Velia Amparo Rivas

Thanksgiving, Holiday Season Travel Reminder from US Customs and Border Protection - Tijuana, Rosarito, Ensenada.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection is reminding travelers planning trips across the border into the United States to make sure they have their proper documents and to anticipate times of heavy traffic during Thanksgiving and the upcoming holiday season (http://www.cbp.gov/xp/cgov/travel/wait_times/ ).

Thanksgiving is celebrated on the fourth Thursday in November at the end of the harvest season, and it is an annual American Federal holiday to give thanks for one's material and spiritual possessions.

Thanksgiving is the start of the holiday season that ends after New Year's Day. Border traffic volumes are expected to greatly increase during this holiday season and all travelers are reminded of a few simple steps they can employ to cross the border:

1. Plan your trip and allow extra time for crossing the border. Consult the CBP web site to monitor border wait times (http://www.cbp.gov/xp/cgov/travel/wait_times/ ) and review the "Know Before You Go" tip sheet: (http://www.cbp.gov/xp/cgov/travel/vacation/kbyg/ ).

2. Avoid peak travel times when at all possible. The heaviest traffic periods are typically between the hours of 7 a.m. and 7 p.m.

3. Do not attempt to bring fruits, meats, dairy/poultry products and firewood into the United States without first checking whether they are permitted. Travelers are advised to declare all agriculture products including firewood and kindling. Those individuals who are transporting agricultural products (including firewood and kindling) are subject to additional inspection by CBP agriculture specialists. Failure to properly declare agriculture products may result in delays and civil penalties (fines) for violations.

4. Be prepared to show proof of citizenship and identity to enter the United States. The Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI),  (http://www.getyouhome.gov/html/lang_eng/index.html ) implemented on June 1, 2009 requires U.S. and Canadian citizens, age 16 and older to present a valid, acceptable document that denotes both identity and citizenship when entering the U.S. by land or sea.

WHTI-approved travel documents include a passport, U. S. passport card, enhanced driver's licenses (EDLs) or a Trusted Traveler Program card (NEXUS, SENTRI and FAST). For more information, visit http://www.getyouhome.gov/html/lang_eng/index.html

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.

Saludos and don't forget to check the new listings on my website: www.bajaoceanside.com and write me at velia.in.baja@gmail.com to take you to go see your future dream home in Baja!

Velia Amparo

Published Saturday, November 20, 2010 3:09 AM by Velia Amparo Rivas