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  4. Labor Day Weekend Expected to Bring Increased Traffic at the Border

Labor Day Weekend Expected to Bring Increased Traffic at the Border

Release Date
Thu, 09/01/2016

BUFFALO, N.Y. – With the U.S. and Canada celebrating their Labor Day on September 5, U.S. Customs and Border Protection is expecting an increase in border traffic. CBP is reminding travelers who are planning trips across the border to anticipate delays and prepare accordingly.

“It’s the last holiday weekend of the summer and tends to a busy one for border crossings” said Port Director Cary Frieling. “We advise travelers to check CBP’s Border Wait Time site before crossing.”

Be prepared for inspections
Be prepared for inspections.

All travelers are reminded of a few simple steps that can be taken to make their border crossing experience as efficient as possible.

  • Acquire the appropriate travel document. Passports, U.S. Passport Cards, Enhanced Driver’s Licenses are just a few of the approved documents.
  • Join NEXUS. NEXUS allows pre-screened, low-risk travelers to proceed with little or no delay into the U.S. and Canada. NEXUS is $50 for 5 years and children under 18 are free. NEXUS members who are U.S. citizens, U.S. Lawful Permanent Residents, or Canadian citizens also receive the benefits of TSA Pre-Check. Apply for a NEXUS card today at GOES or visit the Trusted Traveler Programs page.
  • Check border wait times. Plan ahead. Give yourself extra time. Check traffic conditions at the border crossings within the region and select the crossing that is least congested. Travelers can download CBP’s Border Wait Time “APP” to their mobile devices for real time border crossing traffic conditions. The app is available in both Google Play and Apple stores. Travelers can also obtain current border traffic conditions on the Advisories and Wait Times page.
  • Beat the rush. Cross during off peak times which are generally before 7 a.m. or after 5 p.m.
  • Be Ready. Have your travel documents in hand, roll down vehicle windows and remove hats and sunglasses before entering the inspection area.
  • Travelers are encouraged to visit the “Know Before You Go” section of the CBP web site. To avoid fines and penalties associated with the importation of restricted or prohibited items become educated prior to traveling, this includes agriculture products. Please visit the Travel page.
  • Declare your goods. Travelers should declare all items being brought from abroad that will remain in the U.S. This includes gifts and Duty Free purchases.
  • Food and Plants. There are numerous agricultural restrictions on fruits, meats, and plants. Before bringing these items back, check the CBP website on bringing agricultural products into the U.S. If you decide to take your chances and bring it with you, be certain to declare it, and be willing to surrender it if it turns out to be prohibited.
  • Declare all firearms. Travelers are reminded that specific requirements must be met to import or export firearms and ammunition to/from the United States. For more information visit the ATF, State Dept., and Commerce Dept. websites.
Last Modified: Feb 13, 2024