U.S. Customs and Border Protection reminds travelers planning trips across the border to anticipate holiday traffic during the observance of Remembrance Day in Canada and Veterans Day in the United States.
Traditionally, the holiday is observed on Nov. 11, but will be observed on Monday, Nov. 12 in the U.S. this year. Originally dedicated as Armistice Day to commemorate the ending of the First World War it is now observed in honor of the sacrifices of all members of the armed forces in times of war.
All travelers, including U.S. and Canadian citizens, are reminded that the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative was implemented on June 1, 2009, requiring persons 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 compliant documents include a passport, U. S. passport card, enhanced driver’s licenses, or a Trusted Traveler Program card. For more information, visit www.GetYouHome.gov.
Plan your trip, avoid peak travel times — typically between the hours of 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. — and consider alternate ports of entry. Consult the CBP website at www.cbp.gov, click on Travel, to monitor border wait times at International Falls and Pembina, North Dakota, find out the operating hours for ports of entry in Minnesota and North Dakota, and review the “Know Before You Go” tip sheet.
As winter approaches, travelers are encouraged to check weather and road conditions prior to travel. Current road conditions in Minnesota can be found at www.511mn.org. North Dakota weather and road conditions are found at www.dot.nd.gov.
Travelers arriving from Canada are reminded that several types of Canadian and U.S. origin fresh fruits and vegetables are prohibited from entering the United States. Prohibited fresh fruits and vegetables grown in Canada include: tomatoes, peppers, green onions, leeks, chives, garlic with green tops, and home-grown potatoes. Oranges, lemons, limes, and grapefruit grown in the U.S. may not be brought into the U.S. from Canada. With few exceptions, fresh fruits and vegetables grown outside of the U.S. or Canada are also prohibited.
Remember to declare all fruits, vegetables, plants, meats, pets, or wood products to CBP officers and agriculture specialists at ports of entry. Failure to declare agriculture products or food items may result in the issuance of a fine of up to $1,000.
Do not attempt to bring fruits, meats and dairy/poultry products into the United States from Canada without first checking whether they are permitted. Review the “Know Before You Go” tip sheet at www.cbp.gov for additional information concerning your trip into the United States.
