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When Crossing the Border into the U.S.

July 30, 2008
A reminder: travelers who enter the United States must present documents denoting citizenship and identity. Oral declaration, once accepted for U.S. and Canadian citizens, is no longer sufficient.

Travelers must present documentation from a specified list of acceptable documents when entering the U.S. from land and sea ports of entry. Examples include birth certificates and driver’s licenses. Travelers who do not present one of these documents may be delayed while Customs and Border Protection officers attempt to verify their identity and citizenship.

Children ages 18 and under need to present only a birth certificate.