Busy Memorial Day travel weekend; CBP encourages online visa applications

Updated: May 22, 2024 / 06:41 AM CDT

Ukrainian refugees Sasha Alexandra (L) and Olena (C) show their Ukrainian passports to a U.S. Customs and Border Protection officer before being allowed to cross the San Ysidro Port of Entry into the United States to seek asylum on March 21, 2022 in Tijuana, Mexico. They fled their city of Dnipro, Ukraine earlier this month and travelled to Germany before flying to Mexico. U.S. authorities have recently been allowing Ukrainian refugees to enter the U.S. at the Southern border with permission to remain in the U.S. on humanitarian parole for one year. Some anti-war Russians were recently barred from entering the U.S. to seek asylum at the same location. (Photo by Mario Tama/Getty Images)

McALLEN, Texas (Border Report) — Travel this Memorial Day weekend could hit record levels and U.S. Customs and Border Protection officials are suggesting international border travelers to apply for online tourist permits.

Applications can be made on the CBP One app.

“With summer travel around the corner, the port encourages those needing travel permits to apply for them online via CBP One and be cognizant of border wait times to choose your preferred bridge crossings accordingly,” said CBP Laredo Port Director Albert Flores said in a statement. “By staying updated with these resources, you can better navigate your travel to ensure a smoother border crossing experience.”

A list of acceptable forms of ID to enter the United States can be found here.

Agriculture items, liquor and money in excess of $10,000 must be declared at U.S. ports of entry.

Wait times remain long at the Juarez-Lincoln International Bridge, in Laredo, where a drainage project is being constructed and lanes have been shifted. CBP officials urge finding alternate routes or build extra time into travel.

Sandra Sanchez can be reached at SSanchez@BorderReport.com.