Sweetgrass, Mont. - U.S. Customs and Border Protection reminds 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 during the celebration of Canada's Thanksgiving on October 11.
Border traffic volumes are expected to be greatly increased during this holiday weekend and all travelers are reminded of a few simple steps they can employ to cross the border more efficiently.
Plan your trip, avoid peak travel times typically between the hours of 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. and consider alternate ports of entry.
The Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI), 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 (EDLs) or a Trusted Traveler Program card (NEXUS, SENTRI and FAST). For more information, please visit the GetYouHome.gov website.
Do not attempt to bring unauthorized fruits, meats and dairy/poultry products into the United States 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 United States.
CBP officials continually monitor border crossing times at area ports of entry and plan to fully staff all inspection lanes during peak periods to maintain the flow of traffic.