Crossing the U.S. Border

The terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, resulted in stricter requirements for crossing the border and entering the United States. The U.S. government has continued to add additional border security measures for citizens, visitors, and international travelers who enter the U.S.

U.S. citizens and foreign residents must present a valid passport or other approved documentation, such as a passport card, and any additional documentation required to enter the country. There are also tighter restrictions for foreign nationals applying for and entering the country with a non-immigrant visa. If you have questions about what travel documents you need to enter the country, talk to an immigration attorney.

Land Border Crossings Into the U.S.

Two government agencies oversee the presence on U.S. soil of non-citizens:

• The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) handles paperwork for foreign nationals who apply to legally enter the U.S.
• U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) secures all 328 ports of entry throughout the United States and provides border crossing information. Ports of entry include border crossings, international airports, and ports.

Requirements To Travel Across the Border

There are different requirements to enter the country depending on your country of origin and immigration status. Some of the requirements include the following:

• Permanent residents of the United States (green card holders) must present their Permanent Resident Card to enter the U.S.
• Canadian citizens generally only need a passport to cross the Canada border into the U.S. However, additional documentation may be necessary if you are a Canadian citizen visiting the U.S. frequently, such as for work.
• Mexican citizens must present a passport and a non-immigrant visa or a pre-approved border crossing card. Mexican citizens crossing the U.S.-Mexico border to work in the U.S. may need to present specific documentation depending on their visa category and the nature of their work.
• Citizens of other countries in the Visa Waiver Program (VWP) must have a valid passport and obtain mandatory pre-approval through the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA). Citizens of all other countries must generally obtain a visa.
• People with visas to reside in the U.S. for an extended time should refer to the requirements to cross the border on the CBP website.

Considerations for Crossing the U.S.-Mexico Border or Canada-U.S. Border

You can cross the U.S. border by land from both Mexico and Canada. Although the length of the border with Canada is greater, the Mexican border is more patrolled. You can cross from Mexico by land into California, Arizona, New Mexico, or Texas. Many undocumented immigrants cross the southern border by land. U.S. Border Patrol agents often monitor the areas near the crossings.

At land border crossings, there is usually control on both sides of the border. In other words, if you are traveling to Canada, you will encounter Canadian Border Services Agency (CBSA) agents when entering. When returning back to the U.S., you will interact with Customs and Border Protection (CBP) at the port of entry.

“Trusted Traveler Program vs. Passport Card”

CBP instituted the Trusted Traveler Program to expedite border crossings. At many ports of entry, there are dedicated counters for those who have CBP pre-approved entry. Those pre-authorized through this program receive a membership card specific to their program, such as Global Entry, NEXUS, or SENTRI, to speed up the customs process. U.S. citizens with Global Entry have expedited entry requirements back into the U.S.

SENTRI is a trusted traveler program for people crossing between the U.S. and Mexico. There are SENTRI lanes with shorter border wait times for cars and people crossing on foot. There is a similar program known as NEXUS for crossing between the U.S. and Canada.

Do not confuse a border crossing card with a U.S. passport card. U.S. citizens can use passport cards as a passport to cross by sea or land. It is a cheaper alternative to the full passport needed to travel by air to Mexico, Canada, Bermuda, or some parts of the Caribbean.

CBP Clearances

In the past, travelers entering the United States completed a declaration form (6059B). Now, most airport ports of entry have Automated Passport Control (APC) kiosks or Mobile Passport Control (MPC).

When you pass through a port of entry, you must declare any agricultural products and ensure they comply with U.S. regulations. You must also make any necessary declarations. You must complete a separate form (FinCEN Form 105) if you are bringing currency or monetary instruments worth more than $10,000. Goods are declared separately and are subject to personal duty-free exemptions.

Additional Information To Cross the Border

CBP advises travelers about security advisories and wait times at airports and land borders. You can reduce delays and waiting times by having all documentation in order before leaving for the U.S.

Leaving the U.S. or Its Territories

U.S. citizens traveling to foreign countries should check the entry and exit requirements of the destination country. Up-to-date, country-specific information for international travel is available on the Department of State website.

If you are planning to cross the border and have questions, contact an immigration attorney for assistance.