Presidents Day and Family Day Holiday Travel Reminder

Pembina, N.D. - U.S. Customs and Border Protection is reminding travelers planning trips across the border this weekend into the United States to make sure they have their proper documents and to anticipate heavy traffic.

Monday, Feb. 21 is Presidents Day in the U.S. and Family Day in Canada. Border traffic volumes are expected to increase this weekend and all travelers are reminded of a few simple steps they can employ to cross the border more efficiently.

Plan your trip to avoid peak travel times typically between the hours of 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. and consider alternate ports of entry. If bringing presents 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.

The Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative, implemented on June 1, 2009 requires U.S. and Canadian citizens, age 16 and older to present a valid, acceptable document that denotes both identity and citizenship when entering the U.S. by land or sea. WHTI-approved travel documents include a Passport, U.S. Passport card, enhanced driver’s licenses or a trusted traveler program card (NEXUS, SENTRI and FAST). For more information, visit the following website. ( www.getyouhome.gov )

CBP strongly encourages travelers to obtain a radio frequency identification-enabled travel document such as a U.S. Passport card, enhanced driver’s license/enhanced identification card or Trusted Traveler Program card (NEXUS, SENTRI or FAST/EXPRES) to expedite their entry and make crossing the border more efficient.

Do not attempt to bring unauthorized fruits, meats and dairy/poultry products into the U.S. from Canada without first checking whether they are permitted. Review the “Know Before You Go” tip sheet for additional information concerning your trip into the U.S.

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.

This advisory was sponsored by Police Leadership Books.