Summer Travel Tips from CBP Laredo
LAREDO, Texas — With Memorial Day and the end of the school year, summer travel season has officially begun. U.S. Customs and Border Protection’s (CBP) Laredo Field Office encourages travelers to apply for tourist permits online and check Border Wait Times at www.cbp.gov to minimize delays.
Plan Ahead for a Smooth Trip
“As summer travel season kicks off, we strongly recommend those needing tourist permits save time upon arrival to the U.S. by applying online, checking border wait times, and choosing bridge crossings accordingly,” stated Donald R. Kusser, Laredo Field Office Director of Field Operations. “We strongly encourage travelers to take advantage of these tips to save time, avoid delays, and maximize their summer travel experience.”
South Texas ports of entry implement various measures to facilitate a smooth and orderly traffic flow, including recommending electronic submission of tourist permit applications via the CBP I-94 Website and extended processing hours whenever possible.
Important Reminders for U.S. Citizens and Visitors
U.S. citizens should bring a document compliant with the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI), 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. Be prepared to present a WHTI-compliant document if requested by a CBP officer during a border inspection.
CBP advises all travelers to have their WHTI-compliant entry documents readily available when approaching primary inspection booths and to declare all agricultural products, liquors, and currency or monetary instruments exceeding $10,000.
Utilize Technology for Faster Processing
To help reduce wait times and long lines, travelers can take advantage of facial biometrics, and those needing tourist permits can submit their applications electronically via the I-94 Website. CBP also offers a suite of mobile applications to help travelers streamline their entry into the U.S. All CBP mobile apps are free and available on the Google Play Store and Apple App Store, or by visiting the CBP Mobile App Directory.
Travelers can also monitor border wait times or obtain the BWT app to view them and make an informed decision about which bridge to use. These wait times are updated hourly.
Know What You Can and Cannot Bring
Understand the difference between prohibited merchandise (entry into the U.S. is prohibited by law) and restricted merchandise (items requiring special permits to enter the U.S.). To avoid potential delays or penalties from bringing prohibited or restricted agricultural products, CBP advises travelers to declare all agricultural products to a CBP officer upon arrival and to consult the “Know Before You Go” guide’s list of prohibited and restricted items before traveling.
Stay Connected with CBP
Follow the CBP Laredo Director of Field Operations on “X” at @DFOLaredo on Instagram at @dfolaredo and also U.S. Customs and Border Protection at @CBPSouthTexas for breaking news, current events, human-interest stories, and photos. View a complete list of local and regional CBP social media accounts.