US Border Crossing

Traveling is a wonderful experience and everyone experiences a feeling of wanderlust every once in a while, but it is important to ensure that your travel arrangements are in order. This guide should help you arrange your travel plans to the United States whether you are a citizen of another country or a permanent resident of the United States who would like to come back to the US.

Are you a Permanent Resident of the United States?

Permanent Residents who wish to travel outside of the United States have to follow certain procedures in order to ensure that they are not viewed as abandoning their residency status.

• Travel Document

Travel documents are particularly important if you are using air travel, but are generally recommended for all permanent residents traveling abroad. There are three types:

• Advanced Parole is usually issued to immigrants whose adjustment of status to permanent resident is pending.
• Refugees and asylees are granted their own special form of advanced parole if they wish to travel outside of the United States and intend to return.
• Permanent Residents who wish to leave the United States for a year or more before returning should apply for a re-entry permit.

• Form I-551 (Permanent Resident Card)

Any lawful permanent resident in good standing can come back into the United States by land or sea with nothing more than their permanent resident card, also known as the green card. However, if you intend to be outside of the United States for longer than a year you should also secure a re-entry permit before you leave.

Do you live in another country?

People who don’t live in the United States as a permanent resident or citizen have special rules that they must follow to enter the country. There are even more special conditions depending upon which country you are from. Read on to find out about special border crossing programs and exceptions.

• Travelling Programs that you should be aware of:
  • NEXUS. This is a program that operates between the United States and Canada and is available for permanent residents and citizens of both countries. It grants them expedited border crossing between the two countries at 19 different border points. The application requires enhanced biometric collection for air travel.
  • SENTRI. The Secure Electronic Network for Travelers Rapid Inspection allows people who are able to pass a strict background check to cross the Mexico/US border in expedited lanes with a sticker on their vehicle. The fees are as follows:
    • $25 for the application.
    • $14.50 for fingerprints.
    • $80 for a systems fee.
    • Total fee costs are $122.50 per person.
  • FAST. Commercial truck drivers can enroll in the FAST program if they are carrying low-risk cargo and are able to pass an extensive background check. For five years of membership in the program the fee is only $50 in US or Canadian currency and members can travel across borders between Canada, the US and Mexico.
  • Global Entry. The Global Entry program allows people to apply with the Customs and Border Protection office for expedited entry into the United States from anywhere in the world. All you need to do is become pre-approved.
• Entering the United States as a non-citizen

Citizens and residents of countries other than the United States must present certain documents to border officials upon arriving at the border. People who have traveled abroad before should be familiar with these requirements, but as a refresher we have all you need right here.

• Required Documents and Visas

All foreign residents coming to the United States must have a valid visa and generally a visa that allows them to be inspected by Customs and Border Protection. Depending on which country you are from, you may not need a visa to travel to the United States. Learn more about the Visa Waiver Programhere.

• US-VISIT program

The US-VISIT program is designed to identify you in the United States based on your biometric information. It also assists in recovering your visa if you happen to lose the paperwork.

• Electronic System for Travel AuthorizationThe Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) is the application system that visitors must use to participate in the Visa Waiver Program.
• New E-Passport rules

E-Passports are required of all travelers to the United States as of 2006. E-Passports contain a small microchip in the paper binding of the passport that holds all of your biometric information.

• Special Circumstances

Countries that are particularly close to the United States have different procedures for border crossing because they are part of the WHTI (Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative).

• Mexican Nationals

Mexican nationals are generally required to show their passports and valid visas when coming into the United States, but there are some instances where they may be eligible for US-VISIT.

• Canadian Nationals

Canadians only need one document from the list of WHTI documents to cross any of the many borders between Canada and the United States.

• Bermudian Nationals

Bermudian nationals only need to present one of the WHTI approved documents.

Dos and Don’ts of Traveling in the United States

• Do check the TSA’s list of things you shouldn’t bring on a plane.
• Don’t travel to the United States without your passport.
• Do remember to secure your return trip in advance.
• Don’t try to immigrate on a visitor visa.
• Do enjoy your stay!