see also: in June 2008:   CBP in New Orleans Offers Tips for International Air Travelers for Summer Season   CBP Offers Tips for International Air Travelers in Memphis for Summer Season   U.S. Customs and Border Protection to Host San Diego Hiring Event   Baltimore CBP Recovers Stolen Vehicle Being Shipped Overseas   Border Patrol Agents Seize Cocaine, Methamphetamines and Marijuana   Canada, U.S. Sign Arrangement to Align Security Standards for Cross-Border Business   CBP, Texas Strengthen Partnership to Ensure Border Security ...more on cbp.gov:   CBP News Releases   Press Officers   Know Before You Go   U.S. Citizens/Lawful Permanent Residents

contacts for this news release

Seattle - U.S. Customs and Border Protection is reminding both Americans and Canadians planning their holiday travel for Canada Day, Fourth of July and summer vacation season 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 the CBP website. ( U.S. Citizens/Lawful Permanent Residents ) 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.

“America remains a welcoming nation for our neighbors to the north. If both Canadian visitors and returning Americans will take the time to ‘Know Before They Go’ they will help keep the busy summer vacation traffic moving safely and efficiently,” said Michele James, CBP director of field operations in Seattle. “Despite rising gasoline prices, the strong Canadian dollar has already increased travel this year along the U.S.-Canadian border. The summer holidays and summer weekends 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 ) “Know Before You Go” brochures are also available at border ports.
• 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 for various ports of entry including Blaine and Sumas, Wash., Sweetgrass, Mont., and Pembina, N.D. 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, less heavily traveled entry routes.
• Tip #5 – Travelers should plan to build extra time into their trips in the event they cross during periods of exceptionally heavy traffic (i.e. Canada Day and the Fourth of July holidays and adjacent weekends).
• 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.