Length of time to enter U.S.?
 

Anyone know how long it now typically takes to make entry into U.S. at border crossing since the tragedy? I just would like to have an idea in advance. Thx.

Greg- In the last week, times in the Buffalo area crossing have varied from 40 minutes to not at all. To help resolve the delays, truck traffic has been separated from auto and is being processed separately. The truck wait can be 10 to 15 hours. <BR> <BR> In your car, expect 1 to 2 hours. On some days, customs has been crawling all over cars making it longer. There have also been several bomb threats, closing the bridges totally. <BR> <BR> Best advice is to bring a good map(in case you have to change crossing bridges), pack your posessions expecting a thorough search and inspection, and bring the proper ID to avoid any unnecessary delays. Good luck, you may just hit the right time and be across in a flash...

Greg- Just an Update... the delays have reduced in the last 24 hours to under 30 minutes...

Check US Customs website at www.customs.gov. They are giving daily updates to wait times at the border.

Although not necessary, would a US passport expedite the process at all?

You don't say which crossing, but Buffalo is quite different from Windsor/Detroit for example. I just returned from Windsor and they are still experiencing a lot of delays at that border, both tunnel and bridge. Part of the problem is commuters going back and forth to work .. so avoid those hours at any crossing.

Passpoprts or birth certificates, (second best) are now de riguer at the border. Perhaps a notarized proof of Canadian or US citizenship would also suffice if one has neither of the above.