see also: in June 2012:   U.S. Border Patrol to Host First Law Enforcement Explorer Program in Maine   CBP Officers Identify Missing Marine City Woman   CBP Officers in Port Huron Arrest Imposter   Lukeville CBP Officers Arrest Local Man for Drug Smuggling   Douglas CBP Officers Seize Stolen Vehicle   U.S. Border Patrol Weekly Blotter, Blaine Sector June 14– June 27   CBP Officers in Port Huron Arrest Imposter ...more on cbp.gov:   Press Officers   News Releases Know Before You Go Wait Times - Airport and Border CBP Nexus on the web:   CBSA/ ASFC   WHTI

On June 15th, the Whirlpool Bridge hours of operation will be extended from 11:00 pm to 2:00 am on June 16th allowing NEXUS cardholders expanded access to the NEXUS exclusive crossing. All other travelers should check traffic conditions at the other three border crossings within the Buffalo/Niagara region and select the crossing that is least congested. Travelers can easily obtain current border traffic conditions by calling the Niagara Falls Bridge Commission’s toll free number at (800) 715-6722 or by visiting the following websites: ( CBP.gov ) and ( CBSA/ ASFC )

Travelers should familiarize themselves with the “Know Before You Go” section of the CBP Web site and consult the border wait times page ( Know Before You Go ) ( Wait Times - Airport and Border ) . Wait time information is updated hourly and is useful in identifying periods of light traffic/short waits. Travelers should have their approved travel documents available for inspection and be prepared to declare all items acquired outside, or being imported into, the U.S.

In compliance with the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI) implemented June 1, 2009, all travelers, including U.S. and Canadian citizens, need to present an approved travel document to enter the U.S. by land and sea. These documents include a valid Passport, U.S. Passport Card, Trusted Traveler card (NEXUS, SENTRI or FAST) or an Enhanced Driver’s License. Children under the age of 16 can present an original or copy of their birth certificate. Please visit the WHTI website for additional information ( WHTI ) .

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.

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.

Cross-border travelers are encouraged to participate in the NEXUS program, which allows pre-screened, low-risk travelers to proceed with little or no delay into the United States and Canada. Application forms are available on the Canada Border Services Agency website and travelers can apply online ( CBSA/ ASFC ) ( CBP.gov ) . Additionally, NEXUS information is available toll-free at (866) NEXUS 26 ((866) 639-8726) or online at ( CBP Nexus ) .

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.