told us.

Let me see If I have this straight. They told you every boat returning from mexican waters has to report to customs? Where is customs?? Are they going to set up shop somewhere by the lake on June 1? 24 hours a day 7 days a week? Or do we haul our boat across the dam, then back for inspection? Unless it is after dark on a weekend at which time they close the dam. I guess then we need to drive down through del rio and cross that bridge and then come back. Oh and they are going to do this on falcon as well? Such BS. Im thinking the woman on the phone was full of it.

Ok, so far we have 2 or 3 people that have talked directly to Border Patrol agents and one that posted info directly from their web site. Every one got different information.

That just gives me a warm fuzzy feeling to know that our borders are being protected by a department/staff of people that do not have a clue as to what they are suppose to be doing. So far the only thing I have found them to be consistent on is letting their dog at the check point on high way 90 outside Uvalde jump on the side of your truck and boat.

And you're surprised ???????????????????????

Yes, it's all very clear... Basically, my guess is... ... ...nothing will change.

I have emailed a friend of mine that works for Customs in Del Rio to see if he could get us a "ruling" on how the Del Rio group is going to interpret this.