CJOB News Team reporting
8/2/2012
U.S. Customs and Border Protection reminds both Americans and Canadians planning trips across the border into the United States the August holiday weekend to make sure they have their proper documents and to anticipate heavy traffic.
The Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI), implemented June 1, 2009 requires U.S. and Canadian citizens, age 16 and older to present a valid, acceptable travel document that denotes both identity and citizenship when entering the U.S by land or sea.
CBP strongly encourages travelers to obtain a radio frequency identification (RFID)-enabled travel document such as a U.S. or Canadian Passport, U.S. Passport Card, Enhanced Driver's License/Enhanced Identification Card or Trusted Traveler Program card (NEXUS, SENTRI, Global Entry, or FAST/EXPRES) to expedite their entry and make crossing the border more efficient.
Here are some CBP travel tips:
Tip #1 - Travelers should familiarize themselves with the "Know Before You Go" section of the CBP website (http://www.cbp.gov/xp/cgov/travel/vacation/kbyg/) to avoid fines and penalties associated with the importation of prohibited items. "Know Before You Go" brochures are also available at border ports.
Tip #2 - Travelers should prepare for the inspection process before arriving at the inspection booth.
Tip #3 - Wait times for the ports of Pembina, ND and International Falls, MN can be monitored at apps.cbp.gov Information is updated hourly and is useful in planning trips and identifying periods of light use/short waits.
Tip #4 - During periods of heavy travel, border crossers may wish to consider alternative, less heavily traveled entry routes.
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