BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) – Almost everyone with a total solar eclipse underway says they are ready for it, including U.S. Customs and Border Protection and Border Protection officials. Masu.
Borders will remain open during the total solar eclipse, so customs officials expect increased traffic and delays.
CBP offers several tips for travelers. Prepare your travel documents, check border wait times before departing from home or anywhere, travel during off-peak hours if possible, and declare your belongings.
Staff will do their best to handle not only passenger cars but also truck traffic that crosses the bridge.
“We're going to treat this like a normal, special event. We're going to have the best staff available to reduce wait times and travel times.” Manager Giorgio Huda said. U.S. Customs and Border Protection.
As an additional tip, while legal in Canada and New York State, marijuana is not allowed under federal law, so any amount of marijuana is prohibited at bridge crossings.
Agents said they should drive carefully as they pass toward the actual eclipse, as the astronomical event is expected to cause darkness. Customs officials said they are working with local and federal partners to respond to the April 8 solar eclipse.
Here is a complete list of travel tips from CBP:
travel tips
- Please use the appropriate travel documents. Passports, US passport cards, and enhanced driver's licenses are some of the approved documents. For more information, please visit the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative.
- Visa Waiver Program (VWP). VWP travelers seeking to enter the United States through a land port of entry must obtain an approved Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA). If you entered the country without a valid travel authorization, you will be allowed to withdraw your application and return to Canada to submit your ESTA application there. For more information, please see: Electronic System for Travel Authorization.
- Check border wait times. Plan ahead. Please allow yourself plenty of time. Check the traffic conditions at border crossings in your area and choose the least congested crossing. Travelers can download CBP's border wait times “app” to their mobile devices to check traffic conditions at intersections. Travelers can also check traffic conditions at www.cbp.gov/travel/advisories-wait-times.
- If possible, travel during non-peak travel times. Peak travel times typically tend to be between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. If possible, one way to avoid delays during peak traffic hours is to leave the night before.
- Please prepare for the test before arriving at the test booth. Please have your travel documents in hand, roll down your car windows, and remove your hat and sunglasses before entering the screening area.
- Travelers are encouraged to visit the “What to Know Before You Go” section of the CBP website. To avoid fines and fines associated with importing restricted or prohibited items, acquire knowledge before traveling. This also includes agricultural products. Visit https://www.cbp.gov/travel. Remember, marijuana is still illegal in the United States federally. Do not cross the border with marijuana or marijuana products.
- Declare the product. Travelers must declare all items brought in from abroad that remain in the United States. This includes gifts and duty-free purchases.
- food and plants. Fruits, meats, and plants have numerous agricultural restrictions. Please check CBP's website regarding bringing agricultural products into the United States before bringing these items. If you decide to take a chance and bring it in, be sure to declare it and be willing to hand it over if it turns out to be prohibited.
