CBP Encourages Travelers to Plan Ahead of Holy Week

News Release From U.S. Customs and Border Protection

SAN DIEGO- U.S. Customs and Border Protection encourages travelers to plan ahead this
coming Spring Break and Holy Week by following traveler tips provided by CBP for ease of
travel across the border into the U.S.

CBP officials strongly encourage non-immigrant visa passport holders seeking to travel to the
U.S. interior to apply and pay for an electronic I-94 online through the CBP One mobile
application to better facilitate international travel into the United States.

CBP One is a mobile application that provides a more convenient way for travelers to apply for
an I-94 up to seven days prior to arrival, review their past travel history, check their I-94
expiration date, and obtain proof of their electronic I-94 from their mobile device. Travelers will
now receive a provisional I-94 after submitting their application and payment online.

All traveling family members need to be present during the I-94 application process. Those
requesting permits must be able to establish financial solvency and proof of residency outside the
U.S. and must demonstrate that they have sufficiently strong ties to their country of origin
including a home abroad they do not intend to abandon. Applicants who present a border
crossing card are not eligible to work in the United States.

Members of the traveling public can monitor Border Wait Times via Border Wait Times (cbp.gov)
or obtain the BWT app on their smartphone via Apple App Store and Google Play so that they
can make an informed decision of their travels. Wait times are updated on an hourly basis.

For a more seamless admission process, travelers are strongly encouraged to follow the tips
listed below:

• CBP recommends that those who can decide when to cross choose off-peak hours for
their travel times: Monday-Friday 4 a.m.-9 a.m. & Saturday-Sunday 2 p.m.-12 a.m.

• Please line up in the proper lanes (SENTRI, Ready Lane, and All Traffic). Traffic at our
local ports of entry is segmented into three different lanes and travelers should be
prepared to have the correct documentation for the corresponding lane.

• All non-citizens who are not U.S. Nationals or Lawful Permanent Residents should be
prepared to verbally attest to their vaccination status upon entry.

CBP Public Affairs
www.cbp.gov
sdfomedia@cbp.dhs.gov

• Have all the required travel documents for the country you are visiting, as well as
identification for re-entry into the United States. Passports are required for air travel.
Visit www.travel.state.gov for country-specific information.

• Declare everything you bring from abroad, even if you bought it in a duty-free shop.

• Be cautious when buying something from street vendors. The merchandise may be
counterfeit and/or unsafe and you may have to surrender it upon inspection at the Port of
Entry.

• Items bought abroad for personal use or as gifts are eligible for duty exemptions. If you
bring them back for resale, they are not eligible for duty exemption.

• Please be aware of U.S. prohibited merchandise, such as ivory, tortoiseshell products and
counterfeit items. Bringing prohibited merchandise is against the law and can result in
penalties up to $10,000. For more information on prohibited and restricted items, please
visit: Prohibited and Restricted Items | U.S. Customs and Border Protection (cbp.gov)

• Many foreign-made medications are not approved for United States use and are not
permitted in the country. When traveling, bring only medication you will need. Make
sure the medication is in the original container.

• Before bringing food to the United States, please check the list of prohibited items. All
live animals, birds and bird products may be restricted, quarantined, or require
certification.

• CBP encourages travelers to declare ALL agricultural items to a CBP officer upon
arrival. Do not attempt to bring fruits, meats, dairy/poultry and/or firewood into the
United States without first checking they are permitted. For more information, please
visit: Bringing Agricultural Products Into the United States | U.S. Customs and Border
Protection (cbp.gov)

CBP is reminding travelers that, although medical marijuana is legal in many U.S. States, the
sale, possession, production, and distribution of marijuana all remain illegal under U.S. federal
law. Consequently, crossing with a valid medical marijuana prescription is prohibited and could
potentially result in fines, apprehension, or both.

Travelers should familiarize themselves with the “Know Before You Go” section of the CBP
website at https://www.cbp.gov/travel/us-citizens/know-before-you-go to avoid fines and penalties
associated with the importation of prohibited items. “Know Before You Go” brochures are also
available at border ports.

Understand that everyone who applies for entry into the U.S. is subject to inspection. CBP
officers may conduct a search of your person, your luggage and vehicle in order to enforce our
laws as well as protect other travelers.

If you are a frequent international traveler and have not already become a member of a trusted
traveler program, sign up now. For more information, please visit: Official Trusted Traveler
Program Website | Department of Homeland Security (dhs.gov).

-CBP-
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.