CBP Advises Travelers To Expect Increased Border Traffic On Holiday Weekend

#LSN_Outdoors   America's Columbus Day, and Canada's Thanksgiving day

BUFFALO, N.Y. –   October 3, 2017   (LSN) The holiday weekend is ahead, with America's Columbus Day, and Canada's Thanksgiving day both falling on Monday.  U.S. Customs and Border Protection is expecting an increase in border traffic starting this weekend and carrying through next weekend. CBP reminds travelers planning cross border trips to expect delays and prepare accordingly.  

“Get NEXUS! The program has so many benefits,” said Acting Port Director Cary Frieling. “Not only does it reduce your wait when crossing the border, but once a member, you have access to the Global Entry kiosks at participating airports and TSA Pre-Check which saves time at airport security screening checkpoints.”

Travelers looking for ways to improve their travel experience should consider the following tips:
Acquire the appropriate travel document - passports, U.S. passport cards, enhanced driver’s licenses are a few of the approved documents. A list of all approved travel documents can be found at www.getyouhome.gov.

• Join NEXUS. NEXUS allows pre-screened, low-risk travelers to proceed with little or no delay into the U.S. and Canada. Application forms are available on the Canada Border Services Agency website at www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca and travelers can apply online at www.cbp.gov. Additionally, NEXUS information is available toll-free at 1-866-NEXUS 26 (1-866-639-8726).
• Check border wait times, plan ahead, and give yourself extra time. Check traffic conditions at the border crossings within the region and select the crossing that is least congested. Travelers can download CBP’s Border Wait Time App to their mobile devices for real time border crossing traffic conditions. The app is available in both Google Play and Apple stores. Travelers can also obtain current border traffic conditions at www.cbp.gov/travel/advisories-wait-times
• 
  If possible travel during non-peak travel times. Peak travel times generally are between the hours of 9am and 5pm. If possible, leave the night before to avoid peak traffic delays.
• Prepare for the inspection process before arriving at the inspection booth. Have travel documents in hand, roll down vehicle windows and remove hats and sunglasses before entering the inspection area.
• Travelers are encouraged to visit the “Know Before You Go” section of the CBP web site. To avoid fines and penalties associated with the importation of restricted or prohibited items become educated prior to traveling. Please visit http://www.cbp.gov/travel.
• Declare your goods. Travelers should declare all items being brought from abroad that will remain in the U.S, including includes gifts and duty free purchases.
• Food and Plants. There are numerous agricultural restrictions on fruits, meats, and plants. Before bringing these items back, check the CBP website on bringing agricultural products into the U.S. If you decide to take your chances and bring it with you, be certain to declare it, and be willing to surrender it if it turns out to be prohibited.