U.S. Customs And Border Protection (CBP)

Cleatus P. Hunt, Jr.CBP Attaché

CBP is the Department of Homeland Security’s largest agency. CBP protects our nation’s borders from terrorism, human and drug smuggling, illegal migration, and agricultural pests while simultaneously facilitating the flow of legitimate travel and trade.

As the nation’s single unified border agency, CBP’s mission is vitally important for the protection of the American people and the national economy. Nearly 60,000 CBP employees work in a variety of ways to secure the nation’s borders both at and between the official ports of entry and also to extend our zone of security. Employees continually incorporate the core values of vigilance, service to country, and integrity into their actions.

CBP’s layered border strategy

• The Immigration Advisory Program (IAP)
• Carrier Liaison Program (CLP)
• Trusted Traveler Programs/Global Entry Program
  • Global Entry Frequently Asked Questions
• Preclearance
  • Preclearance Introductory Video
• Container Security Initiative (CSI)
• Customs-Trade Partnership Against Terrorism (C-TPAT)
• Secure Freight Initiative (SFI)
  • (10+2) Importer Security Filing (PDF – 568 KB)
• Importer Self-Assessment (ISA) Fact Sheet (PDF 277 KB)

Useful links

• U.S. Customs and Border Protection Website
• U.S. Customs and Border Protection Help – Ask questions on trade & travel to the U.S.
• Know Before You Go – Bringing items into the U.S.
  • CBP Prohibited and Restricted Items to the U.S. (Medication, Pets, Food Products, Alcoholic Beverages, etc.)
  • Money and Other Monetary Instruments
  • Requirements for Importing Bodies in Coffins / Ashes in Urns
• Customer Service – If you have concerns about your U.S. port of entry processing, please refer to this site for customer feedback commentary
• Carrier Information Guide – U.S. Documentary Requirements for Travel (PDF 28 MB)
• Clearing CBP – Provides information about Customs clearance
• Requirements for Electronic Ruling Requests – For determining tariff numbers and duties on commercial merchandise
• If You Experience Problems With Your Arrival in the U.S. (DHS TRIP)
  • CBP Officer Search Authority – Legal & Policy reference
  • Children – Child traveling with one parent or someone who is not a parent or legal guardian or a group
• U.S. Citizens/Lawful Permanent Residents – For U.S. citizen planning a trip outside the U.S
• For International Visitors – Provides useful information for visitors to the U.S.
  • Guam-CNMI Visa Waiver Program
  • Parole for Russian and Chinese citizens for the CNMI only
  • Parole of Citizens of Russia into Guam
• U.S. Visa Waiver Program (VWP) for VWP Travelers
  • United States Begins Implementation of Changes to the Visa Waiver Program (January 21, 2016)
    • Frequently Asked Questions
  • Frequently Asked Questions about the (VWP)
  • Electronic System of Travel Authorization (ESTA) Factsheet (PDF)
  • Taiwan’s Designation into the VWP
  • ESTA Press Release – Security Enhancements to the VWP
  • Enhanced ESTA FAQs
• Automated Passport Control (APC)
• Mobile Passport Control
• Arrival/Departure I-94 Automation
  • News Release: I-94 Automation – Final Rule (PDF 70 KB)
  • I-94 Automation – Frequently Asked Questions (PDF 160 KB)
  • I-94 Quick Reference (PDF 1.4 MB)
  • I-94 Fact Sheet (PDF 94 KB)
  • I-94 Automation Overview (PDF 551 KB)
• CBP Travel – Provides general information on travel
• Radiation Detection Protocols at U.S. Ports of Entry – Fact Sheet (PDF 33 KB)

Other Links:

• Department of Homeland Security (DHS)
• U.S. VISIT – Biometric procedures for international travelers to the U.S.– The Office of Biometric Identity Management (OBIM)