West Coast Customs: Strict Whatever Way

The West Coast of the United States plays a very crucial role in the country's various political and economic systems. Facing the Pacific Ocean, the region is home to many key cities and towns. The three states that compose the region are Oregon, Washington and California. The region harbors many of America's busiest airports and seaports. You will also find a number of land entry points in the region because California borders Mexico and Washington borders Canada. Thus, the US Customs Service and Border Protection is especially keen in the region. They implement much stricter customs policies. If you are traveling to the United States in the future, you have to take some things into consideration.

By Air

There are around 160 airports in California, 50 in Washington and 30 in Oregon. Although these give you a lot of choices as to where to enter the US territory through a West Coast airport, it also indicates there are a massive number of travelers in the region. This gives US Customs a very critical role in inspecting the goods and the people entering the country. Thus, they have to be stricter and more fastidious. To avoid delays and other hassles, you have to keep your important entry documents with you at all times. You will also be required to follow the green-red channel protocol. You have to declare items, especially those that are regulated. If you don't have anything to declare, go through the green channel. Choose red if you have declared items.

By Sea

Major business transactions usually take place at seaports. The West Coast harbors several seaports because it faces the Pacific Ocean. They serve as the entry points for goods coming from Asia, Australia and some Latin American countries. In 2002, around 32 percent of the US trade went through seaports in California alone. Before the September 11 tragedy, security was not a top priority at America's seaports. Today, US Customs are now more meticulous in inspecting goods that enter their territory. If you are a businessman exporting goods to the US, the best way to deal with the US Customs is hiring a Customs broker to take care of all the necessary documents, finances and security.

By Land

You can travel to the Western US from Canada by going through any of the several entry points in Washington. From Mexico, you can use the Californian entry points. US Customs tends to be a lot stricter in California than in Washington because Mexico is more populated and most illegal immigrants in the US hail from Mexico. One of the most important things you have to remember to carry I-94 travel documents. If you can, complete these documents in advance of your travel date. This will allow you to bypass the I-94 issuing line and save time. You also have to make sure that you don't have any prohibited items with you to avoid fines and penalties.