With the arrival of summer, many are planning for a trip to the United States. Just like when someone crosses the border into Canada, there are a few things to keep in mind when you are heading south of the border.

Kris Grogan is a press officer with U.S. Customs and Border Protection. He explained the first thing to keep in mind is having your documents handy.

“Whether it’s going to be your passport, or if you’re coming back and forth you’ve got Nexus cards, or we have Global Entry,” Grogan explained. “We’ve got a multitude of different avenues you can use to make entry.”

There are also restrictions on what you can take with you down to the U.S. The CBP has a website set up which travellers can use to check about what they can and cannot bring in, as well as rules for things such as pets, medications and medical devices, and food.

Timing can also make for a smooth trip to the United States. There are 12 ports of entry in Saskatchewan, seven of those here in the southeast. There is an app available from the CBP which allows for those looking to cross the border to find out hours of service, as not all crossings are 24/7, as well as what the various wait times are.