As the Christmas and New Year’s holiday season approaches, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) at the Laredo Port of Entry is urging travelers to plan ahead by applying for I-94 travel permits online. This measure aims to manage increased traffic expected during this period.
Port Director Albert Flores of the Laredo Port of Entry highlighted the preparations being made: “As last-minute shopping and holiday travel begins to snowball, CBP Laredo Port of Entry management is planning for elevated volumes of vehicular traffic for the Christmas and New Year’s holiday travel season at the Laredo Port of Entry.”
Travelers are encouraged to use the CBP One mobile application, available on Google Play or Apple App Store, or through http://i94.cbp.dhs.gov. After submitting an application and payment online, a provisional I-94 is issued. Travelers must then visit a port of entry within seven days to complete the process with a CBP officer.
The app provides access to various CBP services via guided questions that direct users based on their needs. Applying for an I-94 in advance allows faster processing times at land border crossings.
In collaboration with the Outlet Shoppes at Laredo, a Mobile Enrollment Center has been set up for issuing I-94 tourist permits since before Thanksgiving/Black Friday. It will remain open until early January 2025.
Travelers can monitor border wait times using the BWT app available on smartphones or by checking updates every hour. The Colombia-Solidarity Bridge offers an alternative route to avoid congestion.
Starting December 13, additional lanes may be opened for local traffic below Juarez Lincoln Bridge as needed. Travelers are reminded to declare all agricultural items upon arrival to avoid delays or fines.
For updates, follow @DFOLaredo on Twitter and Instagram or @CBPSouthTexas on social media platforms.
U.S. Customs and Border Protection remains committed to ensuring safe and lawful travel while maintaining national security.