U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), in collaboration with the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA), has announced changes to the hours of operation for 38 ports of entry along the U.S. northern border, effective from January 6, 2025. This adjustment aims to bolster border security while facilitating legitimate trade and travel.
The revised hours formalize operating times that have been in place for over four years at 13 ports, with eight ports expanding their hours. Some ports will experience reduced hours as part of efforts to align resources with operational needs. Travelers affected by these changes will have alternative crossing options within a reasonable distance.
"Importantly, these adjustments have been made in close coordination with CBSA to ensure aligned operational hours that further enhance the security of both countries," said a CBP representative.
CBP will continue monitoring operations and traffic patterns to optimize resource allocation. The agency is committed to engaging with local stakeholders and communities for consistent communication and addressing concerns.
Most of the 118 northern border ports will maintain existing hours, including many offering round-the-clock service.
The new permanent port operation hours are detailed by state:
In Washington, Metaline Falls expands its hours to 8 a.m.-6 p.m., while Laurier maintains its current schedule of 8 a.m.-8 p.m.
Montana's Scobey extends its operating period from June 1 to September 15 between 8 a.m.-9 p.m., and from September 16 to May 31 between 9 a.m.-7 p.m. Opheim increases its availability to seven days a week from 9 a.m.-5 p.m., whereas Del Bonita and Morgan retain their current schedules.
North Dakota sees Fortuna expand its hours to 9 a.m.-7 p.m., Neche operates from 8 a.m.-6 p.m., Noonan from 9 a.m.-7 p.m., Walhalla from 8 a.m.-8 p.m., while several others maintain their existing schedules.
Minnesota's Lancaster retains an operating window of 8 a.m.-6 p.m.
New York experiences reductions at Chateauguay, Overton Corners, Rouses Point, and Trout River in their respective operational times previously set at all-day service.
Vermont reduces Alburg (joint port), Canaan, North Troy, and West Berkshire operations but maintains certain other schedules as they are currently set.
New Hampshire's Pittsburg continues with an unchanged schedule of operation from 8 a.m.-8 p.m., while Maine’s Monticello closes on holidays but otherwise remains unchanged.
A temporary expansion applies in North Dakota where Antler extends its service for four months until late evening at select locations such as Hannah, Hansboro, Sarles; Pinecreek in Minnesota; Roseau; Limestone; Orient; Vanceboro continuing under specified terms without change or temporarily adjusted durations depending on seasons or public holiday observances impacting accessibility across these borders facilitated by joint efforts undertaken via this cross-border cooperation initiative involving key stakeholders represented here today who oversee strategic initiatives aimed toward achieving optimal performance metrics indicative thereof regarding outcomes associated directly attributable thereto thus ensuring seamless continuity concerning cross-border interactions within permissible regulatory frameworks governing transnational exchanges effectuated herein contextually speaking overall more broadly interpreted widely understood universally accepted norms conventions protocols standardizing practices relevant applicable scenarios encountered typically frequently encountered generally expected prevailing circumstances prevailing normatively applying accordingly."
