Tips on Crossing the U.S. Border Over the Holidays

(GHY International)

Plenty of Canadians will be crossing the land border into the U.S. this holiday season which prompted U.S. Customs and Border Protection to issue a press release offering some helpful pointers to make it a smoother process.

Here are their tips as listed in the CBP press release:

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.

2) Travelers should prepare for the inspection process before arriving at the inspection booth. Individuals should have their approved travel documents available for the inspection and they should be prepared to declare all items acquired abroad.

3) Members of the traveling public should consult the CBP website site to monitor border wait times for various ports of entry. Information is updated hourly and is useful in planning trips and identifying periods of light use/short waits. During periods of heavy travel, border crossers may wish to consider alternative, less heavily traveled entry routes.

4) Travelers should plan to build extra time into their trips in the event they cross during periods of exceptionally heavy traffic.

5) Know the difference between goods for personal use vs. commercial use. For more details, visit www.cbp.gov/travel.

6) 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.

7) 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 holiday travel season, international border crossers should continue to expect a thorough inspection process when they enter the U.S. from Canada.

For more information, please visit www.GetYouHome.gov or www.cbp.gov.