see also: in March 2012:   U.S. Border Patrol Weekly Blotter, Blaine Sector March 22-28   U.S. Customs and Border Protection Officers Seize Over $1 Million in Cocaine at Brownsville Port of Entry   Criminal Convicted, Sentenced to 51 Months in Prison   CBP Donates 192 Toilets Seized in Drug Bust to Habitat for Humanity of Laredo-Webb County   CBP Intercepts Agriculture Pest at Sky Harbor International Airport   Heavy Equipment Plows Yield Over a Ton of Marijuana at Marfa Border Patrol Checkpoint ...more on cbp.gov:   News Releases   Press Officers cbp.gov CBP Wait Times Know Before You Go on the web:   CBSA   Nittec   Peace Bridge   Niagara Falls bridge   Get You Home   Nexus Niagara

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 by calling the Niagara Falls Bridge Commission’s toll free number at (800) 715-6722 by visiting any of the following websites: ( cbp.gov ) ( CBSA ) ( Nittec ) ( Peace Bridge ) ( Niagara Falls bridge )

Travelers should familiarize themselves with the “Know Before You Go” section of the CBP website and consult the border wait times page ( Know Before You Go ) ( CBP Wait Times ) . Wait time information is updated hourly and is useful in identifying periods of light traffic/short waits. Travelers should have their approved travel documents available for inspection and be prepared to declare all items acquired outside or being imported into the U.S.

In compliance with the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative all travelers, including U.S. and Canadian citizens, entering the U.S. via land and sea arrival, need to present an approved travel document. These approved documents include a valid Passport, U.S. Passport Card, Trusted Traveler card (NEXUS, SENTRI or FAST) or an Enhanced Driver’s License. Children under the age of 16 can present an original or copy of their birth certificate. Please visit the WHTI website for additional information. ( Get You Home )

CBP strongly encourages travelers to obtain a radio frequency identification enabled travel document such as a U.S. Passport Card, Enhanced Driver’s License/Enhanced Identification Card or Trusted Traveler Program card (NEXUS, SENTRI or FAST/EXPRES) to expedite their entry and make crossing the border more efficient.

WHTI compliant, RFID enabled documents help reduce the time it takes to process travelers at the border. No personal identification information is stored on the RFID chip embedded in the cards – only a series of ones and zeros that points to information in a secure CBP database.

CBP also reminds U.S. lawful permanent residents that the I-551 form (green card) is acceptable for land and sea travel into the U.S.

Cross-border travelers are encouraged to participate in the NEXUS program, which 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 ( CBSA ) and travelers can apply online at ( cbp.gov ) . Additionally, NEXUS information is available toll-free at (866)-NEXUS 26 (866)-639-8726 or online at ( Nexus Niagara )

WHTI is the joint Department of State-Department of Homeland Security plan that implemented a key 9/11 Commission recommendation to establish document requirements for travelers entering the United States, who were previously exempt, including citizens of the U.S., Canada and Bermuda.

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.