SAN JUAN: It’s time to break out the sunglasses and sunscreen—summer travel season is officially here. U.S. Customs and Border Protection encourages travelers to educate themselves on the rules and regulations relating to international travel before crossing the border this summer.
“This summer, travelers will notice more technology and more options to streamline their arrival or return to the United States,” said Marcelino Borges, Director of Field Operations for Puerto Rico and the US Virgin Islands. “CBP is transforming the international arrivals experience for travelers creating a faster and friendlier process.”
Travelers arriving at airports this summer will notice kiosks to speed up their entry into the United States like the ones for Global Entry. With the expansion of Trusted Traveler Programs, average wait times were down 13 percent at the top 10 airports last year.
Travel Requirements for U.S. Citizens
Individuals traveling abroad must have approved travel documents when returning home. The Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI) requires U.S. and Canadian citizens, age 16 and older to present a valid, acceptable travel document, such as a passport, a U.S. passport card, a trusted traveler card (NEXUS, SENTRI, Global Entry or FAST), permanent resident card or an enhanced driver’s license that denotes both identity and citizenship when entering the United States by land or sea. U.S. and Canadian citizens under age 16 may present a birth certificate or alternative proof of citizenship when entering by land or sea. All travelers must have a passport for international air travel.
Travel Requirements for Visitors to the United States
All nationals or citizens of Visa Waiver Program (VWP) countries are required to have an approved Electronic System for Travel Authorization, or ESTA, prior to boarding a carrier to travel by air or sea to the United States under the VWP. ESTA applications should be submitted at least 72 hours before travel, and once approved, will generally be valid for up to two years or until the applicant’s passport expires, whichever comes first. Authorizations will be valid for multiple entries into the United States. CBP recommends ESTA applications be submitted as soon as an applicant begins making travel plans.
Small Vessel Travelers
CBP has designated specific reporting locations within the Field Offices that are staffed during boating season for pleasure boats to report their arrival and be inspected by CBP. Nonetheless, CBP has implemented alternatives such as the Local Boater Option (LBO) and the Small Vessel Reporting System (SVRS). The Master of the vessel must report arrival via telephone immediately upon arrival to a designated inspection site within the jurisdiction of Puerto Rico (including Vieques and Culebra) and the US Virgin Islands, providing the following information:
- LBO registration number or Float Plan Number (if applicable)
- Name, date of birth and citizenship of all persons on board (including passport number and visa information if applicable)*;
- Name of the boat and/or boat registration number and nationality
- CBP user fee decal number (if vessel is 30 feet or longer);
- If qualified foreign vessel, cruising license number
- Return contact number
For detailed list of phone numbers to call visit LBO
SVRS is a voluntary effort that will allow eligible, available to all U.S. citizens, nationals and lawful permanent residents; Canadian citizens and permanent residents of Canada who are nationals of a Visa Waiver Program country. SVRS is a web-based automated on-line reporting system created for LBO participants to expeditiously report their intended arrivals from foreign.
Travel Checklist
Have all the required travel documents for the country you are visiting, as well as identification for re-entry to the United States. Passports are required for air travel. Visit www.travel.state.gov for country-specific information.
- For citizens of Visa Waiver Program countries, make sure you have an approved Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) before boarding. For those traveling by air or sea on a visa, CBP has automated the Form I-94 removing the need for travelers to fill out a paper copy. Travelers will still be able to obtain their I-94 number and/or a copy of their I-94 at www.cbp.gov/i94.
- Have a completed Customs Declaration form (6059b) or utilize the Automated Passport Control kiosks or Mobile Passport app, where available, to submit your form for 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 United States) and restricted merchandise (items needing special permit to be allowed into the United States). For more information, please visit the Restricted/Prohibited section of the CBP website.
- 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. In addition, travelers can use the recently launched CanIBringIt.com to check which foods, plants, animals and other agricultural items are allowed to be brought into the United States.
- 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. 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 or download the Border Wait Time app.
- 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.
- Familiarize yourself with the “Know Before You Go” brochure or section of www.CBP.gov.
