LUKEVILLE,  Ariz – U.S. Customs and Border Protection is advising travelers heading to Rocky Point and other destinations in Mexico for Memorial Day to be prepared when crossing back into the United States

“As with most major holidays, we expect to see an increase in the amount of traffic during the weekend” said Rick Gill, Port Director in Lukeville, “which will impact the lines waiting to be screened and admitted into the  United States.   We are asking for the traveling public to assist us by being prepared before coming to the port.”

Travelers are reminded of the new documentation requirement for all US and Canadian citizens that went into effect on January 31st of this year.  Travelers who are 19 years of age or older will be asked for a combination of government-issued photo ID and proof of citizenship.  Those 18 or younger will be asked for proof of citizenship.

CBP advises that everyone have their documents ready before approaching an officer, answer all questions truthfully, and declare all items acquired while outside the United States.  Travelers are also advised to plan their return trips around peak days and times, which typically occur between noon and 7:00 pm on Sundays and Mondays.

CBP will be working with their counterparts in Mexico every Sunday and Monday, to segregate and direct all recreational vehicles and vehicles towing trailers into the commercial facility, which will afford them more room, making it easier for them to drive the longer vehicles through the port of entry.  Passenger vehicles will continue to use the normal lanes.

“We have a dual mission of law enforcement and facilitation at the ports of entry,” said David Higgerson, Director of Field Operations, “and while we won’t sacrifice our enforcement operations, we are continually looking at ways of improving our ability to facilitate legitimate international travel.”

For additional information on what to expect at a port of entry, document requirements, and prohibited or restricted items, travelers can visit the U.S. Customs and Border Protection website at www.cbp.gov.

The Office of Field Operations is responsible for securing our borders at the ports of entry.  U.S. Customs and Border Protection Officers’ primary mission is anti-terrorism; they screen all people, vehicles, and goods entering the United States, while facilitating the flow of legitimate trade and travel into and out of the United States.   Their mission also includes carrying out traditional border-related responsibilities, including narcotics interdiction, enforcing immigration law, protecting the nation’s food supply and agriculture industry from pests and diseases, and enforcing trade laws.