DETROIT – U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) is reminding all travelers planning trips out of or into the United States to make sure they have proper documents and to anticipate heavy traffic during the Christmas and New Year holidays.
"This holiday season, we welcome travelers entering to visit family and shop," Director of Field Operations Christopher Perry said. "We also want everyone to be prepared for their border crossing experience and have your documents ready. Prepared travelers help to reduce wait times allowing us to concentrate on enforcing the laws of the United States and protecting the American people as well as those visiting the U.S."
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Visitors and returning residents should prepare for the inspection process before arriving at the inspection booth by having their crossing documents available for presentation and by being prepared to declare all items accompanying the traveler.
If bringing gifts across the border, ensure that any festive wrappings do not obstruct inspection of the items. Simple alternatives are to leave one end open for inspection or wrap the gift item at your final destination.
All travelers, including U.S. and Canadian citizens, need to present documentary proof of citizenship. These documents include a Passport, U.S. Passport Card, trusted traveler card (NEXUS, SENTRI, FAST or Global Entry) or an Enhanced Driver’s License.
Children under the age of 16 can present an original or copy of their birth certificate. Travelers should have travel documents that comply with the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative.
Frequent cross-border travelers are encouraged to participate in the NEXUS program, which allows pre-screened, low-risk travelers to proceed with little or no delay into the United States and Canada.