Traveling this Summer

May 27…………The U.S. Customs and Border Patrol (CBP) and the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) have combined efforts to provide travel tips to those of us traveling this summer. CBP and TSA recently enacted initiatives to help in traveling while protecting the U.S.  from various threats. They are trying to educate our fellow travelers in these initiatives to ensure our traveling experience is an enjoyable one.

The CBP gives travelers the following reminders:

• When returning home from abroad U.S. citizens must have approved travel documents.
• The Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative or WHTI requires both U.S. and Canadian citizens 16 and older to present valid, acceptable travel documents validates both citizenship and identity when entering the U.S. by land or sea. Those under 16 may present birth certificate or alternate proof of citizenship when entering the U.S. by land or sea
• The radio frequency identification (RFID)-enabled travel documents like a U.S. Passport Card, Trusted Travel Program card, Enhanced Driver’s License/Enhanced ID Card speeds up entry and makes crossing our borders more efficient.
• All citizens or Nationals of Visa Waiver Program (VWP) countries are now required to have an approved Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) prior to boarding any carrier that travels to the U.S. by sea or air. The ESTA was implemented by the CBP on January 12, 2009 in order to speed up entry into the U.S. by VWP travelers.
• Other programs used to speed up entry for international travelers coming to the U.S. to visit, conduct legitimate business or study include “Trusted Traveler Programs” such as Global Entry, NEXUS, SENTRU by providing dedicated lanes and kiosks. See the CBP’s website on information on these programs.

The CBP gives the following travel tips:

• Travelers should read and be familiar with the “Know Before You Go” section of the CBP’s website to avoid fines or penalties related to importing prohibited items.
• Before arriving at the inspection booth, have your approved travel documents available and be prepared to declare all items from abroad even if you bought them from a duty free shop. Any Cuban product is prohibited regardless of where it was bought.
• Remember that no foreign made drugs are FDA approved and cannot be brought into the U.S. Also remember to pack only enough of your own medication for the time you will be traveling out of the U.S.
• Know the difference between items used for commercial use and personal use.
• Do not try to bring in firewood, fruits, dairy/poultry products or meats into the U.S. without first checking to see if they are permitted.
• When planning trips, travelers should monitor border wait times for various ports of entry by checking hourly updates on CBP’s website. This is also helpful in identifying periods of short waits and light use.
• Plan for extra time into travel plans during periods of exceptionally heavy travel. Consider alternative ports of entry that are less heavily traveled during heavy travel periods.
• Expect a thorough inspection process even during the holiday travel season.
• Know that the CBP officers can search you, your vehicle, and your belongings without a warrant.

The TSA reminders travelers of the following:

• Plan ahead for security and be prepared for the security process
• The TSA has accelerated its use of the Advanced Imaging Technology (AIT) and broadened its use of the Explosive Trace Detection (ETD) technology since Christmas Day 2009.
• Remember that security measures can happen at various locations in airports and are done on a random basis. These measures include screening of carry-on items as well as hands by ETD, AIT, explosives detection canine units, behavior detection officers, and bottled liquid screening technology.

The TSA also offers these travel tips:

• Remember 3 simple tips for security:1) Have your ID and boarding pass ready and out, 2)take out liquids ( in a baggie) and laptops, and 3) take off jackets and shoes.
• Packing your carry-ons in an organized manner speeds the screening process by allowing seeing what is inside quickly.
• There are Family Lanes at every security checkpoints to help those with special needs that may need additional time to process.

Remembering these tips and reminders will aid in making your traveling experience and enjoyable one!