Traveling this Fourth of July? The U.S. Customs and Border Protection has some tips if you plan to cross the border this weekend.
Drivers should expect increased traffic delays at the border in the coming days.
Here are several travel tips they offer:
Tip #1 – Travelers should familiarize themselves with the “Know Before You Go” section of the CBP.gov Web site to avoid fines and penalties associated with the importation of prohibited items.
Tip #2 – Travelers should prepare for the inspection process before arriving at the inspection booth. Travelers should have their crossing documents available for inspection and should be prepared to declare all items acquired abroad.
Tip #3 – Members of the traveling public should consult the CBP Web site to monitor border wait times at ports of entry. Information is updated hourly and is useful in planning trips and identifying periods of light traffic/short waits.
Tip #4 – During periods of heavy travel, border crossers may wish to consider traveling outside of peak times which normally occur between the hours of 9am and 5pm.
Tip #5 – Travelers should plan to build extra time into their trips in the event they cross during periods of exceptionally heavy traffic like holiday weekends.
Tip #6 – Know the difference between goods for personal use vs. commercial use.
Tip #7 –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.
Tip # 8- Personal importations of fireworks are prohibited.
