U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers at the El Paso port of entry and other area international crossings are preparing for the increase in travelers expected to use the international ports during the Easter holiday period. While CBP is taking every step to protect our country we are also committed to making your inspection experience as safe and stress free as possible.  CBP is providing eight tips to ease the crossing process as CBP officers maintain their principal anti-terror mission.

The upcoming Easter/Holy Week season is historically one of the busiest travel periods at our southwest border crossings.  Along with a general 10-15% increase in overall traffic figures, another area that experiences a significant increase in volume is the number of Mexican laser visa card holders who request I-94 travel permits to travel beyond the 25 mile border zone.  Applications for I-94’s typically double or triple at the El Paso port of entry during the week before Easter.  Currently, the Paso Del Norte border crossing is undergoing major construction so CBP recommends that travelers apply for travel permits at one of the other two border crossings, Ysleta or the Bridge of the Americas. CBP officers routinely process about 1,000 and 1,500 I-94’s a day in El Paso but that number increases to between 2,500 and 3,000 a day in the week before Good Friday.

CBP officers also typically seize large numbers of confetti-filled cascarones in the days leading up to the Easter holiday.  The colorful eggshells are prohibited because they may introduce Exotic Newcastle’s Disease to the U.S. poultry industry and should not be imported from Mexico.  Violators will be subject to penalties.

“By getting the word out early and working closely with the community, we believe we will be able to keep holiday related traffic moving smoothly while also ensuring our enforcement concerns are properly addressed,” said Acting El Paso Port Director Arthur Gonzales, U.S. Customs and Border Protection.  “It is important that we do all we can to protect the American public while allowing law abiding border crossers to reach their destinations in a timely manner.  We believe these tips will help the process.”

Tip #1 – Visit border ports now to obtain I-94 travel documents in advance of the Easter/Holy Week rush.  This will allow travelers who require I-94 documents (those planning to travel beyond the border zone or stay in the U.S. for more than 30 days) to bypass busy I-94 issuing lines when they formally enter the U.S.  They will still be subject to the inspection process.

Tip #2 – Travelers should prepare for the inspection process prior to arrival at the primary inspection booth.  Individuals should have their entry documents readily available for inspection and they should be prepared to declare all items acquired abroad.  In addition, individuals should end cellular phone conversations before arriving at the inspection booth.

Tip #3 – Travelers should familiarize themselves with the “Know Before You Go” section of the CBP website at  http://www.cbp.gov/xp/cgov/travel/vacation/kbyg/introduction_mission.xml to avoid fines and penalties associated with the importation of prohibited items.  For example, confetti-filled “cascarones” commonly associated with Easter celebrations are prohibited from entry because of the potential that the eggshells could spread Exotic Newcastle’s Disease.

Tip #4 – Travelers should look to alternative entry routes. Border crossers may consider using the nearby and less utilized Fabens or Santa Teresa ports of entry instead of the El Paso port. Keep in mind that the Paso Del Norte border crossing has reduced the number of vehicle primary inspection lanes because of the on-going construction.

Tip #5 – Travelers should plan to build extra time into their trips in the event they cross during periods of exceptionally heavy traffic.   

Tip #6 – Unless absolutely necessary, border crossers may wish to avoid crossing the border during traditionally heaviest periods of traffic including morning/evening rush hour periods and weekends.

Tip #7 – Members of the traveling public should consult the CBP website site at  www.cbp.gov to monitor border wait times or the local radio.  Information is updated hourly and is useful in planning trips and identifying periods of light use/short waits.  

Tip #8 – Drivers should ensure that the vehicles they use to cross the border are properly maintained and mechanically sound and that occupants avoid riding in areas of vehicles not specifically designed to carry passengers.  

Failure to follow these steps can expose crossers/passengers to carbon monoxide.

CBP officials will closely monitor traffic and border crossing times during the upcoming holiday period.  They plan to fully staff all inspection lanes during peak periods and to implement various traffic management operations to maintain the flow of traffic during periods of exceptionally heavy usage. In addition, CBP plans to staff extra officers to accept I-94 travel permit applications during peak periods.