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Columbus Day Weekend Could Cause Increased Delays at Local Crossings

Release Date
Tue, 10/07/2014

BUFFALO, N.Y. – As part of U.S. Customs and Border Protection’s mission to safeguard the nation’s borders, CBP is offering the following guidance on how to expedite border crossings for travelers returning through Western New York’s ports of entry this holiday weekend.

  • Prepare for the inspection process before arriving at the inspection booth. Have your WHTI (Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative) or RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) enabled documents in hand before reaching primary inspection. Travelers should declare all items acquired abroad. Additionally, individuals should end cellular phone conversations before arriving at the inspection booth. Travelers should also have their windows rolled down for inspection and remove any sunglasses and hats prior to entering the inspection area.
  • Travelers are encouraged to visit the Know Before You Go section of the CBP website. To avoid fines and penalties associated with the importation of restricted or prohibited items become educated prior to traveling, this includes agriculture products.
  • Allow for extra time and check border wait times in case of exceptionally heavy traffic. Travelers should check traffic conditions at the four border crossings within the Buffalo/Niagara region and select the crossing that is least congested. Travelers can easily obtain current border traffic conditions at the Advisories and Wait Times section on CBP.gov.
  • Cross-border travelers are encouraged to participate in the NEXUS program. NEXUS allows pre-screened, low-risk travelers to proceed with little or no delay into the United States and Canada. Application forms are available on the Canada Border Services Agency website at www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca and travelers can apply online at www.cbp.gov. Additionally, NEXUS information is available toll-free at 1-866-NEXUS 26 (1-866-639-8726).

For more information on what to expect at a port of entry, document requirements, and prohibited or restricted items, travelers can visit the Travel section of the CBP.gov website.

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.

Last Modified: Feb 03, 2021