EL PASO, Texas -- U.S. Customs and Border Protection is reminding international travelers of several important things they can do to ensure a smooth and efficient processing experience upon their arrival in the United States this holiday season. For those traveling by car this year, CBP recently announced the addition of the free Border Wait Time app to the Apple App Store and Google Play. The app is a one-stop shop for cross border travel and provides estimated wait times and open lane status at land ports of entry.
The El Paso port of entry is reminding members of the traveling public when all inspection lanes are staffed under the All Lanes Open Initiative. The ongoing public-private partnership between CBP and the city of El Paso will also allow more lanes during specific periods at some locations. In addition to using the border wait time app travelers can observe current traffic conditions at the Paso Del Norte, Stanton and Ysleta bridges on the city of El Paso website.
“Just like area stores, restaurants and highways the ports of entry will also be busy this holiday season,” said CBP El Paso Director of Field Operations Hector Mancha. “Being able to remotely check wait times and knowing when all lanes are staffed, and being able to observe current conditions should help the traveling public identify the best times to cross the border quickly,”
CBP introduced the ALOI at the El Paso port of entry approximately two years ago. CBP staffs all vehicular and pedestrian lanes between 6 a.m. and 10 a.m. Monday through Friday. All lanes are open Saturdays from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. and on Sundays from 2 p.m. until 6 p.m.
In addition to the ALOI the city of El Paso is providing funding to CBP which allows the agency to staff additional lanes at area border crossings. Those periods include vehicular lanes at the Paso Del Norte and Ysleta crossings from 2 p.m. until 6 p.m. on Saturday and from 10 p.m. to midnight on Sunday; PDN vehicular lanes from 5 a.m. to 6 a.m. on Monday and 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at pedestrian.
A full holiday schedule follows at the end of release.
In addition to the local information CBP is encouraging travelers this summer to be a “ReadyTraveler” by following these travel tips.
Travel Tips
- Have all the required travel documents for the country you are visiting, as well as identification for re-entry to the United States. Passports are required for air travel. Visit www.travel.state.gov for country-specific information.
- For citizens of Visa Waiver Program countries, make sure you have an approved Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) before boarding. For those traveling by air or sea on a visa, CBP has automated the Form I-94 removing the need for travelers to fill out a paper copy. Travelers will still be able to obtain their I-94 number and/or a copy of their I-94 on the I-94 webpage.
- Have a completed Customs Declaration form (6059b) upon reaching CBP processing or use the Automated Passport Control kiosks at participating airports. Declare everything you are bringing from abroad, even if you bought it in a duty-free shop. Know that things bought abroad for personal use or as gifts may be eligible for duty exemptions. If you are bringing them back for resale, they are not.
- Know the difference between prohibited merchandise (which is forbidden by law to enter the U.S.) and restricted merchandise (items needing special permit to be allowed into the U.S.). For more information, please visit the Restricted/Prohibited section of the CBP website.
- Do not attempt to bring fruits, meats, dairy/poultry products and/or firewood into the United States without first checking whether they are permitted. For more information, please visit the Bringing Agricultural Products Into the United States section of the CBP website.
- Understand that CBP officers can inspect you and your personal belongings without a warrant. This may include your luggage, vehicle, and personal searches and is meant to enforce our laws as well as protect legitimate travelers.
- Monitor border wait times for various ports of entry. Travelers are encouraged to plan their trips during periods of lighter traffic or to use an alternate, less heavily traveled port of entry. For more information, travelers can find up-to-date wait time information on the CBP website.
- If you are a frequent international traveler and haven’t already become a member of a trusted traveler program, sign up now. For more information, please visit the Trusted Traveler section of the CBP website.
- Familiarize yourself with the “Know Before You Go” brochure or section of the CBP website.
Paso Del Norte – Vehicular Processing
Regular ALOI hours 560-PPP hours with City of El Paso
Sunday, December21 0600-1000
Monday, December 22 0600-1000
Tuesday, December 23 0600-1000
Wednesday, December 24 0600-1000
Thursday, December 25 0600-1000
Friday, December 26 0600-1000
Saturday, December 27 1000-1400
Sunday, December 28 1400-1800 2200-2400
Monday, December 29 0600-1000 0500-0600
Tuesday, December 30d 0600-1000
Wednesday, December 31 0600-1000
Thursday, January 1 0600-1000
Friday, January 2 0600-1000
Saturday, January 3 1000-1400
Paso Del Norte – Pedestrian Processing
Regular ALOI hours 560-PPP hours with City of El Paso
Sunday, December21 0600-1000
Monday, December 22 0600-1000
Tuesday, December 23 0600-1000
Wednesday, December 24 0600-1000
Thursday, December 25 0600-1000
Friday, December 26 0600-1000
Saturday, December 27 1000-1400
Sunday, December 28 1400-1800 2200-2400
Monday, December 29 0600-1000 0500-0600
Tuesday, December 30d 0600-1000
Wednesday, December 31 0600-1000
Thursday, January 1 0600-1000
Friday, January 2 0600-1000
Saturday, January 3 1000-1400
Paso Del Norte – Vehicular Processing
Regular ALOI hours 560-PPP hours with City of El Paso
Sunday, December21 0600-1000
Monday, December 22 0600-1000
Tuesday, December 23 0600-1000
Wednesday, December 24 0600-1000
Thursday, December 25 0600-1000
Friday, December 26 0600-1000
Saturday, December 27 1000-1400
Sunday, December 28 1400-1800 2200-2400
Monday, December 29 0600-1000 0500-0600
Tuesday, December 30d 0600-1000
Wednesday, December 31 0600-1000
Thursday, January 1 0600-1000
Friday, January 2 0600-1000
Saturday, January 3 1000-1400
Ysleta – Vehicular Processing
Regular ALOI hours 560-PPP hours with City of El Paso
Sunday, December21 0600-1000
Monday, December 22 0600-1000
Tuesday, December 23 0600-1000
Wednesday, December 24 0600-1000 2200-2400
Thursday, December 25 0600-1000
Friday, December 26 0600-1000
Saturday, December 27 1000-1400
Sunday, December 28 1400-1800 2200-2400
Monday, December 29 0600-1000 0500-0600
Tuesday, December 30d 0600-1000
Wednesday, December 31 0600-1000
Thursday, January 1 0600-1000
Friday, January 2 0600-1000
Saturday, January 3 1000-1400