Tecate to Extend Additional Lanes to Accommodate Travelers

TECATE, Calif. — U.S. Customs and Border Protection officials at the Tecate port of entry will continue using traffic lanes from the commercial port of entry to process travelers entering the country in passenger vehicles through December 2014.

Since May of this year, CBP has processed passenger vehicles through the cargo facility Monday through Friday from 5 a.m. to 8 a.m., during the time the cargo port is closed.  This option allows the Tecate port of entry to provide additional services to the local community by expanding from two vehicle lanes and inspection booths to up to four vehicle lanes and inspection booths.

CBP officials have worked to extend this service through the end of December, for the same timeframe, Monday through Friday.

When approaching the Tecate border crossing from Mexico, following normal traffic patterns, travelers will use the far left lane and enter the commercial facility for inspection.

CBP officials have coordinated with officials from Tecate, Mexico, to utilize the additional lanes and support the approach from Mexico for regular passenger vehicles into the designated commercial lanes.

“CBP strives to come up with innovative ideas to efficiently facilitate travel and trade, and we are pleased to be working with our partners on the Mexican side of the border to offer this service,” said Tecate Port Director Carlos Silva. “Our hope is to reduce the wait time for travelers during this upcoming holiday season.”