Blaine, Wash. — U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) is reminding travelers planning trips across the border into the United States to make sure they have their proper documents during the celebration of the first statutory British Columbia’s “BC Family Day” holiday weekend.

“Everyone who chooses to live in the great Pacific Northwest knows what an extraordinary place it is. Setting aside a day for the celebration of families is important whether it is spent at home or crossing the border for travel and shopping opportunities. CBP will always be on duty to expedite legitimate visitors to the United States,” said Area Port Director Greg Alvarez.

CBP strongly encourages travelers to plan your trip in advance and obtain a radio frequency identification (RFID)-enabled travel document such as an Enhanced Driver’s License/Enhanced Identification Card, US passport card or Trusted Traveler Program card (NEXUS, SENTRI, Global Entry or FAST/EXPRES) to expedite their entry and make future border crossings more efficient.

To avoid delays border crossers may want to use the nearby and less heavily traveled port of entry at Sumas on State Highway 9 with a NEXUS lane operating between 7 a.m. and noon seven days a week. The Lynden port of entry is also available from 8 a.m. until midnight on State Highway 539.

Ready Lanes are open at Peace Arch (8 a.m. until 1 p.m., Monday through Friday) and Lynden (noon until

4 p.m., Monday through Friday) for those travelers with RFID-enabled cards.