International Travel Tips For This Holiday Season

11-27-2008

Customs and Border Protection Provides Advice to Travelers

 

WASHINGTON — Customs and Border Protection (CBP) is providing key travel tips to help international travelers prepare for this business holiday travel season. CBP processes more than one million passengers and pedestrians on a daily basis at the nation’s 327 air, land and sea ports of entry.

“The holiday season is a busy time for international travel. We want to help ensure your entry into the United States is a positive experience,” said CBP Commissioner W. Ralph Basham. “We take our role in facilitating legitimate trade and travel very seriously and want to make sure travelers have all the resources and information necessary to make their traveling experience a positive one.”

Here are some travel tips offered by Customs and Border Protection for your visit or return to the United States that can also be found on CBP’s web site: (www.cbp.gov)

 

Ø  Have all the required travel documents for the countries you are visiting, as well as identification for re-entry to the United States. A passport is required for returning U.S. citizens when flying internationally.

 

Ø  Know the rules and regulations concerning food and agricultural items before you travel, as some are prohibited or must meet certain requirements, such as a license or permit. In addition, all live birds and bird products, whether for personal or commercial use, may be restricted and/or quarantined. 

 

Ø  Make sure you follow the directions on the CBP Customs Declaration form and fill out both sides

 

Ø  When you arrive at a port of entry in the United States you will be inspected by a U.S. Customs and Border Protection officer. Be prepared to tell the officer the purpose of your trip and those items that you purchased or obtained abroad

 

Ø  If you are headed overseas, learn about the country or countries you are visiting and any local conditions that might affect your trip by consulting the U.S Department of State website. (U.S Department of State) You can also use the site to register your trip and have travel information sent directly to your email address

 

Ø  U.S. travelers crossing at land ports of entry are urged to apply now for their passport card, SENTRI, NEXUS or FAST card or enhanced driver’s license from participating states, all of which incorporate a new vicinity RFID chip. For more information, visit www.GetYouHome.gov.

 

Ø  As a visitor to the U.S., when you depart be sure that the airline ticket agent collects your I-94 form and (where available) ‘check out’ at an automated exit kiosk.

 

Ø  See our “Top 10 Travel Tips”, Airport wait times and Frequently Asked Questions concerning international travel at CBP’s Web site. (Know Before You Go)

 

 

CBP recommends the Global Entry program for frequent international travelers.[Back to Press Releases Main]