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![](http://206.241.31.142/ImageCache/cgov/templates/images/spacerclear_2egif/v1/image_2ddata/1/spacerclear.gif) Helpful Tips for Travelers in Montana as the Summer Travel Season Approaches
(Thursday, May 22, 2008)
contacts for this news releaseGreat Falls, Mont. – U.S. Customs and Border Protection is reminding both Americans and Canadians planning their Memorial Day and summer holiday season travels that there are a number of steps they can employ to cross the border quickly, safely and without incident.U.S. and Canadian citizens are now required to present proof of citizenship and identity to enter the United States at land and sea ports of entry. This can include a passport, trusted traveler program card (NEXUS), or a birth certificate with a driver’s license. Travelers 18 and under can present just a birth certificate. For a complete list of details, see the Fact Sheet available on CBP.gov.
( Travel Fact Sheets )
A passport has been required for all travelers entering and departing the United States by air since January 2007.CBP also wants to remind U.S. lawful permanent residents that the I-551 form (green card) is acceptable for land and sea travel into the U.S. enhanced driver’s licenses now available in Washington State are also acceptable upon production for entry at any U.S. land or sea port of entry.“If travelers will take the time to ‘Know Before [They] Go’ when planning their international border crossing trips they will help keep the busy summer vacation traffic moving safely and efficiently,” said CBP Service Area Port Director Francis Brown. “The strong Canadian dollar has already increased travel this year at our area’s ports of entry. The summer travel season will require additional planning and patience on the part of travelers.”Here are a few ‘Travel Tips’ that will assist travelers crossing the international border:- Tip #1 – Travelers should familiarize themselves with the “Know Before You Go” section of the CBP website to avoid fines and penalties associated with the importation of prohibited items. “Know Before You Go” brochures are also available at border ports.
( Know Before You Go )
- Tip #2 – Travelers should prepare for the inspection process before arriving at the inspection booth. Individuals should have their crossing documents available for the inspection and they should be prepared to declare all items acquired abroad. In addition, individuals should end cellular phone conversations before arriving at the inspection booth.
- Tip #3 – Members of the traveling public should consult the CBP website site to monitor border wait times. 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 entry routes. For example, border crossers may want to use the nearby and less heavily traveled ports of entry in Montana and Idaho.
- Tip #5 – Travelers should plan to build extra time into their trips in the event they cross during periods of exceptionally heavy traffic.
- Tip #6 – Know the difference between goods for personal use vs. commercial use.
- Tip #7 – Do not attempt to bring fruits, meats, dairy/poultry products and firewood into the United States from Canada without first checking whether they are permitted.
- Tip #8 – Understand that CBP officers have the authority to conduct enforcement examinations without a warrant, ranging from a single luggage examination up to and possibly including a personal search. Even during the summer vacation season, international border crossers should continue to expect a thorough inspection process when they enter the U.S. from Canada.
CBP officials continually monitor traffic and border crossing times at area ports of entry. They plan to fully staff all inspection lanes during peak periods and to implement various traffic management operations to maintain the flow of traffic during periods of exceptionally heavy usage. 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.![](http://206.241.31.142/ImageCache/cgov/templates/images/spacerclear_2egif/v1/image_2ddata/1/spacerclear.gif) | Contacts For This News Release
![](http://206.241.31.142/ImageCache/cgov/templates/images/spacerclear_2egif/v1/image_2ddata/1/spacerclear.gif) | Chief Thomas Schreiber
CBP Public Affairs
| ![](http://206.241.31.142/ImageCache/cgov/templates/images/spacerclear_2egif/v1/image_2ddata/1/spacerclear.gif) | ![](http://206.241.31.142/ImageCache/cgov/templates/images/spacerclear_2egif/v1/image_2ddata/1/spacerclear.gif) | ![](http://206.241.31.142/ImageCache/cgov/templates/images/spacerclear_2egif/v1/image_2ddata/1/spacerclear.gif) | CBP Headquarters
Office of Public Affairs
1300 Pennsylvania Ave., N.W.
Room 3.4A
Washington, DC 20229
| Phone: | (202) 344-1780 or (800) 826-1471 | Fax: | (202) 344-1393 |
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