see also: in Local News Releases :   Texas News Releases   CBP Puerto Rico and U.S. Virgin Islands FY2012 Review   El Centro Sector Border Patrol Seizes more than $1.5 Million worth of Illegal Narcotics   CBP Detains Man Wanted by NYPD   Baltimore CBP Finds Surprise in Celery Seed Shipment   No Valentine’s Day Surprises: CBP Informs Travelers about Bringing Flowers from Mexico ...more on cbp.gov:   Press Officers   News Releases   Know Before You Go   Wait Times - Airport and Border CBP.gov getyouhome.gov

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 CBP. ( CBP.gov )

Travelers should familiarize themselves with the “Know Before You Go” section of the CBP Web site and consult the border wait times page Know Before You Go & Wait Times - Airport and Border. ( Know Before You Go ) ( Wait Times - Airport and Border ) 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 (WHTI) implemented June 1, 2009, all travelers, including U.S. and Canadian citizens, need to present an approved travel document to enter the U.S. by land and sea. These 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 web site for additional information. ( getyouhome.gov )

CBP strongly encourages travelers to obtain a radio frequency identification (RFID) enabled travel document such as a U.S. Passport Card, Enhanced Driver’s License/Enhanced Identification Card or Trusted Traveler Program card (NEXUS, SENTRI, Global Entry, or FAST) 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 United States.

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 and travelers can apply online at CBP. ( CBP.gov ) Additionally, NEXUS information is available toll-free at 1-866-NEXUS 26 (1-866-639-8726).

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.