LAREDO, TX – Customs and Border Protection (CBP) in the Laredo area, informed that as the spring break and Easter vacation period approaches, a series of measures will be implemented at the Port of Entry to expedite the flow of visitors.
CBP detailed that it will soon begin processing large volumes of international travelers to the United States through the South Texas border, due to Easter, one of the busiest traffic periods of the year.
“With most children already home from school, CBP Laredo Port of Entry management is preparing to process significant volumes of vehicle traffic for the spring break and Easter travel season at the Laredo Port of Entry,” said Port Director Albert Flores, Laredo Port of Entry.
Flores advised travelers arriving from Mexico to take advantage of time-saving facilitation measures, such as submitting and prepaying their tourist permit applications electronically through the CBP One mobile app.
The Laredo Port of Entry will implement a variety of effective measures to facilitate a smooth and orderly flow of traffic, including electronic tourist permits, and an off-site I-94 processing facility located on the second floor of the Laredo Outlet Shoppes, beginning March 15 through March 30.
In addition, at the Juarez-Lincoln Bridge, additional lanes will be open at the former CBP import lot (located under the bridge) beginning Tuesday, March 19, as needed to process specific amounts of vehicular traffic.
U.S. citizens were reminded to bring a Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative-compliant document, such as a valid U.S. passport, trusted traveler program card, enhanced driver’s license or enhanced tribal card, when re-entering the United States.
CBP reminded that any non-citizen attempting to enter the United States by illegal means or without proper documentation may be subject to expulsion or removal.
All travelers were also encouraged to have their WHTI-compliant entry documents on hand when approaching primary inspection booths and to declare all agricultural items, liquor, and currency or monetary instruments in excess of $10,000.
To help reduce wait times and long lines, travelers can take advantage of facial biometrics and CBP One, which is a single portal for CBP mobile apps and services.
In addition, to avoid 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 trip to consult the Know Before You Go guide.
