People hoping to travel this Memorial Day must remember to be in accordance with state and federal laws, ensuring smoother and safer travel for everyone.
For travelers specifically looking to cross borders between Michigan (Detroit, Port Huron, Sault Ste. Marie) and Canada, the U.S. Customs and Border Protection’s Office of Field Operations has provided some tips on how to minimize possible delays, as well as be prepared during a Memorial Day travel weekend that’s expected to break travel records. A quick look into these travel tips can be found below:
- Have applicable travel documents on hand and ready to show officers. This includes WHTI-compliant identification, like a valid U.S. or Canadian Passport, Passport Card, Enhanced Driver’s License (EDL), or a Trusted Traveler Card (NEXUS, SENTRI, or FAST) for all adults 16 and older. U.S. and Canadian citizen children need only present an original or copy of their birth certificate, Consular Report of Birth Abroad, or Naturalization Certificate. Have these documents in hand—not packed away—before reaching the booth.
- Declare all goods, alcohol, and agricultural items. This includes any items bought or received as gifts outside your home country, all fresh fruits, vegetables, meats, eggs, dairy, and live plants, any amount of ($10,000) or more (in physical currency, traveler’s checks, or money orders), and prescription medications (which should ideally be in their original packaging, clearly showing the prescription details). Note that items like firearms, weapons, and endangered species products are either restricted or strictly prohibited.
- While legal in some municipalities, marijuana remains illegal under U.S. federal law. Do not attempt to cross the US border with it.
Being prepared in these ways will help to shorten or completely mitigate delays at ports of entry, allowing all travelers to reach their destinations faster and safer. Of course, travelers should always review the latest official laws and broader crossing regulations themselves to make sure that they are following them properly.
