see also: in National News Releases:   CBP Successfully Transitions Sea and Rail Manifests to ACE   The U.S. and Canada Announce Pilot to Enhance Border Security at Land Ports of Entry   CBP Issues Guidance on 2012 Sukkot Holiday Travel   Secretary Napolitano Announces Partnership With Loews Hotels & Resorts   CBP Opens New Center of Excellence and Expertise in Houston   CBP Participates in BIEC   Hidalgo International Bridge Customs and Border Protection Arrest Hidalgo Man Wanted for Aggravated Robbery ...more on cbp.gov:   Press Officers   News Releases   Wait Times - Airport and Border   Trusted Traveler Programs   Trusted Traveler Programs   Prohibited and Restricted Items   Bringing Agricultural Products Into the United States www.cbp.gov on the web:   Travel.State.Gov

• Have all the required travel documents for the country you are visiting, as well as approved and valid identification for re-entry to the United States. Passports are required for air travel. Visit www.travel.state.gov for country-specific information. ( Travel.State.Gov )
• For citizens of Visa Waiver Program countries, make sure that you have an approved Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) before boarding. For those traveling on a visa, have a completed I-94 form when approaching CBP processing.
• Have a completed Customs Declaration form (6059b) upon reaching CBP processing. Declare everything you are bringing from abroad, even if you bought it in a duty-free shop. Know that things bought abroad for personal use or as gifts may be eligible for duty exemptions. If you are bringing them back for resale, they are not.
• Know the difference between prohibited merchandise (which is forbidden by law to enter the U.S.) and restricted merchandise (items needing special permit to be allowed into the U.S.). For more information, please visit the Restricted/Prohibited section of the CBP website. ( Prohibited and Restricted Items )
• Do not attempt to bring fruits, meats, dairy/poultry products and/or firewood into the United States without first checking whether they are permitted. For more information, please visit the Bringing Agricultural Products Into the United States section of the CBP website. ( Bringing Agricultural Products Into the United States )
• Build additional time into trips during busy travel seasons and understand that CBP must conduct a thorough inspection of the nearly one million travelers entering the country each day.
• Understand that CBP officers can inspect you and your personal belongings without a warrant. This may include your luggage, vehicle, and personal searches and is meant to enforce our laws as well as protect legitimate travelers.
• Monitor border wait times for various ports of entry. ( Wait Times - Airport and Border ) Travelers are encouraged to plan their trips during periods of lighter traffic or to use an alternate, less heavily traveled port of entry. For more information, travelers can find up to date wait time information on the CBP website.
• If you are a frequent international traveler and haven’t already become a member of a trusted traveler program, sign up now. For more information, please visit the Trusted Traveler section of the CBP website. ( Trusted Traveler Programs )
• Familiarize yourself with the “Know Before You Go” section of www.cbp.gov. ( www.cbp.gov )

U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) 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.