see also: in October 2008:   Mexican Military Makes Accidental Incursion into the U.S.   CBP Officers Apprehend Illegal Alien Hidden on Rail Car   Border Patrol Agents Make Several Drug Seizures Near Laredo   CBP Officers at the Calexico Downtown Port of Entry Intercept Cocaine Smuggling Attempt   CBP to Open Andrade Port of Entry Earlier During Agriculture Harvest Season   Layered Enforcement Snags U.S. Citizen, Foils 3 Smuggling Attempts   CBP Announces Online Method for Meeting SENTRI Vehicle Requirements ...more on cbp.gov:   CBP News Releases   Press Officers   Know Before You Go

contacts for this news release

Blaine, Wash. - U.S. Customs and Border Protection is reminding travelers planning trips across the border this weekend into the United States to make sure they have their proper documents and to anticipate heavy traffic during the celebration of Canada’s Thanksgiving on October 13.

Thanksgiving is an annual one day holiday at the close of the harvest season and is celebrated on the second Monday in October throughout Canada. Border traffic volumes are expected to be greatly increased during this holiday weekend and all travelers are reminded of a few simple steps they can employ to cross the border more efficiently.

All travelers, including U.S. and Canadian citizens, are now asked to present proof of citizenship and identity when entering the United States at land and sea ports of entry. This requirement can be met with a passport, NEXUS frequent crosser card, an enhanced British Columbia or Washington State driver’s license, or a birth certificate with a driver’s license. Travelers ages 18 and under may present just a birth certificate.

Plan your trip, avoid peak travel times typically between the hours of 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. and consider alternate ports of entry. To avoid long delays during the reconstruction phase of the Peace Arch port of entry, border crossers may want to use the nearby and less heavily traveled Pacific Highway, Lynden or Sumas ports of entry.

Do not attempt to bring unauthorized fruits, meats and dairy/poultry products into the United States from Canada without first checking whether they are permitted. Review the “Know Before You Go” tip sheet on the CBP.gov Web site for additional information concerning your trip into the United States. ( Know Before You Go )

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.

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.