U.S. Customs and Border Protection share tips for holiday travelers

As travelers gear up for the holidays U.S. Customs and Border Protection Officials are reminding the public about the I-94 permit and sharing some tips on hopefully making your commute a little smoother.

“During the Christmas season we always have a large influx of travelers coming through the port coming north going south, and so one of the things that Customs and Border Protection always want to remind the traveling public is that to always be mindful of the wait times,” said Chief John M. Campos, U.S. Customs and Border Protection.

Hourly wait times are available on the Customs Border Protection website and are provide for all southwest borders.

“When crossing through the port making sure that they have all their documentation ready to present and to declare all items that were acquired in Mexico so that the officer can speed up on the inspection and be able to determine what can cross what cannot cross and move on their way,” added Campos.

U.S. customs want to remind travelers to be patient as the holiday rush has already started with wait times being close to three hours this past weekend.

You can also speed up your travels by applying for the I-94 permit.

“For obtaining the I-94 at the downtown port, people can obtain the I-94, 24 hours a day. At the east port of entry, the benefits area is open from 6 in the morning till 10 p.m.”

And don’t forget to declare your items.

“This famous Mexican drink, I don’t know if you heard of it, it’s called the ponche drink. It’s made out of Hawthorne apples, guavas and sugar cane. The Hawthorne apples and guavas are prohibited from being imported to the United States.”