CBP issues holiday crossing tips

U.S. Customs and Border Protection officials gave traveler tips and offered border-crossing guidance to area residents Wednesday morning at the U.S. Port of Entry in San Luis, Ariz.

Customs officials also spoke about the agency's SENTRI Program, which is about dedicated commuter lanes at ports of entry.

"The enrollment center has been open," said Teresa Small, public affairs officer for the San Luis port of entry. "We are trying to get people to sign up and get the word out that you do it here."

Small said the holiday season is the busiest time of year for Customs, and the travelers awareness campaign is intended to remind travelers planning trips across the border about the rules and regulations.

"It is basically about what to do, and what not to do when you cross the border. It is for educational purposes and we try to do it annually."

Small said travelers should familiarize themselves with the “Know Before You Go” section of the CBP Web site to avoid fines and penalties associated with the importation of prohibited items.

“Know Before You Go” brochures are also available at border ports.

She also suggested that the traveling public consult the CBP Web site to monitor border wait times for various ports of entry.

Wait times are updated hourly, but it also a good idea to build extra time into trips during the holiday. Travelers should also check the State Department Web site at www.state.gov to read travel warnings. Also, the site has consular information sheets on every country.

Small said if you are planning a trip across the border, you need to make sure you have all the proper identification documents, such as a passport, U.S. passport card, enhanced driver’s licenses or a Trusted Traveler Program card (NEXUS, SENTRI and FAST).

For lawful permanent U.S. residents, the I-551 form (green card) is also acceptable for land and sea travel into the country.

It is also a good idea to declare all the items you intend to bring back into the country. If you do not declare something and then are found to have prohibited items, you can be prosecuted for criminal and civil penalties.

Border traffic volumes are expected to be greatly increased during the holiday weekends.

Custom officials were also supposed to conduct a ribbon cutting for its  H-2A/B Land Border Exit Pilot Program on Wednesday, but the program has been delayed indefinitely.

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THINGS YOU SHOULD KNOW BEFORE YOU GO

Tip 1 – Travelers should prepare for the inspection process before arriving at the inspection booth. Individuals should have their crossing documents available for the inspection and they should be prepared to declare all items acquired abroad. In addition, individuals should end cellular phone conversations before arriving at the inspection booth.

Tip 2 – During periods of heavy travel, border crossers may wish to consider alternative, less heavily traveled entry routes.

Tip 3 – Travelers should plan to build extra time into their trips in the event they cross during periods of exceptionally heavy traffic (i.e. Veterans Day/Remembrance Day and adjacent weekends).

Tip 4 – Know the difference between goods for personal use vs. commercial use.

Tip 5 – Do not attempt to bring fruits, meats, dairy/poultry products and firewood into the country without first checking whether they are permitted.

Tip 6 – Understand that CBP officers have the authority to conduct enforcement examinations without a warrant, ranging from a single luggage examination up to and possibly including a personal search.