Updates

CBP Offers Summer Travel Tips - 'Know Before You Go'

Miami – As the summer travel season is underway, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) is providing summer travelers with travel tips to assist with their cross border travel.

CBP has implemented many important initiatives designed to facilitate travel while, at the same time, improving U.S. border security.

Travel Requirements for U.S. Citizens U.S. citizens traveling abroad must have approved travel documents when returning home. The Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI) requires U.S. and Canadian citizens, age 16 and older to present a valid, acceptable travel document, such as a passport, a U.S. passport card, a trusted traveler card (NEXUS, SENTRI or FAST/EXPRES) or an Enhanced Driver’s License that denotes bothentity and citizenship when entering the U.S. by land or sea. U.S. and Canadian citizens under age 16 may present a birth certificate or alternative proof of citizenship when entering by land or sea.

A radio frequencyentification (RFID) enabled travel document such as a U.S. passport card, enhanced driver’s license/enhancedentification card or Trusted traveler card expedites entry and makes crossing the border more efficient. There are currently 10 million RFID-enabled travel documents issued.

WHTI document requirements for air travel have been in effect since January 2007. Almost all travelers flying back to the United States need to present a passport or trusted traveler card.

Travel Requirements for Visitors to the U.S. All nationals or citizens of VWP countries are now required to have an approved Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) prior to boarding a carrier to travel by air or sea to the U.S. under the VWP. ESTA applications may be submitted at any time prior to travel, and once approved, generally will be valid for up to two years or until the applicant’s passport expires, whichever comes first. Authorizations will be valid for multiple entries into the U.S. CBP recommends ESTA applications be submitted as soon as an applicant begins making travel plans.

Other programs that facilitate the entry process for international travelers coming into the country to visit, study or conduct legitimate business include trusted traveler programs, such as SENTRI, NEXUS and Global Entry. For more information about these programs, please visit the CBP Web site.

Small Vessel Reporting System CBP now offers a new small vessel reporting system which allows boat operators and passengers an alternative to the current reporting system. By applying online and visiting a customs office in advance, owners and passengers can now obtain entry clearance by phone. The system is available in Florida, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands as well as along the northern U.S. border. The program will be expanded during the coming year to cover small vessel entries country-wide. For more information, please visit the CBP Small Vessel Reporting System Web site.

Additionally, CBP offers the following travel tips:

  • Tip #1 – To avoid fines and penalties associated with importing prohibited items, travelers should familiarize themselves with the “Know Before You Go.” For more information, please go to the “Know Before You Go” section of the CBP Web site.
  • Tip #2 – Be prepared to declare all items acquired abroad. Travelers should prepare for the inspection process before arriving at the inspection booth and have their approved travel documents ready.
  • Tip #3 – Monitor border wait times for various ports of entry. For more information, travelers can find wait time information at the CBP Web site. To experience shorter wait times, travelers can use ports of entry during periods of lighter traffic or less heavily traveled ports of entry during periods of heavy travel.
  • Tip #4 – Build extra time into the trip in the event of crossing during periods of exceptionally heavy traffic.
  • Tip #5 – Know the difference between goods for personal use versus commercial use. For more information, please visit the Restricted/Prohibited section of the CBP Web site.
  • Tip #6 – Do not attempt to bring fruits, meats, dairy/poultry products and/or firewood into the U.S. without first checking whether they are permitted. For more information, please visit the Bringing Agricultural Products Into the United States section of the CBP Web site.
  • Tip #7 – International travelers should expect a thorough inspection process, even during busy holiday periods, when entering the U.S. CBP officers are authorized to conduct enforcement examinations, ranging from checking luggage to a personal search, without a warrant.
  • Tip #8 – If you are a frequent international traveler and haven’t already become a member of a trusted traveler program, sign up now. For more information, please visit the Trusted Traveler section of the CBP Web site.

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.

For more information, contact: Norma Morfa CBP Public Affairs Phone: (305) 810-5178 Ext: 614