Reminder to Summer Travellers from U.S. Customs and Border Protection and the Canada Border Services Agency

OTTAWA, ONTARIO--(Marketwire - June 29, 2011) - This summer travel season, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) have joined efforts to remind summer travellers of document requirements to travel into both countries. The two agencies want to educate travellers about these requirements to make their travel experience during the busy summer season a more enjoyable one.

CBP reminds travellers:

- The Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI) requires U.S. and Canadian citizens, age 16 and older, to present a valid, acceptable travel document that denotes both identity and citizenship when entering the U.S. by land or sea. U.S. and Canadian citizens under age 16 may present a birth certificate or alternative proof of citizenship when entering by land or sea.

- WHTI-compliant documents for entry into the United States at land and sea ports include:

-- U.S. or Canadian passports;

-- Trusted traveller card (NEXUS, SENTRI, or FAST/EXPRES);

-- U.S. passport card;

-- State- or province-issued enhanced driver's licenses (when and where available). For more information, visit the WHTI Web site. (GetYouHome.gov).

- A radio frequency identification- (RFID) enabled travel document, such as a U.S. passport card, enhanced driver's license/enhanced identification card or trusted traveller program card, expedites entry and makes crossing the border more efficient.

- Other programs that facilitate the entry process for international travellers coming into the country to visit, study or conduct legitimate business include trusted traveller programs, such as SENTRI, NEXUS and Global Entry. For more information about these programs, visit www.cbp.gov.

The CBSA reminds travellers:

- Canadian entry requirements have not changed as a result of the U.S. WHTI.

- Canadians returning home (including children) are encouraged to carry proper identification to assist in confirming their legal right to enter Canada. A passport is not mandatory for entry into Canada but it is a preferable piece of identification. Other acceptable identification includes an enhanced driver's license, a birth certificate with accompanying photo ID such as a regular driver's license, a permanent residence card, a citizenship card, a certificate of Indian Status or a NEXUS card or Free and Secure Trade (FAST) card when travelling by land or boat.

- United States citizens do not need to carry a passport to enter Canada however they should carry proof of citizenship (such as a birth certificate) as well as photo identification.

Travelling by Air?

- Prior to arriving in Canada by air, all travellers are provided with a Declaration form (Form E311). Be sure to fill it out accurately and keep it in an accessible place until a border services officer asks you for it as you exit the secure area of the airport.

Travelling by Boat?

- Boat owners/operators are responsible for reporting themselves, their crew and their passengers to a telephone reporting centre (TRC) upon arrival in Canada by calling 1-888-226-7277 from a dedicated land line at selected marinas and other locations. Failure to do so may result in detention, seizure or forfeiture of the conveyance and/or monetary penalties. For more information on arriving by recreational boat, visit http://cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/publications/pub/bsf5061-eng.html .

- NEXUS members can provide advance notice to the CBSA at least 30 minutes (minimum) and up to four hours (maximum) prior to arriving in Canada by calling the NEXUS telephone reporting centre (TRC) at 1-866-99-NEXUS (1-866-996-3987).

Other Useful Information:

- Visitors to Canada should be aware of the requirements to import a firearm into Canada. Many weapons are considered prohibited and are therefore not allowed into Canada. All travellers must declare any firearms and weapons in their possession when they are seeking entry to Canada. Anyone who does not declare them upon arrival can face prosecution, and the firearms and the vehicle used to carry them may be seized.

- Visit www.cbsa.gc.ca for more information, including entry requirements into Canada for non-Canadians, and to download a copy of I Declare, a detailed publication describing what to expect when bringing goods into Canada.

- Canadians returning home and visitors to Canada are reminded that they can plan their border crossing to avoid peak times, and that they should check Canada-bound border wait times via the CBSA Web site and on Twitter.

For more information, visit www.CBP.gov or www.cbsa.gc.ca.

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 official ports of entry. CBP is charged with keeping terrorists and terrorist weapons out of the country while enforcing hundreds of U.S. laws.