Buffalo CBP reminds travelers of tips to improve their cross-border experience

BUFFALO, N.Y. – U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) is reminding travelers who are planning trips to the United States through land border crossings to be sure to plan accordingly. Travelers looking for ways to improve their travel experience should consider the following tips: Utilize the appropriate travel document. Passports, U.S. Visas (if applicable), Lawful Permanent Resident Cards, U.S. Passport Cards, and Enhanced Driver’s Licenses are a few of the approved documents. Obtain more information here: Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative. Visa Waiver Program (VWP). VWP travelers looking to enter the United States at land ports of entry are required to obtain an approved Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) prior to seeking admission. If you arrive without a valid travel authorization, you will not be admitted and will need to return to Canada to complete the application and await processing of your application. Process can take up to 3 days or more, so get your approval early. More information here: Electronic System for Travel Authorization Check border wait times. Plan ahead. Give yourself extra time. Check traffic conditions at the border crossings within your region and select the crossing that is least congested. Travelers can download CBP’s Border Wait Time “app” to their mobile devices to check crossing traffic conditions. Travelers can also obtain traffic conditions at www.cbp.gov/travel/advisories-wait-times. 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, this includes agriculture products. Please visit http://www.cbp.gov/travel. And remember, marijuana remains illegal in the United States federally. Do not cross the border with any marijuana or marijuana products. Remember to Renew Your Trusted Traveler Status. Help make your traveler experience even faster by renewing your Trusted Traveler status by logging in to Trusted Traveler Programs. Select “Renew” and follow the prompts to update your information and pay the fee. Declare your goods. Travelers should declare all items being brought from abroad that will remain in the U.S. This includes gifts and Duty Free purchases. Food and plants. There are numerous agricultural restrictions on fruits, meats, and plants. Before bringing these items, 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. Be sure to visit CBP.gov to help you travel smart when traveling internationally.