Wait Times

Travel

Wait Times

Release Date

Thu, 05/18/2023

CBP Provides Tips for Holiday Cross-Border Travel

sbansbach — Thu, 17 Nov 2022 14:53:06 +0000

CBP Provides Tips for Holiday Cross-Border Travel sbansbach Thu, 11/17/2022 - 09:53

BUFFALO, N.Y. – U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) is expecting an increase in border traffic for the upcoming holiday season and is reminding travelers who are planning trips across all New York State land border crossings to anticipate some delays due to increased traffic and plan accordingly.

“With our traffic numbers beginning to return to normal levels, we do anticipate seeing some increases during this holiday season,” said Acting Director, Buffalo Field Office Sharon Swiatek. “CBP plans and staffs accordingly to make sure that travelers can reach their destinations in a timely manner while still focusing on border security.”

Holiday travelers looking for ways to improve their travel experience should consider the following tips:

Utilize the appropriate travel document. Passports, U.S. Passport Cards, Enhanced Driver’s Licenses are a few of the approved documents. Obtain more information here: Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative.
Check border wait times. Plan ahead. Give yourself extra time. Check traffic conditions at the border crossings within your region and select the crossing that is least congested. Travelers can download CBP’s Border Wait Time “app” to their mobile devices to check crossing traffic conditions. Travelers can also obtain traffic conditions at www.cbp.gov/travel/advisories-wait-times.
If possible, travel during non-peak travel times. Peak travel times generally tend to be between the hours of 10:00am and 6:00pm. If you are able, leaving the night before is one way to avoid peak traffic delays.
Prepare for the inspection process before arriving at the inspection booth. Have your travel documents in hand, roll down the vehicle windows and remove hats and sunglasses before entering the inspection area.
Travelers are encouraged to visit the “Know Before You Go” section of the CBP web site. To avoid fines and penalties associated with the importation of restricted or prohibited items, become educated prior to traveling, this includes agriculture products. Please visit http://www.cbp.gov/travel. And remember, marijuana remains illegal in the United States federally. Do not cross the border with any marijuana or marijuana products.
Declare your goods. Travelers should declare all items being brought from abroad that will remain in the U.S. This includes gifts and Duty Free purchases.
Food and plants. There are numerous agricultural restrictions on fruits, meats, and plants. Before bringing these items, check the CBP website on bringing agricultural products into the U.S. If you decide to take your chances and bring it with you, be certain to declare it, and be willing to surrender it if it turns out to be prohibited.

Be sure to visit CBP.gov to help you travel smart when traveling internationally.

Tags:

Border Security

International Visitor

Office of Field Operations

Travel

Wait Times

Release Date

Thu, 11/17/2022

CBP offers international travelers tips

Anonymous — Wed, 18 Dec 2019 23:01:09 +0000

CBP offers international travelers tips Anonymous (not verified) Wed, 12/18/2019 - 18:01

TUCSON, Ariz. – U.S. Customs and Border Protection encourages international travelers to “Know Before You Go” this holiday season. Planning and using the following travel tips can save time and lead to a more pleasant journey.

Obtain all necessary travel documents: Travelers should have their passports and any other required travel documents ready when approaching a CBP officer for processing, or visiting a foreign country. For more information about approved travel documents for entry into the United States, visit https://www.usa.gov/enter-us and www.state.gov/travelers.

Declare goods: Truthfully declare everything brought into the United States, including duty-free items. Applicable duties may be paid with credit cards or cash payments in U.S. currency. Travelers are asked to review the list of prohibited and restricted items prior to departure.

Declare food: Many agriculture products can bring damaging pests and diseases into the country. If you have questions about which food products you may bring into the United States, please visit https://help.cbp.gov/. Remember – don’t pack a pest!

Declare gifts: All gifts must be declared upon arrival, but may be included in a personal exemption. This includes gifts received abroad, and gifts purchased for others.

Report currency when required: There is no limit to how much currency may be carried into or out of the United States. However, U.S. law requires travelers to report currency or other monetary instruments of $10,000 or more. Travelers who fail to truthfully report all of their currency may have all, or some of it seized, and may face criminal charges.

Learn how CBP is facilitating lawful travel: CBP is making the entry process more efficient, more intuitive, and paperless for travelers.

Biometric Entry/Exit - CBP and its partners are automating the identity verification process at some ports of entry with biometric facial comparison technology. Instead of presenting a passport, travelers will simply pose for a picture at the boarding gate or passport inspection booth. The new process is intended to reduce boarding times, improve security, and fulfill a congressional mandate. U.S. citizens who choose to opt out of the biometric facial comparison process may ask CBP officers to inspect their travel documents manually, as already done today.

Trusted Traveler Programs – Travelers are encouraged to join the Trusted Traveler Program. Members of Global Entry, NEXUS, or SENTRI enjoy the most expedited CBP processing experiences.

Apply and pay for an I-94 online: Speed up entry into the United States by providing biographic and travel information. The $6 I-94 application is available online at https://i94.cbp.dhs.gov/ up to seven days prior to entry.

Monitor border wait times: The border wait times website aids cross-border trip planning. Travelers may also download the official Border Wait Time app from the Apple App Store or Google Play.

Use a Ready Lane: Most Arizona land border crossings feature Ready Lanes, which are 20 percent faster than normal lanes. To use Ready Lanes, travelers over 16 years of age are required to have radio frequency identification (RFID) enabled travel documents. These include RFID-enabled U.S. passport cards; legal permanent resident cards; B1/B2 border crossing cards; Global Entry, NEXUS, SENTRI, and FAST cards; and enhanced driver’s licenses.

Traveling with medication: Travelers must declare all medicine and similar products when entering the United States. Prescription medications should be in their original containers with the doctor's prescription printed on the container. If medications or devices are not in their original containers, a copy of the prescription, or a letter from the prescribing doctor is required. It is advised that travelers carry no more than a 90 day supply of their medication.

Traveling with pets: Cats and dogs must be free of disease and illness when entering the United States. In addition, dog owners must produce proof of rabies vaccination. If crossing with a puppy, certain paperwork must be completed at the border. All pets are subject to health, quarantine, agriculture, wildlife requirements, and prohibitions, regardless of how the pet enters the country. Pets taken out of the United States and returned are subject to the same requirements as those entering for the first time. For more information about traveling with your pet to a foreign country or bringing your pet into the United States, visit the APHIS pet travel website.

CBP's Office of Field Operations is the primary organization within Homeland Security tasked with an anti-terrorism mission at our nation’s ports. CBP officers screen all people, vehicles and goods entering the United States while facilitating the flow of legitimate trade and travel. Their mission also includes carrying out border-related duties, including narcotics interdiction, immigration and trade laws enforcement, and protecting the nation's food supply and agriculture industry from pests and diseases.

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 securing the borders of the United States while enforcing hundreds of laws and facilitating lawful trade and travel.

Tags:

About CBP

Wait Times

I-94

Travel

Release Date

Wed, 12/18/2019

CBP Anuncia Medidas para Facilitar el próximo Tráfico Navideño

rkise — Tue, 17 Dec 2019 15:29:21 +0000

CBP Anuncia Medidas para Facilitar el próximo Tráfico Navideño rkise Tue, 12/17/2019 - 10:29

BROWNSVILLE, Texas– La Oficina de Operaciones Aduaneras (OFO por sus siglas en ingles) de Aduanas y Protección Fronteriza de los Estados Unidos (CBP por sus siglas en ingles) en el Puerto de Entrada de Brownsville informó esta semana que CBP ya ha comenzado a implementar múltiples medidas de facilitación en anticipación de la próxima temporada de viajes de Navidad / Año Nuevo para ayudar al público viajero con su experiencia al cruzar por los puertos fronterizos terrestres.

"En los días y semanas anteriores a las vacaciones de Navidad y Año Nuevo, los oficiales de CBP en el Puerto de Entrada de Brownsville experimentan aumentos significativos en el tráfico de vehículos y el tráfico de permisos turísticos," dijo el Director Portuario, Tater Ortiz, Puerto de Entrada de Brownsville. "Nuestras medidas de facilitación proactiva, que incluyen el fomento de la presentación de solicitudes I-94 en línea, y el uso de carriles READY ayudarán a aumentar la eficiencia y mitigar los tiempos de espera durante los períodos pico de viaje.”

El puerto de entrada de Brownsville recomienda a los viajeros que soliciten sus permisos turísticos en línea a través de http://i94.cbp.dhs.gov . Los viajeros reciben un I-94 provisional después de enviar su solicitud y pago en línea. Para finalizar el proceso I-94, los viajeros deben presentarse en un puerto de entrada dentro de los siete días posteriores a su solicitud para ser entrevistados por un oficial de CBP, enviar escaneos digitales biométricos y tomar una foto. El Puerto de Entrada de Brownsville extenderá los privilegios de primera línea a los viajeros que presenten sus solicitudes I-94 electrónicamente y presenten su recibo provisional de permiso I-94.

CBP también alienta a los viajeros a obtener y utilizar documentos de viaje equipados con tecnología de identificación por radiofrecuencia (RFID) como tarjetas de pasaporte de EE. UU. y las versiones más recientes (es decir, desde 2011) de la tarjeta de cruce fronterizo y la tarjeta de residente extranjero para que puedan utilizar Ready Lanes . El procesamiento en carriles preparados es un 20 por ciento más rápido que los carriles normales y proporciona un ahorro de tiempo de hasta 20 segundos por vehículo. CBP alienta a los viajeros a obtener documentos de entrada RFID para usar Ready Lanes e inscribirse en programas de viajeros confiables.

Los miembros del público que viaja pueden monitorear los tiempos de espera en la frontera a través de este link o también pueden obtener la aplicación BWT en su teléfono inteligente a través de Apple App Store y Google Play (CBP BWT) para que puedan observar los tiempos de espera y tomar una decisión informada sobre qué puente utilizar. Estos tiempos de espera se actualizan cada hora. CBP recuerda al público que pueden utilizar el Puente Internacional de Los Indios como una ruta alternativa para evitar el tráfico pesado.

Además, para evitar posibles retrasos o multas debido a que los viajeros traen artículos agrícolas prohibidos / restringidos, CBP alienta a los viajeros a declarar todos los artículos agrícolas a un oficial de CBP a su llegada y antes de hacer su viaje para consultar la guía Know Before You Go en el siguiente link.

Para obtener más información sobre cómo presentar un I-94 electrónicamente, consulte el siguiente link.

Visite www.cbp.gov para ver comunicados de prensa adicionales y otra información relacionada con Aduanas y Protección Fronteriza. Síguenos en Twitter en @CBPRGV

Tags:

About CBP

I-94

Wait Times

Release Date

Tue, 12/17/2019

CBP Announces Measures to Facilitate Upcoming Christmas Holiday Traffic at the Brownsville Port of Entry

rkise — Tue, 17 Dec 2019 15:24:13 +0000

CBP Announces Measures to Facilitate Upcoming Christmas Holiday Traffic at the Brownsville Port of Entry rkise Tue, 12/17/2019 - 10:24

BROWNSVILLE, Texas– U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Office of Field Operations (OFO) at the Brownsville Port of Entry advised this week that CBP has already begun implementation of multiple facilitation measures in anticipation of the forthcoming Christmas/New Year’s holiday travel season to assist the traveling public with their experience while crossing into the country.

“In the days and weeks preceding Christmas and New Years’ holidays, CBP officers at Brownsville Port of Entry experience significant increases in vehicular traffic and tourist permit traffic,” said Port Director Tater Ortiz, Brownsville Port of Entry. “Our proactive facilitation measures, including encouragement of filing I-94 applications online, and use of READY lanes will help to increase efficiency and mitigate wait times these during peak travel periods.”

The Brownsville Port of Entry strongly encourages travelers to apply for their tourist permits online via http://i94.cbp.dhs.gov. Travelers receive a provisional I-94 after submitting their application and payment online. To finalize the I-94 process, travelers must present themselves at a port of entry within seven days of their application to be interviewed by a CBP officer, submit biometric finger scans and a photo is taken. The Brownsville Port of Entry will extend front of the line privileges to travelers who submit their I-94 applications electronically and present their provisional I-94 permit receipt.

CBP also encourages travelers to obtain and utilize radio-frequency identification technology (RFID)-equipped travel documents such as U.S. passport cards and the newer versions (i.e. since 2011) of the border crossing card and resident alien card so that they can utilize Ready Lanes. Processing in Ready Lanes is 20 percent faster than normal lanes. Those who have renewed their entry documents within the last 24 months already have RFID-enabled documents and may not know it. CBP encourages travelers to obtain RFID entry documents to use Ready Lanes and enroll in trusted traveler programs.

Members of the traveling public can monitor Border Wait Times via this link or also obtain the BWT app on their smartphone via Apple App Store and Google Play (CBP BWT) so that they can observe the wait times and make an informed decision on which bridge to use. These wait times are updated on an hourly basis. CBP reminds the public that they may utilize the Los Indios International Bridge as an alternate route to avoid heavy traffic.

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 review the prohibited and restricted items list and the Know Before You Go guide and video at the following link.

For more information about filing an I-94 electronically, please consult the following link.

Please visit www.cbp.gov to view additional news releases and other information pertaining to Customs and Border Protection. Follow us on Twitter at @CBPRGV.

Tags:

I-94

Wait Times

About CBP

Release Date

Tue, 12/17/2019

Erroneous press reports following Nogales Port of Entry delays

Anonymous — Thu, 05 Dec 2019 03:31:01 +0000

Erroneous press reports following Nogales Port of Entry delays Anonymous (not verified) Wed, 12/04/2019 - 22:31

There have been erroneous press reports of a trend of undocumented migrants ramming vehicles at the Nogales Port of Entry to circumvent queue lines due to extended wait times. This is not correct. These recent attempts of illegal entry were done by individuals who recently arrived in Mexico, seeking illegal entry into the United States.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection is strengthening law enforcement operations across the Southwest border, to include Arizona. This includes referring for prosecution when applicable and applying one of the many legal consequences and removal pathways to inadmissible aliens arriving at a port of entry. Along the same lines, CBP has begun employing Migrant Protection Protocols in Arizona. These measures allow CBP to maintain a safe and orderly flow at the ports, alleviate traffic congestion, and further facilitate the legitimate flow of trade and travel.

Tags:

Border Security

Wait Times

Archive Speeches and Statements

Release Date

Wed, 12/04/2019

Travel Delays May be Experienced at the Port of Raul H. Castro

Anonymous — Thu, 28 Nov 2019 20:21:06 +0000

Travel Delays May be Experienced at the Port of Raul H. Castro Anonymous (not verified) Thu, 11/28/2019 - 15:21

TUCSON, Ariz. – Travelers using U.S. Customs and Border Protection’s Port of Raul H. Castro, in Douglas, Arizona may experience travel delays due to vehicle lane closures.

Vehicle lanes approaching the United States from Mexico may be reduced at the Port of Raul H. Castro following an increase of asylum seeking migrants using vehicles lanes to circumvent the immigration process.

Other Arizona ports of entry earlier this week experienced this same issue in which asylum seekers without proper documentation attempted to evade inspection and cause disruption to normal operations. This resulted in lane closures and increased wait times.

In partnership with CBP, the Government of Mexico will increase their presence and enforcement efforts to prevent the incursions from occurring. State and local law enforcement agencies will also assist with security efforts.

Guadalupe Ramirez, Director of Field Operations, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, states, “Non-compliance with proper procedures overwhelms the ports of entry and jeopardizes the safety and security of our employees and public. We will not allow ports to be overrun, and are prepared for large groups and caravans attempting to violate our security measures.”

Should attempted incursions continue, the reduction of lanes may continue to increase security measures.

CBP officials understand and recognize the importance of the holiday season and the impact these enforcement measures will have to the local community and State of Arizona; however, the reduction of lanes and reallocation of officers for security measures may be necessary.

CBP has seen mass incursion attempts at the ports of entry previously, some of which were used as diversions by criminal organizations attempting to smuggle illicit items across the border.

Travelers may see officers exercising security measures in Douglas over the next few days for operational security readiness.

For the most current information on port wait times visit www.bwt.cbp.gov.

Tags:

Wait Times

Release Date

Thu, 11/28/2019

Travel Delays at Port of Nogales

Anonymous — Wed, 27 Nov 2019 21:24:49 +0000

Travel Delays at Port of Nogales Anonymous (not verified) Wed, 11/27/2019 - 16:24

TUCSON, Ariz. – U.S. Customs and Border Protection’s Port of Nogales experienced travel delays Tuesday evening November 26 after vehicle lane closures.

Vehicle lanes approaching the United States from Mexico were reduced at both DeConcini and Mariposa crossings following a significant increase of asylum seekers using vehicle lanes to circumvent the immigration process.

Individuals without proper documentation attempted to evade inspection by running through vehicle lanes disrupting normal operations. This resulted in the closure of lanes and increased wait times.

In partnership with CBP, the Government of Mexico has increased their presence and enforcement efforts to prevent the incursions from occurring. State and local law enforcement agencies will also assist with security efforts.

“These tactics quickly raised the number of individuals being held at the port of entry.” said Guadalupe Ramirez, Director of Field Operations, U.S. Customs and Border Protection. “Non-compliance with proper procedures overwhelms the ports of entry and jeopardizes the safety and security of our employees and public. We will not allow ports to be overrun, and are prepared for large groups and caravans attempting to violate our security measures.”

The Port of Nogales expects to return to full operations by Wednesday afternoon. However, if incursions continue, security measures will be put in place.

CBP officials understand and recognize the importance of the upcoming holiday season and the impact these enforcement measures will have to the local community and State of Arizona, however, the reduction of lanes and/or reallocation of officers for security measures may be necessary.

CBP has seen mass incursion attempts at the ports of entry previously, some of which were used as diversions by criminal organizations attempting to smuggle illicit items across the border.

Travelers may see officers exercising security measures in Nogales over the next few days for operational security readiness.

For the most current information on port wait times visit bwt.cbp.gov.

Tags:

Travel

Trusted Traveler

Wait Times

Release Date

Wed, 11/27/2019

CBP Announces Revisions to General and SENTRI Hours of Operation

Anonymous — Mon, 13 May 2019 15:34:34 +0000

CBP Announces Revisions to General and SENTRI Hours of Operation Anonymous (not verified) Mon, 05/13/2019 - 11:34

CALEXICO, Calif. — U.S. Customs and Border Protection officials announced today that they are revising the standard hours of operation at the Calexico East port of entry. Beginning on Monday, June 3, the East port will operate from 6 a.m. until midnight, seven days a week.

For more than a decade, the Calexico East port of entry has opened at 3 a.m. on weekdays to offer another option for travelers who would otherwise cross into the United States in the early morning hours through the downtown Calexico port of entry.

However, statistics have shown that there is not enough commuter traffic during this timeframe to justify the extended early morning hours and increase in operating costs.

“We have observed a consistent increase in traffic throughput downtown at the new vehicle inspection facility,” said Area Port Director David Salazar. “During the construction of the new vehicle inspection facility the extended hours at the East port helped to alleviate congestion at the downtown port. We no longer have that issue. We will continue to effectively manage wait times at both locations to enhance the border crossing experience for travelers in the Imperial Valley.”

In response to increased demand, CBP will be expanding the operational hours for SENTRI traffic at the Calexico East port of entry by two hours in the evenings. Effective June 3, SENTRI hours of operation will be from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily.

Beginning June 3, the hours of operation at the Calexico East passenger port of entry will be as follows:

Passenger vehicle lanes – 6 a.m. to midnight, seven days a week
SENTRI vehicle lanes – 6 a.m. to 10 p.m., seven days a week
Pedestrian facility – 6 a.m. to 10 p.m., seven days a week

At the Calexico East port of entry, approximately 20 percent of travelers use the SENTRI program, which provides dedicated vehicle lanes and expedited processing at various ports of entry on the Southwest border for pre-approved, low-risk travelers.

For more information on SENTRI and other available Trusted Traveler Programs, please visit CBP’s Trusted Traveler site.

Travelers may also consult the CBP website to monitor border wait times. Information is updated hourly and is useful in planning trips and identifying periods of light usage and or shorter waits.

Tags:

Port Security

International Operations

Travel

Wait Times

Release Date

Mon, 05/13/2019

CBP Officials Reduce Otay Mesa Commercial Processing Lanes from 10 to Eight

Anonymous — Wed, 10 Apr 2019 20:20:42 +0000

CBP Officials Reduce Otay Mesa Commercial Processing Lanes from 10 to Eight Anonymous (not verified) Wed, 04/10/2019 - 16:20

SAN DIEGO – U.S. Customs and Border Protection officials are informing the trade community of a temporary change in operations at the Otay Mesa commercial facility. As of Monday, April 1, the Otay Mesa commercial facility will operate eight out of the 10 truck lanes for the inspection and processing of imports and conveyances from Mexico.

CBP is facing an unprecedented humanitarian and border security crisis along the Southwest border and to combat this surge, 750 CBP officers from across the nation have been deployed to areas being severely affected.

The indefinite reduction of processing lanes at the Otay Mesa commercial facility is due to this deployment. As such, we will be unable to extend the hours of operation impacting our ability to provide services after our regular closing times.

We will continue our enforcement posture to secure our nation from all threats.

As events unfold, CBP will continue to communicate with our partners and port users to keep the community abreast of any changes to operations or services at the ports of entry.

For more information about the humanitarian and border security crisis on the Southwest border, please view Commissioner McAleenan’s press conference.

Tags:

Cargo Security

Port Security

Wait Times