Starting this Tuesday, June 3, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) will implement dedicated Ready Lanes for passenger vehicles at the Calexico West Port of Entry, with the goal of speeding up wait times at the border crossing.
These lanes may only be used by individuals carrying documents with RFID technology, such as U.S. passport cards, Enhanced Driver’s Licenses, Enhanced Tribal Cards, Enhanced Border Crossing Cards, Enhanced Permanent Resident Cards, or Trusted Traveler Program credentials (NEXUS, SENTRI, Global Entry, or FAST).
CBP clarified that REAL IDs are not valid for Ready Lane use, as they do not have the required technology.
On the Mexican side, authorities will enable dedicated access through Mexicali for vehicles that meet Ready Lane requirements. Once in the U.S., drivers must follow the signs posted at the crossing area to navigate to the appropriate lanes.
Eligible travelers can choose to use the Ready Lane or the general lanes, but they will not be able to use the SENTRI lanes unless they are enrolled in the Trusted Traveler Program and have valid documentation.
CBP recommends having the RFID document in hand and holding it over the appropriate reader before arriving at the inspection booth to streamline the process. Additionally, wait times updated every hour can be found at bwt.cbp.gov or through the Border Wait Times mobile app.
Finally, travelers are encouraged to learn about the rules for bringing merchandise into the U.S. through the “Know Before You Go” section of the CBP website to avoid fines or penalties for introducing prohibited items. Informational brochures are also available at land border crossings.
Source: elimparcial
