CBP RELEASE

TIPS FOR A QUICK AND SAFE BORDER CROSSING EXPERIENCE

December 19, 2007 -- Press Release

U.S. CUSTOMS AND BORDER PROTECTION TO STAFF ALL LANES DURING UPCOMING HOLIDAY WEEKENDS; OFFERS TIPS FOR A QUICK AND SAFE BORDER CROSSING EXPERIENCE

EL PASO, TEXAS – U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officials in El Paso are anticipating an increase in border traffic as the holiday season approaches. As a result, the agency is implementing a holiday lane initiative December 21-24 and December 28-31. During these periods, CBP plans to staff all lanes between 5 a.m. and 2 a.m. as traffic levels dictate.

“We implemented a similar strategy during the recent Thanksgiving holiday weekend and the results were positive,” said Polly Figueroa, CBP acting El Paso Port Director. “Most people crossed the border in a minimal amount of time in the three days immediately after Thanksgiving.”

The holiday travel season has historically been a period when people who are infrequent border crossers travel to and from the U.S. In addition, regular border crossers typically cross more frequently than normal to shop and attend holiday functions. The holiday lane initiative will help however CBP is also reminding members of the traveling public that there are strategies they can employ to cross the border quickly, safely and without incident.

“If the public adopts some of our tips, we believe we can keep traffic moving while insuring that our enforcement concerns are properly addressed,” said Arthur Gonzales, CBP acting Director of Field Operations in El Paso. “Our goal is enforce our anti-terror mission while allowing law abiding border crossers to reach their destinations in a timely manner during this busy travel period. We believe these tips will help the process.”

Tip #1 – Travelers should prepare for the inspection process before arriving at the inspection booth. Individuals should have their crossing documents available for the 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 #2 – Travelers should plan to build extra time into their trips in the event they cross during periods of exceptionally heavy traffic. This includes Dedicated Commuter Lane users. CBP is also reminding travelers that the DCL service hours were recently expanded at both DCL locations, making the DCL program an attractive option for any border crosser.

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/ to avoid fines and penalties associated with the importation of prohibited items. “Know Before You Go” brochures are also available at border ports.

Tip #4 – Members of the traveling public should consult the CBP website site at www.cbp.gov to monitor border wait times. Information is updated hourly and is useful in planning trips and identifying periods of light use/short waits.

Tip #5 – During periods of heavy travel, border crossers may wish to consider alternative entry routes. For example, border crossers may want to use the nearby and less heavily traveled Fabens or Santa Teresa ports of entry instead of the El Paso port.

Tip #6 – Visit the port of entry to obtain I-94 travel documents in advance of the busiest holiday travel periods. 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 those lines when they formally enter the U.S. They will still be subject to the inspection process.

Tip #7 – Regarding I-94’s, travelers should not attempt to obtain this document at the Paso Del Norte crossing. Because of an ongoing $26 million renovation project, space is limited and travelers would be better served by obtaining this document at an alternate crossing point.

Tip #8 – Drivers should insure 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 continually monitor traffic and border crossing times and will employ various traffic management operations to maintain the flow of traffic during periods of exceptionally heavy usage.

The principal mission of U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) is anti-terrorism. CBP officers at border ports of entry are committed to identifying and stopping terrorists and the tools of terror. As a result, border crossers should continue to expect a thorough inspection process when they enter the U.S. from Mexico.

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U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) 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 the official ports of entry. CBP is charged with keeping terrorists and terrorist weapons out of the country while enforcing hundreds of U.S. laws.