By Doug Draper
Look forward to the Peace Bridge linking two great countries illuminated in red and white lights for Canada Day and red, white and blue for the Fourth of July over the next couple of nights between the hours of 9 p.m. and one in the morning.
The Peace Bridge between the United States and Canada gives it up with funky lights at night. Photo courtesy of the Bridge Authority.
The Buffalo, New York and Fort Erie, Ontario Peace Bridge Authority also wants to remind all of us who may be crossing that border bridge to enjoy the binominal Friendship Festival or for any other reason that your crossing may be less time-consuming if you you follow these tips.
§ Visit mobile.peacebridge.com on your web-enabled mobile device or call 1-800-715-6722 to obtain wait times for Buffalo/Niagara Region international crossings, including the Peace Bridge. These updates are revised hourly;
Try to beat that traffic at the bridge
§ Prior to arriving at the U.S. border have proper identification ready to present to Customs officers. Such documents include: Enhanced Driver’s licenses, Enhanced Non-Driver Identification, FAST Cards, NEXUS Cards, Permanent Resident Cards, Passports, and U.S. Passport Cards for travelers 16 years of age
§ If traveling with children less than 16 years of age who are not part of your immediate family, obtain and carry a parental note of permission regarding cross-border travel. The note should include each child’s parental contact information and telephone numbers;
§ Other than essential luggage, empty your trunk before the trip. Additional belongings in your car may add time to your crossing, as Customs agents may perform a visual inspection of the belongings in your car.
§ Turn off radios and cell phones when approaching Customs inspection booths and speaking with officers;
§ Remember to roll down the window, remove sunglasses, and make eye contact with Customs officers;
§ Be sure to declare all fruits, vegetables, plants and plant products, animals, birds, eggs, meat and meat products, as well as items acquired for personal use.
§ Avoid horseplay and do not fool around. Customs and Immigration officers on both sides of the border are law enforcement officials who take their duties very seriously. Approach inspection booths slowly and follow signage instructions.
§ Be patient. Customs officers are responsible for protecting our nations’ borders and public safety.
§ Do not drive under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
For more detailed questions, travelers can contact the Canadian Border Services Agency at 1-905-994-6330 or www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca, and U.S. Customs and Border Protection at 1-877-227-5511 or www.cbp.gov.
Niagara At Large 