Blaine, Wash. - U.S. Customs and Border Protection is announcing the early opening of additional inspectional lanes into the United States for travelers during the start of this Memorial Day holiday weekend.
On Saturday, May 26, all inspection lanes will open at 7 a.m. at the Peace Arch and Pacific Highway ports of entry and CBP is encouraging travelers to take advantage of these earlier openings.
"Memorial Day is observed as a day of remembrance for those soldiers, sailors, airmen and marines who have given the supreme sacrifice in service to our country," said Area Port Director Gregory Alvarez. "For many others, it is also the start of the summer travel season and will result in heavy traffic entering the United States through Blaine area ports. Once again all travelers are strongly encouraged to take advantage of these early openings, to plan your trip ahead of time and to allow extra time for crossing the border."
CBP strongly encourages travelers to obtain a radio frequency identification-enabled travel document such as a U.S. Passport Card, Enhanced Driver's License/Enhanced Identification Card or Trusted Traveler Program card (NEXUS, SENTRI, Global Entry or FAST/EXPRES) to expedite their entry and make crossing the border more efficient. The new Ready Lane is open at Peace Arch for those travelers with RFID-enabled cards.
To avoid long delays border crossers may want to use the nearby and less-heavily-traveled port of entry at Sumas on State Highway 9 with a newly constructed NEXUS lane opening May 25 - seven days a week, from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. The Lynden Port of Entry is also available from 8 a.m. until midnight on State Highway 539.
Do not attempt to bring unauthorized fruits, meats and dairy/poultry products into the United States from Canada without first checking whether they are permitted. Review the "Know Before You Go" tip sheet on the CBP website for additional information concerning your trip into the United States. (CBP.gov)
U.S. Customs and Border Protection is the unified border agency within the Department of Homeland Security charged with the management, control and protection of our nation's borders at and between official ports of entry. CBP is charged with keeping terrorists and terrorist weapons out of the country while enforcing hundreds of U.S. laws.