Drivers who plan to travel through local ports of entry this week should not expect longer wait times.
U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) is making accommodations to adhere to the anticipated high volume of traffic through the Pharr, Hidalgo, and Anzalduas International Bridges as a result of Holy Week, or Semana Santa, according to a news release from the CBP Office of Field Operations (OFO) Hidalgo Port of Entry.
“CBP officers and agriculture specialists are preparing for the wave of Holy Week holiday passenger vehicle and bus traffic,” said Port Director Carlos Rodriguez, Hidalgo Port of Entry, in the release. “We strongly encourage travelers to utilize the CBP One app to obtain tourist permits and pay for them in advance.”
According to the release, the Hidalgo Port of Entry, located at the Anzalduas International Bridge, will increase the number of personnel and I-94 processing stations in order to facilitate permit applications.
“Tourists can take advantage of the CBP One app which is a single portal for CBP mobile applications and services,” the release read. “From this app, tourists can apply and pay for their I-94 travel permit. I-94 travel permits are no longer printed and can be retrieved electronically from the CBP One app.”
Travelers are encouraged to have their entry documents ready as they approach primary inspection booths. To avoid any delays or potential fines, travelers should also declare all agricultural items, liquor, and currency or monetary instruments in excess of $10,000.
Border wait times can be monitored by visiting www.bwt.cbp.gov, or by downloading the Border Wait Times smartphone app through the Apple App Store and Google Play, where wait times are updated on an hourly basis.
