San Diego Field Office encourages travelers to make timely travel arrangements for the Easter Holiday

SAN DIEGO – U.S. Customs and Border Protection encourages travelers to plan in advance to avoid last-minute disruptions and improve travel efficiency during the Easter holiday by following CBP’s Top Ten Traveler Tips (cbp.gov).

“Easter weekend is traditionally a busy travel period, and we anticipate higher-than-usual volumes at border crossings,” said Sidney Aki, CBP director of field operations for the San Diego Field Office. “Planning ahead–including checking passport or travel document validity and understanding customs and agricultural regulations–is essential to help reduce wait times and support border security operations.”

U.S. citizens are reminded to bring a Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (cbp.gov) -compliant document, such as a valid U.S. passport, Trusted Traveler Program card, Enhanced Driver’s License, or Enhanced Tribal Card when re-entering the United States, and should be prepared to present the WHTI-compliant document if requested by a CBP Officer during inspection.

Nonimmigrant visa passport-holders seeking to travel to the U.S. in need of an I-94 can apply and pay for an electronic I-94 online through the CBP Home mobile application (cbp.gov) to better facilitate their international travel.

Travelers can monitor Border Wait Times here (cbp.gov) or obtain the BWT app on their smartphone via the Apple App Store and Google Play so that they can make an informed decision of their travels. Wait times are updated on an hourly basis.

To support a seamless and efficient admission process, travelers are strongly encouraged to follow the general guidelines listed below:

• CBP recommends that those with the flexibility to choose, avoid peak hours for their travel. Peak hours are Monday-Friday 4 a.m.-9 a.m. & Saturday-Sunday 2 p.m.-12 a.m.
• Please line up in the proper lanes (SENTRI, Ready Lane, and All Traffic). Traffic at our local ports of entry is segmented into three different sections; and travelers should be prepared to have the correct documentation for the corresponding lane.
• Travelers are reminded to declare all goods in accordance with customs regulations. Declare everything you bring from abroad, even if you bought it in a duty-free shop.
• Be cautious when buying something from street vendors. The merchandise may be counterfeit and/or unsafe, and you may have to surrender it upon inspection at the Port of Entry.
• Items bought abroad for personal use or as gifts are eligible for duty exemptions. If you bring them back for resale, they are not eligible for duty exemption.
• Please be aware of U.S. prohibited merchandise such as ivory, tortoiseshell products and counterfeit items. Bringing prohibited merchandise is against the law and can result in penalties up to $10,000. For more information on prohibited and restricted items, please visit our Know Before You Go Guide (cbp.gov)
• Many foreign-made medications are not approved for United States use and are not permitted in the country. When traveling, bring only the medication you will need. Make sure the medication is in the original container.
• Before bringing food to the United States, please check the list of prohibited items. All live animals, birds and bird products may be restricted, quarantined, or require certification.
• CBP encourages travelers to declare ALL agricultural items to a CBP officer upon arrival. Do not attempt to bring fruits, meats, dairy/poultry (including raw eggs), and/or firewood into the United States without first checking if they are permitted. For more information, please visit: Bringing Agricultural Products Into the United States | U.S. Customs and Border Protection (cbp.gov)

CBP reminds travelers that, although medical marijuana is legal in many states within the U.S., the sale, possession, production, and distribution of marijuana remains illegal under U.S. federal law. Consequently, even crossing with a valid medical marijuana prescription is prohibited and could potentially result in fines, apprehension, or both.

Understand that all persons who apply for entry into the U.S. are subject to inspection. CBP officers may conduct a search of your person, luggage, and vehicle to enforce our laws as well as protect other travelers. Travelers must comply with all inspection procedures and present valid documentation upon request.

If you are a frequent international traveler and have not already become a member of a trusted traveler program, sign up now. For more information, please visit: Official Trusted Traveler Program Website | Department of Homeland Security (dhs.gov)

U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) is America's frontline: the nation's largest law enforcement organization and the world's first unified border management agency. The 65,000+ men and women of CBP protect America on the ground, in the air, and on the seas. We facilitate safe, lawful travel and trade and ensure our country's economic prosperity. We enhance the nation's security through innovation, intelligence, collaboration, and trust.