CUSTOMS & IMMIGRATION INTO USA AT A LAND BORDER

wHAT TO EXPECT While Entering the USA at a land border

WHAT TO EXPECT

When you approach the officials at the border, they will interview you one by one, examine your ID and ask what you purchased (keep receipts handy). You may be chosen for an inspection for any reason including being selected for a random search. CBP has the Authority to Search all persons, baggage and merchandise arriving in or departing from The United States and are subject to inspection, search and detention. You should expect to be treated in a courteous, dignified and professional manner, if you have any concerns you can always ask to speak to a CBP supervisor.

Failure to declare any item, regardless of origin, may cause travel delays and result in fines up to $1,000.

Accepted Forms of id into usa at a land border

Passport or Passport Card (expired passports are accepted also), Enhanced Driver's License, Enhanced Tribal Card or Trusted Traveler Cards (Global Entry GE, Sentri, Nexus or FAST), . If you don’t have one of these: for a U.S. Citizen a U.S. birth certificate plus a driver’s license might work, but expect long delays while they verify your citizenship.

Duty free into usa at a land border

Residents of the U.S. are required to declare ALL purchases made in México.

Total Tax free limit $800 value within 31 days. This includes:

Alcohol (21 or older):

Walking Across or California Residents up to 1 Liter.

Driving Across in a non-commercial vehical you can bring up to 60 Liters, although only 1 liter is duty free.

refer to California Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC)

Tobacco:

1 carton per person. Please note that effective September 24, 2020, authorized travelers may no longer import Cuban-origin merchandise, including alcohol and tobacco products into the United States.  For a complete description of what this general license authorizes and the restrictions that apply, see 31 CFR § 515.585(c) and (d).

Prescriptions

Not more than a 90 day supply. FDA regulated medications are not allowed without a written prescription.

restricted items into usa at a land border

RESTRICTED ITEMS

Firearms & ammo, narcotics and illegal drugs, protected and endangered species of flora & wildlife, certain fruits and vegetables, animal products and some animals.

Go to the State Deptartment for further Guidelines

TRAVELING WITH PRESCRIPTION MEDICATION into usa at a land border

Prescription medications should be in their original containers with the doctor’s prescription printed on the container or a copy of your prescription. When buying medication make sure there is no restriction for purchases over the counter.

***To buy controlled medication you need the original signature issued by a

doctor which must include the seal from State Health Authorities and a serial number.

Bringing Pets into usa at a land border

Proof of vaccination against rabies and distemper.

***Before Traveling***

Make copies of all your travel documents, credit cards, airline tickets and a list of all your traveler’s checks and keep them in a safe place.