Effective June 1, 2009, regulations for crossing the United States / Canadian border changed, requiring a passport from all travelers over the age of 16 to enter either country.

Take a look at the list below to find out what identification is needed, tips for crossing quickly and the traffic outlook at the bridge – so you’re not stuck at the border on your way to the game this season.

IDENTIFICATION REQUIREMENTS

OTHER CITIZENS: A passport is required; other documents may be required. Check with the Canada Border Services Agency or the US Department of State prior to traveling.

BRIDGES

PEACE BRIDGE

LEWISTON-QUEENSTON BRIDGE

RAINBOW BRIDGE

WHIRLPOOL BRIDGE

Whirlpool Bridge Restrictions:

• Commercial vehicles (trucks) are not permitted.
• The Whirlpool Bridge is reserved for subscribers to NEXUS (US / CAN), a program for pre-approved clearance.
• Hours of Operation from 7:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m.

TIPS FOR CROSSING

Border Tip 1
Other than essential luggage, empty your trunk before the trip. Additional belongings in your car may add time to your crossing, as border officers may perform a visual inspection of the belongings in your car.

Border Tip 2
Turn off radios and cell phones when approaching the inspection booths, roll down window, remove sunglasses and speak directly to the border officer.

Border Tip 3
Declare all purchases and have receipts in hand.  Also be sure to declare all fruits, vegetables, plants and plant products, animals, birds, eggs, meat and meat products, as well as items acquired for personal use.  For further information for entry into Canada consult www.inspections.gc.ca and for entry into U.S. consult www.cbp.gov

Border Tip 4
You can avoid border delays by crossing at the NEXUS-only Whirlpool Bridge if you and everyone in the vehicle have NEXUS cards.  Please note that the Whirlpool Bridge is open from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m.  The Peace and Rainbow Bridges also have NEXUS lanes.  For more information about NEXUS, click onto www.NEXUS.gc.ca

Border Tip 5
For traveler information related to entry into Canada, contact the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) at 1-800-461-999 for calls within Canada or 204-983-3500 or 508-636-5064 for calls outside Canada (long distance charges applicable) or consult the CBSA Web site at www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca

For traveler information related to entry into the US, contact U.S. Customs and Border Protection (US CBP) at 1-877-227-5511 or consult the US CBP Web site at www.cbp.gov

Border Tip 6
Be patient.  Border officers are responsible for protecting our nations’ border and public safety. Do not drink and drive under the influence of drugs or alcohol. 

Border Tip 7
Ensure that you have proper identifications for yourself and everyone in the vehicle readily available in hand when crossing the border.

You are reminded that the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI), a U.S. law, requires all travelers to the United States to present a valid passport or another approved secure document at the border.  Acceptable forms of identification for entry into both the US and Canada, that also meet the requirements of the WHTI, include a passport, a NEXUS card, a Free and Secure Trade (FAST) card and an enhanced driver's license. 

Border Tip 8
If traveling with children, who are not a part of your immediate family, obtain and carry a parental note of permission regarding cross-border travel, as well as the child’s identification. The note should include each child’s parental contact information and telephone numbers where they can be reached.  Preferred identification for US and Canadian citizen children under age 16 for entry into the US and Canada includes a valid passport, NEXUS card, enhanced drivers license or birth certificate. 

Border Tip 9 
Check Border Wait Times and Cross at the least busy border crossing. Obtain current travel conditions by:

• Calling the Niagara Falls Bridge Commission’s toll free number at 1-800-715-6722 or call 511 for the latest traffic updates
• Tuning to radio to 1610 a.m. 
• Visiting any of the following websites: www.cbp.gov, www.cbsa.gc.ca, www.nittec.org, www.peacebridge.com, www.niagarafallsbridges.com
• Noting the NITTEC highway dynamic message signs with posted delays beyond 30 minutes
• Registering at www.mynittec.org  to receive a free personalized email or text notification of border and regional traffic information.
• Accessing Twitter at www.twitter.com/CBSA_BWT
• Using your cell phone to access travel information at wap.gc.ca or www.gc.ca

Tip 10
Give yourself extra time to cross the border particularly on December 26 when there will be four World Junior Hockey Games, a Buffalo Bills Game and cross-border shoppers all trying to cross the border.  Other days of anticipated higher volumes include December 28 and December 31, 2010