What to know if you're heading from B.C. to the U.S. this long weekend | Daily Hive

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While many British Columbians may opt to stay local this Victoria Day long weekend, if you are planning to cross the land border into the U.S. to visit Washington State, you might have some hesitations or concerns.

Ongoing U.S.-Canada tensions have seen border traffic fall for four consecutive months, as more Canadians are choosing not to travel south.

Canadians have also been sharing their recent travel stories to the U.S., highlighting some stressful experiences.

Last week, Daily Hive Vancouver spoke to Rachel, a Vancouver resident who said she felt “unwelcome” during a trip to Bellingham. Part of that discomfort came from how she felt the U.S. Customs and Border Patrol (CBP) was operating.

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“I don’t think I was treated differently by the CBP. But, as reported by others, CBP is conducting ‘outbound searches’ northbound I-5 just before the border. I have crossed the border many times and have never seen something like it,” she told Daily Hive at the time.

CBP previously clarified with Daily Hive that it “routinely conducts inspections on outbound traffic” as part of its national security mission.

“These inspections are a vital tool in apprehending wanted individuals as well as in seizing a variety of contraband, which ultimately makes our communities safer,” said a representative at the time.

Daily Hive reached out to CBP ahead of the long weekend to see if the agency could provide any further information about inspections anticipated in the next few days.

“For security reasons, CBP does not comment on ongoing investigations or intelligence-driven operations,” stated Jason Givens, CBP public affairs specialist.

Givens also provided a number of helpful tips for British Columbians planning to cross into Washington this weekend.

“Have required proof of citizenship documents ready upon arrival at the primary inspection booth,” he stated.

“You may present a valid passport, a passport card, an enhanced driver’s license, a trusted traveler card (NEXUS, SENTRI, Global Entry or FAST/EXPRES), a lawful permanent resident card, or current Native American and Canadian citizen tribal documents as your Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI) compliant document.”

Travellers are also encouraged to check border wait times in advance and give themselves extra time for travel.

Those travelling to the U.S. with a minor or children without both parents must have a notarized travel permission letter.

Folks should also remember to declare all purchases to a CBP officer, including fruits, vegetables, live animals, and meat products in their vehicles. Keep receipts as proof of where items were purchased. Failure to declare may result in penalties (fines) of US$300 or more.

Some other helpful tips from CBP:

Most U.S. or Canadian-grown fruits and vegetables for personal consumption may enter the United States from Canada, except citrus, tomatoes, peppers and homegrown potatoes, which are prohibited. Each vehicle may enter with up to 50 pounds of Canadian-origin beef or pork for personal consumption only. Meats, fruits, or vegetables purchased in the United States prior to entering Canada are not restricted (keep your receipts and leave the labels affixed)
Poultry/Eggs from Canada MUST be thoroughly cooked due to the risk of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI)
Do not bring firewood. All firewood is prohibited unless accompanied by a heat treatment certificate. Travellers with prohibited firewood will be returned to Canada to dispose of the firewood
Pet food must be manufactured in the United States or Canada, transported in the original container or packaging, must not exceed 50 pounds, may not require refrigeration, and may contain lamb or goat only if manufactured in the United States
Any weapons or ammunition must be declared when leaving or entering the United States
You must declare any currency in excess of $10,000 when leaving or entering the United States
Although medical and recreational marijuana are legal in many U.S. states and Canada, the sale, possession, production and distribution of marijuana all remain illegal under U.S. federal law, and marijuana is prohibited from crossing the U.S. border.
Never attempt to cross the border outside of the established hours of operation.

Are you a British Columbian who has recently crossed the border into Washington State and wants to share your experience? Get in touch with us at vancouver@dailyhive.com for a potential story.

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