Crossing the U.S. Border: Resources

Created by FindLaw's team of legal writers and editors | Last reviewed June 20, 2016

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Most of the following resources are provided by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP).

Here you will find links to videos and other resources relevant to crossing the U.S. border as a foreign visitor. Topics include visa and identification requirements; special qualifications for expedited travel; restricted items; and more. 

  • Activities and Programs for Travelers - Links to various travel programs, organized by type of travel and category of traveler (DHS).
  • Travel Alerts - Travel alerts and advisories from the Transportation Security Administration, CBP, the Department of State, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (DHS).   
  • US-VISIT Resources and Materials - Informational guides and videos about the US-VISIT biometrics-based authentication and security process (DHS).
  • Clearing CBP - General information about clearing customs when crossing the border into the United States (CBP).
  • Restricted/Prohibited Goods - Overview of which items may not be brought across the U.S. border and which items have certain restrictions (CBP).
  • Wait Times - Airport and Border - Estimated wait times for major U.S. airports and land borders with the United States (CBP).
  • Trusted Traveler Programs - Information about travel programs that provide expedited border crossing procedures for low-risk travelers (CBP).
  • CBP Search Authority - Updates and primers on search procedures with regard to visiting the United States (CBP).
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