PEMBINA, N.D. — U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Office of Field Operations (OFO) is reminding travelers planning trips across the border into Minnesota or North Dakota to anticipate heavy traffic during the observance of Canada Day and U.S. Independence Day.
Border traffic volumes are expected to significantly increase during the week of July 1 through the remainder of the summer. All travelers are reminded of a few simple steps they can employ to cross the border more efficiently.
1. Check out the new 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 before 6 a.m. or after 3 p.m. Most lines at the border start building in the morning and carry on into early afternoon.
Monitor wait times for the ports of International Falls, Minnesota, and Pembina, North Dakota. Information is updated hourly and is useful in planning trips and identifying periods of light use/short waits.
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. 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.
6. 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 that would do us harm like terrorists and terrorist weapons, criminals and contraband.
For more information on international traveling into the United States visit CBP’s Travel site.