PEMBINA, N.D. — U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), Office of Field Operations is reminding travelers planning trips across the border into the United States this holiday weekend to make sure they have their proper documents and to plan ahead. Border traffic volumes are expected to peak during this period.
weekend can lead to increased wait times at
ports of entry. Travelers are urged to plan
ahead to avoid potential delays.
CBP strongly encourages travelers to plan your trip in advance and obtain a radio frequency identification (RFID)-enabled travel document such as an Enhanced Driver’s License/Enhanced Identification Card, U.S. passport card or Trusted Traveler Program card (NEXUS, SENTRI, Global Entry or FAST/EXPRES) to expedite entry and make future border crossings more efficient.
To avoid potential delays at the border, CBP is urging all foreign travelers requiring I-94 or I-94W (visa waiver) entry document processing to obtain the essential document early instead of waiting until the day of their travel. Travelers are encouraged to obtain the required document as much as a week in advance for faster and more convenient processing. All travelers requesting an I-94 or I-94W entry document may be required to establish financial solvency, proof of residency outside the U.S. and demonstrate that they have sufficiently strong ties to their country of origin including a home abroad they do not intend to abandon.
“We continue to work with the traveling public and stakeholders on ways to improve the facilitation of lawful trade and travel while upholding our border security mission,” said Area Port Director Jason Schmelz.
All travelers are reminded of seven simple steps they can employ to cross the border more efficiently:
1. Check out the CBP informational website.
The CBP site has been completely redesigned to help users quickly access the content they need. It also is optimized for access by smart phones and makes use of a new content delivery network that will improve access internationally.
2. Beat the border rush
Cross during off-peak times, such as between the hours of 6 and 8 a.m. or after 5 p.m. Most lines at the border start building in the morning and carry on through the afternoon. Monitor wait times on the internet or via a mobile app named, “CBP Border Wait Times.” Information is updated hourly and is useful in planning trips and identifying periods of light use/short waits. CBP officials continually monitor border crossing times at area ports of entry and plan to fully staff all inspection lanes during peak periods to maintain the flow of traffic.
3. Keep travel documents handy
Make sure each passenger has the correct travel document accessible and ready to give to the CBP officer. If you are a frequent international traveler and have not already become a member of a trusted traveler program, sign up now. For more information, please visit CBP’s Trusted Traveler site.
4. Know the contents of your vehicles and be prepared to declare all items
Travelers are required to declare all items being imported into the United States from Canada. If you are not sure about what to declare, do not hesitate to ask the CBP officer.
5. Declare all firearms
Travelers are reminded that specific requirements must be met to import or export firearms and ammunition to/from the United States. For more information on the importation or exportation of firearms and ammunition visit ATF, State Dept., and Commerce Dept. websites or contact CBP at 406-453-7631.
6. Know what food products can be imported
Many fruits, meats, dairy and poultry products are prohibited from being imported into the United States from Canada. For more information, view prohibited and restricted items and foods permitted into U.S. for personal use.
7. Leave medical marijuana at home
Although medical marijuana is legal in many U.S. states and Canada, the sale, possession, production and distribution of marijuana all remain illegal under federal law.
Our dual mission is to facilitate travel in the United States while we secure our borders, our people and our visitors from those who would do us harm like terrorists and terrorist weapons, criminals and contraband.
For more information on international travel into the United States, visit CBP’s Travel site.