see also: in May 2008:   Deputy Chief of the Border Patrol Announces State of the Agency   CBP Celebrates Significant Occasions at Advanced Training Center in West Virginia   CBP to Issue New Frequent Traveler Cards   Ecstasy and Methamphetamine Seized at Ambassador Bridge   CBP Races to Secure NASCAR’s Monster Mile   CBP Air and Marine Agents Interdict Migrants in Florida at the Start of Memorial Day Weekend   Border Patrol Agents Rescue 51 Illegal Aliens from Tractor Trailer ...more on cbp.gov:   CBP News Releases   Press Officers   Know Before You Go   NEXUS Fact Sheet (pdf - 55 KB.)

contacts for this news release

Blaine, Wash. – 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 at the U.S. Customs and Border Protection website. ( NEXUS Fact Sheet (pdf - 55 KB.) ) 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 Mary Delaquis. “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 ) “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. 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 Pacific Highway crossing, Lynden or Sumas ports of entry instead of the Peace Arch crossing. The Pacific Highway crossing is located one mile east of the Peace Arch crossing and offers a viable nearby alternative to the Peace Arch. Southbound travelers from the Vancouver, B.C., metropolitan area can use Highway 1 and 1A for a short eastbound diversion to cross into the U.S. at the ports of Lynden or Sumas. Both ports offer direct access to the Bellingham, WA, area and reconnect with Interstate 5 southbound in Bellingham.
• Tip #5 – Travelers should plan to build extra time into their trips in the event they cross during periods of exceptionally heavy traffic. This includes NEXUS Lane users at Peace Arch during the construction traffic revisions.
• 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.