see also: in CBP News Releases:   CBP Snuffs Out Shipments of Pot Pipes in Montana   CBP Recognizes Employees at Annual Awards Ceremony   CBP Tries ‘European Vacation’ to Protect American Agriculture   CBP Officers in El Paso Note Increase in Juvenile Drug Smuggling Cases during March   New York CBP Advises Travelers to Prepare for Busy Weekend   New York CBP Officers Arrest Citizen of France for Misuse of Passport/False Statements   CBP Advises Temporary Construction at Roma Port of Entry in Starr County to Begin March 16 ...more on cbp.gov:   CBP News Releases   Press Officers   Top 10 Traveler Tips (pdf - 880 KB.) on the web:   www.State.gov

contacts for this news release

Los Angeles - In anticipation of the spring break travel season, U.S. Customs and Border Protection provides a few travel tips, if you are traveling abroad, returning home or visiting the United States or its Territories:

• Make sure that you have the proper travel documentation, both for the country you are visiting, as well as for your return.
• A passport is now required for returning U.S. citizens when flying internationally
• U.S. and Canadian citizens 19 years and older who enter the U.S. at sea ports of entry from within the Western Hemisphere will need to present government-issued photo ID, along with proof of citizenship or a passport; (travelers under the age of 16 will need to present only birth certificate or alternative proof of citizenship).
• Find out about rules and regulations on food and agricultural items before you travel; some are prohibited or must meet certain requirements, such as a license or permit.
• When you arrive at a port of entry in the United States you will be inspected by a Customs and Border Protection officer; be prepared to provide the purpose of your trip and information on items purchased or obtained abroad.
• If you are a visitor, the CBP officer may require you to provide your biometrics, digital finger scans and photograph, to verify your identify against your travel documents. This process is similar as the one experienced to obtain a visa.
• Visit our “Top 10 Traveler Tips” page on the CBP Web site. ( Top 10 Traveler Tips (pdf - 880 KB.) )
• CBP reminds travelers to visit the State Department’s Web site for the latest travel alerts. ( www.State.gov )

When arriving from an international flight travelers are advised to be prepared for the inspection process before arriving at the inspection booth. Have all documents completely filled out and ready to present to the CBP officers, this will expedite the process.

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.