Feds remind Spring Breakers about border crossing travel documents

U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) reminds travelers to have their approved travel documents as they get ready to travel during Spring Break.

As local schools, colleges and universities get ready to celebrate their Spring Break vacation, CBP in Brownsville is prepared to handle the traditional traffic increases and emphasizes the implementation of the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI) travel-document requirements that have been in effect since June 1, 2009.

WHTI requires U.S. 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.

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 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.

WHTI document requirements for air travel have been in effect since January 2007. Almost all travelers flying back to the United States need to present a passport or NEXUS card.

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.

Travelers crossing at land ports of entry are urged to have their approved travel documents ready in hand when arriving at Brownsville International crossings and to display their WHTI-compliant, RFID-enabled documents properly when using the RFID readers at all primary lanes.

“CBP is always looking for ways to manage any increase in traffic and the expeditious crossing of all visitors and returning citizens. One of CBP’s main priorities is also to keep the public informed on the various programs that contribute to the efficient processing of traffic like WHTI and the use of RFID equipment. As always, CBP is very appreciative of the patience that everyone always displays during special times like this,” said Michael Freeman, CBP Port Director, Brownsville, “The surge in traffic is a factor that can be positively handled and travelers can avoid further delay with the use of WHTI-compliant, RFID-enabled documents.”

On a typical day, CBP welcomes more than one million international travelers into the United States at land, air and sea ports.

Traffic volumes at ports of entry in the area are expected to be heavier during Spring Break travel and travelers are reminded that, to further facilitate their processing, they are encouraged to terminate all cell phone calls and be ready to declare all items acquired in Mexico when they approach the primary inspection booths. If anyone has a question on what products are admissible, please consult our “Know Before You Go” pamphlet online at www.cbp.gov.

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.