CBP encourages Spring Break travelers to plan ahead, enroll in programs

The U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) ports of entry in Arizona are urging travelers to prepare for the upcoming Spring Break by enrolling in trusted traveler programs and using Ready Lanes.

Non-immigrant visa, passport holders are urged to apply for tourist permits online.

To use Ready Lanes, travelers must have either a border crossing card and resident alien card issued after 2011 or a radio-frequency identification technology-equipped travel document such as a U.S. passport card.

“CBP Arizona ports of entry want to ensure a smooth and orderly traffic flow during the peak travel season,” Guadalupe Ramirez Jr., director of field operations for the Tucson Field Office, said. “CBP encourages travelers to obtain WHTI (Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative) compliant documents to help expedite their crossing at the border.”

CBP is restricting cascarones, confetti-filled eggshells, this Easter to 10 per passenger to prevent further the spread of Exotic Newcastle Disease. The shells may be decorated or etched but must be empty and free of any egg residue.

Additional ways the speed up travel include knowing the difference between prohibited merchandise and restricted merchandise, having all the required travel documents ready at ports of entry, and declaring everything purchased abroad, according to CBP.