Over the years, those traveling over Sukkos have been met with resistance at times due to the “odd-looking” Daled Minim, which many border officials may be concerned by. The Jewish Community Council, therefore, took the time to put together the following guidelines and information for travelers. We thank them for putting the below information together.
MEETING WITH BORDER OFFICIALS
To prepare for the Yom Tov travel season, members of the Jewish Community Council met with border officials at ground and airport border crossings to ensure they are adequately informed in terms of Arba Minim (Four Species). We also provided them with the dates on which more. Traffic is expected.
CROSSING THE BORDER WITH ARBA MINIM
People who are traveling with Arba Minim should declare them at the border post. Arba Minim may be brought through the border for personal use only. Once these items have been cleared and determined to be free of pests and/or diseases, they will be released. Members of border inspection are sensitive to the handling of these items and will ensure that the passenger himself opens, unwraps and rewraps the Arba Minim. In order to avoid delays, the Arba Minim should be easily accessible.
AVOID DELAYS
Border officials have asked us to remind all travelers to have their travel documents well prepared and up to date. Non-citizens who are traveling by car with birth certificates and not passports should please ensure to carry the originals or a clear, legible copy. Please be aware that inspectors will process passengers as quickly as they can, but delays could occur with unclear documentation.
Note: If not all passengers in the vehicle have a Nexus card, please proceed through the regular lane. Do not let the non-Nexus card travelers off to cross the border by foot.
We take this opportunity to wish you and your families a wonderful Yom Tov!
Yours Sincerely,
Rabbi Saul Emanuel Executive Director
Jewish Community Council
