U.S. and Canadian agencies seek to expedite border traffic

This summer travel season, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) joined efforts to remind summer travelers of document requirements to travel into both countries. The two agencies want to educate travelers about these requirements to make their travel experience a more enjoyable one. . The Western Hemisphere Travel

Initiative (WHTI) requires U.S. and Canadian citizens, age 16 and older to present a valid, acceptable travel document that denotes both identity 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.

. WHTI-compliant documents for

entry into the United States at land and seaports include:

o U.S. or Canadian passports

o Trusted Traveler Card

(NEXUS, SENTRI,

or FAST/EXPRES)

o U.S. Passport Card

o State or province-issued

Enhanced Driver’s Licenses

(when and where available).

. A radio frequency identification

(RFID)-enabled travel document, such as a U.S. Passport Card, Enhanced Driver’s License/ Enhanced Identification Card or Trusted Traveler Program card, expedites entry and makes crossing the border more efficient.

The CBSA reminds travelers:

. Canadian entry requirements

have not changed as a result of

the U.S. WHTI.

. Canadians returning home

(including children) are encouraged to carry proper identification to assist in

confirming their legal right to

enter Canada.

. United States citizens do not

need to carry a passport to enter Canada, however they should carry proof of citizenship (such

as a birth certificate) as well as

photo identification.

. Visitors to Canada should be

aware of the requirements to import a firearm into Canada. Many weapons are considered prohibited and are therefore not allowed into Canada. All travelers must declare any firearms and weapons in their possession when they enter Canada. Anyone who does not declare them upon arrival can face prosecution and

the firearms, and the vehicle used

to carry them, may be seized.

. Visit www.cbsa.gc.ca for more

information including entry requirements into Canada for non-Canadians and to download a copy of I Declare,
a detailed publication describing what to expect when bringing goods into Canada. For more information about Canadian requirements, visit www.CBP.gov or www.cbsa.gc.ca.

For more information about U.S. requirements, visit the WHTI Web site: www.GetYouHome.gov.