Tips for Canadians Crossing the U.S. Border on the Labour Day Weekend
(PRWEB) August 20, 2014 -- With September 1st being a statutory holiday, many Canadians are heading down to the U.S. for a chance to get away for a short holiday before the kids go back to school. Be prepared for periods of very heavy traffic along the border between the United States and Canada. For many border crossings, this is the first or second busiest period for the entire year. Pardon Services Canada advises planning ahead and keeping in mind the following tips while travelling this Labour Day weekend:
• All adults and children who are travelling must have proper identification. For children under the age of 16, an original or copy of their birth certificate needs to be presented to border officials. When travelling with children, have their identification ready such as picture ID, birth certificate, or passport, as well as a letter of permission for any child who is travelling without their parents or with a non-custodial parent.
• Use your Nexus card and save time at land, air and marine ports of entry when entering Canada or the United States. Keep in mind that you can only use NEXUS if everybody in the vehicle is a cardholder.
• Know your personal exemptions, including those for alcohol and tobacco. Declare all purchases made, including duty-free purchases, and have your receipts readily available upon your return to Canada.
• For road trips, try to plan the time and place you return to Canada in advance and avoid crossing during peak travel times. Hitting the road on Thursday will avoid the first part of the weekend traffic, and by returning on Tuesday rather than Monday, you will miss the worst of the traffic as long as you also avoid normal rush-hour commuter hours.
• Consider all available ports of entry in the area. If possible, use a smaller alternative port rather than the major ports.
• Border wait times for land borders are available on the Canadian Border Services Agency website.
• If you have a criminal record, you might require a US Entry Waiver. If you already have a waiver, make sure it has not expired. Learn more on about US Entry Waivers from Pardon Services Canada.
Now you are all set to have lots of fun and enjoy your trip!
About Pardon Services Canada
An industry leader in helping Canadians overcome the obstacles of a criminal record. Since 1989, Pardon Services Canada has successfully assisted over 100,000 Canadians exercise their lawful rights under the Criminal Records Act of Canada, and the Immigration and Nationality Act of the United States. Services include US Entry Waivers, Record Suspensions (formerly called pardons), and fingerprinting. Offices are located in Vancouver, Calgary, Toronto, Edmonton, Ottawa and Montreal. Call toll free 1-866-972-7366 or visit the website Pardon Services Canada
Anna Austin, Pardon Services Canada, http://www.RemoveYourRecord.com, +1 (866) 972-7366 Ext: 7027, [email protected]
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