It is that time of the year when folks are thinking of summer vacations, and many are considering traveling somewhere internationally…..to Europe, Mexico, South America, Canada…you name it. Well, where do you go to find out about what is allowed to go into those countries, what can you bring back, plus a myriad of other questions. You can always contact your travel agent, but you can also go on-line and find all those answers and more.
The website that is very informative is under the U. S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP). You can find it at www.cbp.gov. Once there, there are several subjects across the top, hover your cursor over “Travel”. On the drop-down ladder is a subject called “Know Before You Go”. There are several suggestions and pointers there; I’ll refer to a few:
- Bring required travel documents for the countries you are visiting, as well as identification for re-entry to the U. S. Passports are required for re-entry to the U. S. by air. Some countries require visas, and you can find which ones by going to the Department of State’s web site. That site is easy to navigate also: www.travel.state.gov.
- If minors are traveling without their parents, there should be a notarized travel permission letter signed by their parents…..just place the permission in the passport.
- Indicate on the declaration form that you will receive, usually on the plane before you land in the U. S., what you are bringing in from abroad, even if you bought it in duty-free shop. The best strategy is to designate an envelope to put all your receipts in from all your purchases, that way you are prepared to complete the form.
- Be cautious when buying something from a street vendor. Keep in mind that the merchandise may be counterfeit and/or unsafe, and you may have to surrender it to the U.S. Customs and Border Protection when you go through security.
- Don’t bring any Cuba-made products into the U.S., no matter where you purchased them. That is, up to now…..things might be changing later, but this is the correct advice right now.
- Don’t bring any food into the U.S. without first checking to see if it is permitted. Also, any and all live birds and bird products, whether for personal or commercial use, may be restricted and/or quarantined.
- Understand that CBP officers can inspect you and your 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.
- These are not all the tips, by any stretch of the imagination, but you can see them all at the referenced sites. If you would like some experienced help in planning your trip or vacation, the very capable counselors at The Travel Factory would love to be of service. We can be reached at 698-1421 or toll-free 800-760-4040.