CBP Officials Urge Travelers to ‘Know Before You Go’
EAGLE PASS, Texas - U.S. Customs and Border Protection’s Eagle Pass Port of Entry is encouraging travelers to obtain their tourist permits early, for frequent crossers to use Ready Lanes in advance of the expected surge in northbound traffic at South Texas ports of entry over the approaching summer travel season, one of the busiest times of the year.
“Building from the success realized during Holy Week 2015, when an outreach campaign inspired more travelers to get their tourist permits early, the Laredo Field Office is reprising that same proactive approach to facilitate the expected surge in traffic during the summer travel season this year by reaching out to the traveling public,” said CBP Port Director John Brandt, Eagle Pass. “We encourage travelers to get their I-94s (foreign visitor travel document) early, and those with RFID (radio-frequency identification technology)-enabled documents to use the Ready Lanes.”
Designated Ready Lanes allow those who have obtained RFID-enabled cards to reap the benefits of using a dedicated lane where CBP officers can expedite the inspection process. CBP encourages travelers with RFID-equipped travel documents such as U.S. passport cards and the newer versions of the border crossing card and resident alien card to utilize the Ready Lanes and for travelers to have their entry documents ready as they approach the booth to facilitate their processing.
CBP still strives to temper the facilitation measures with security, always upholding CBP’s anti-terrorism mission. CBP will monitor traffic volumes at international bridges across South Texas and stands ready to post additional officers to ensure all available lanes are open, commensurate with traffic flow. In some locations, Border Patrol agents will augment existing staffing.
Also to avoid any potential delays or fines due to travelers bringing prohibited/restricted agricultural items, CBP encourages travelers to declare all agricultural items to a CBP officer upon arrival and before making their journey to consult the Know Before You Go guide.