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U.S. Customs and Border Protection warns of long waiting times at border crossings during Easter Week

Posted 4/17/14

U.S. Customs and Border Protection is warning travellers of potentially long waits at border crossings into the U.S. during Easter Week, if they don’t take the proper steps. Before getting to a …

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U.S. Customs and Border Protection warns of long waiting times at border crossings during Easter Week

Posted

U.S. Customs and Border Protection is warning travellers of potentially long waits at border crossings into the U.S. during Easter Week, if they don’t take the proper steps.

Before getting to a customs booth, CBP says people should have a WHTI (Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative) or RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) enabled documents, such as a passport or enhanced license, in-hand before pulling up to the booth; that travelers should declare all items acquired abroad; that people should end cell phone conversations before arriving at the inspection booth. Travelers should also have their windows rolled down for inspection and remove sunglasses and hats prior to entering the inspection area, CBP says.

They also suggest visiting the “Know Before You Go” section of their website. They offer advice to avoid fines and penalties associated with the importation of restricted or prohibited items, including agricultural products, by going to http://www.cbp.gov/travel.

CBP suggests allowing for extra time and checking border wait times and traffic conditions at the border crossings in case of exceptionally heavy traffic. Travelers can get current border traffic conditions at www.cbp.gov.

They also want travellers to know what food and plants are prohibited from entering the United States. There are numerous agricultural restrictions on fruits, meats and plants, according to CBP. Their website includes information on bringing agricultural products into the U.S.

Cross-border travelers can participate in the NEXUS program. NEXUS allows pre-screened, low-risk travelers 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. NEXUS information is also available toll-free at 1-866-639-8726.