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  4. CBP Offers Tips To Reduce Holiday and “Black Friday” Traffic Delays

CBP Offers Tips To Reduce Holiday and “Black Friday” Traffic Delays

Release Date
Mon, 11/21/2016

BUFFALO, N.Y. – U.S. Customs and Border Protection is reminding travelers planning trips across the border to anticipate an increase in traffic due to U.S. Thanksgiving holiday observation, and “Black Friday” shopping events.

Travelers are also advised that Peace Bridge is currently under construction with only one U.S.-bound lane available. Please plan your trip accordingly.

CBP offcer inspects travel documents
Travelers should have documents ready
when entering inspection area

“Last year we didn’t experience any significant delays around the Black Friday shopping event,” said Port Director Cary Frieling. “CBP plans and staffs to make sure travelers can reach their destination in a timely manner while still maintaining border security.”

Travelers looking for ways to improve their travel experience should consider the following tips:

  • Acquire the appropriate travel document.  Passports, U.S. Passport Cards, Enhanced Driver’s Licenses are just a few of the approved documents.
  • Join NEXUS. NEXUS allows pre-screened, low-risk travelers to proceed with little or no delay into the U.S. 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).
  • Check border wait times.  Plan ahead.  Give yourself extra time. Check traffic conditions at the border crossings within the region and select the crossing that is least congested. Travelers can download CBP’s Border Wait Time “APP” to their mobile devices for real time border crossing traffic conditions. The app is available in both 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 around the Black Friday shopping event generally begin Thursday evening and last into Friday early afternoon. If you are able, leave the night before to avoid peak traffic delays.
  • Prepare for the inspection process before arriving at the inspection booth. Have your travel documents in hand, roll down vehicle windows and remove hats and sunglasses before entering the inspection area.
  • Travelers are encouraged to visit the “Know Before You Go” section of the CBP website.  To avoid fines and penalties associated with the importation of restricted or prohibited items, become educated prior to traveling. Please visit https://www.cbp.gov/travel.
  • Declare your goods. Travelers should declare all items being brought from abroad that will remain in the U.S., including gifts and duty free purchases.
  • Food and Plants.  There are many restrictions on fruits, meats, and plants. Before bringing these items back, check the CBP website on bringing agricultural products into the U.S. If you decide to take your chances and bring it with you, be certain to declare it, and be willing to surrender it if it turns out to be prohibited.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection is the unified border agency within the Department of Homeland Security charged with the management, control and protection of our nation's borders at and between the official ports of entry. CBP is charged with keeping terrorists and terrorist weapons out of the country while enforcing hundreds of U.S. laws.

Last Modified: Feb 03, 2021