U.S. Customs and Border Protection officials, expecting increased border traffic this holiday season, including at the Massena and Ogdensburg ports of entry, are reminding those travelling into …
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U.S. Customs and Border Protection officials, expecting increased border traffic this holiday season, including at the Massena and Ogdensburg ports of entry, are reminding those travelling into Canada to anticipate delays and prepare accordingly.
CBP encourages travelers to be familiar with U.S. rules and regulations, and prepare for increased wait times at border crossings.
Holiday travelers looking for ways to improve their travel experience should have the appropriate travel document. Passports, U.S. passport cards, enhanced driver’s licenses are just a few of the approved documents. A list of all approved travel documents can be found at www.getyouhome.gov
Check border wait times and plan ahead, CBP suggests. Give extra time when planning international travel and check traffic conditions at the border crossings within the region and select the crossing that is least congested, customs officials say. Travelers can download CBP’s Border Wait Time application to their mobile devices for real time border crossing traffic conditions. The app is available in both the Google Play and Apple stores. Travelers can also obtain current border traffic conditions at www.cbp.gov/travel/advisories-wait-times
If possible, travel during non-peak travel times. Peak travel times generally tend to be between the hours of 10 a.m. and 6 a.m. If able, leaving the night before is one way avoid peak traffic delays, customs says.
Prepare for the inspection process before arriving at the inspection booth. Have travel documents in hand, roll down vehicle windows and remove hats and sunglasses before entering the inspection area, customs officials say.
Travelers are encouraged to visit the “Know Before You Go” section of the CBP web site. To avoid fines and penalties associated with the importation of restricted or prohibited items become educated prior to traveling, this includes agriculture products, CBP suggests. Please visit http://www.cbp.gov/travel.
Travelers should declare all items being brought from abroad that will remain in the United States. This includes gifts and duty free purchases, customs officials say.
There are numerous agricultural restrictions on fruits, meats, and plants. Before bringing these items back, check the CBP website on bringing agricultural products into the U.S. If they decide to bring food back, be certain to declare it, and be willing to surrender it if it turns out to be prohibited, CBP says.
People can participate in the trusted traveler program. NEXUS allows pre-screened travelers that CBP considers low-risk to proceed with little or no delay into the United States and Canada. Application forms are available on the Canada Border Services Agency website at www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca and travelers can apply online at www.cbp.gov. Additionally, NEXUS information is available toll-free at 1-866-NEXUS 26 (1-866-639-8726).
A new downloadable checklist is also now available that can be accessed on a smartphone or other mobile device.