Texas Border Affairs
The week before Easter is traditionally one of the busiest periods for cross-border travel.
Cascarones (confetti-filled egg shells) are a common item that CBP officers encounter during the Easter season. They are limited to 12 per passenger and the shells can be decorated, engraved or painted, but they must be clean, dry and free of any egg residue.
CBP agricultural specialists will also occasionally encounter travelers attempting to import Easter chicks and ducklings. Importation of these birds and all breeds of live birds is prohibited, and the animals will be seized and turned over to the United States Department of Agriculture, Veterinary Services, or the United States. Fish and Wildlife Service for disposal.
CBP Agricultural Specialists continue to fulfill CBP's agricultural mission by preventing harmful pests and diseases from becoming established in the United States
To avoid potential delays or fines due to travelers bringing prohibited/restricted agricultural products, CBP encourages travelers to declare all agricultural products to a CBP officer upon arrival and before departing to consult the Know Before You Go Guide. It is best to declare all items acquired abroad to avoid penalties. If an item is declared but deemed prohibited, it may be abandoned without consequence.
CBP also reminds travelers that they can use the CBPOne mobile app to expedite the I-94 travel permit process if their trip takes them beyond the border area.
Those who intend to travel beyond the immediate border area should download CBPOne on their mobile devices. They can then apply for an I-94 permit, pay for and print their permit, view their travel history, and surrender their permit once the trip is complete.
“Using technology will make the I-94 permit process more efficient for all parties,” said El Paso Director of Field Operations Hector Mancha. “Travelers using this resource can enter all of their information before arrival and then report directly to senior CBP officers for the final step of the process.”
The traveler will no longer have to wait in line at the CBP permit office, they will now be able to use the CBPOne application and go directly to the entrance. The CBPOne mobile app is available for most devices through the app stores for Apple and Android users.
U.S. citizens are reminded to bring aWestern Hemisphere Travel Initiative (IVHO), such as a valid U.S. passport, Trusted Traveler Program card, enhanced driver's license, or enhanced tribal card, when returning to the United States and must be prepared to present a document that complies with the IVHO if a CBP Officer during a border inspection.
CBP encourages all travelers to have their WHTI-compliant entry documents on hand when approaching primary inspection stations and to declare all agricultural products, alcohol, and foreign currency or monetary instruments exceeding $10,000 .
Members of the traveling public can monitor Waiting time at the border online or download the BWT application on your smartphone via Apple App Store And Google game so they can observe wait times and make an informed decision on which bridge to use. These wait times are updated hourly. Several websites also offer live viewscurrent bridge conditions.
“Holy Week is always a busy time, so travelers should take all necessary steps to prepare for entry, including allowing extra time into their crossing plans,” Mancha said.
