U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers at the Blaine port of entry. (PNW Daily)
BLAINE, Wash. — U.S. Customs and Border Protection is warning travelers to expect delays at Washington’s land border crossings during the upcoming Memorial Day weekend and throughout a summer packed with major sporting events.
PNW Daily has already observed longer usual wait times in the past coming into the U.S. despite decreased traffic due to expanded biometric collection procedures.
Officials expect increased traffic at ports of entry, including Blaine, as holiday travel ramps up.
Travelers have also reported longer processing times since CBP expanded biometric collection procedures and increased document verification requirements.
CBP officials said preparation before arriving at the border can help reduce delays. Travelers should carry proper travel documents, declare all goods and agricultural products, report monetary instruments exceeding $10,000 and remember that marijuana remains illegal under federal law regardless of state or local regulations.
That means despite it being legal in both B.C. and Washington, it cannot pass through federal checkpoints.
I-94 Applications Can Speed Up Processing
Travelers who require an I-94 travel document can complete a provisional application before arriving at the border.
Many foreign visitors need an I-94 Arrival/Departure Record when traveling beyond the immediate border zone or staying longer than 30 days in the United States. In the past, travelers often parked their vehicles and entered a CBP facility to complete processing and biometric collection.
The Area Port of Blaine now uses technology that allows officers to issue I-94 documents while travelers remain in their vehicles during primary inspection. As a result, CBP officials said the system eliminates the need for most travelers to enter a CBP facility and can significantly reduce processing times when travelers complete provisional applications before arriving.
CBP Travel Tips Before You Cross
- Download the CBP Link mobile app (available on Apple App Store and Google Play)
- Complete any provisional I-94 application before traveling
- Have passports and required travel documents ready
- Declare all goods, alcohol and agricultural products
- Visa Waiver Program travelers must have an approved ESTA before arrival
- Plan for longer wait times during peak travel periods
Summer Events Could Keep Traffic High
Memorial Day traditionally marks the start of the summer travel season. CBP expects border traffic to remain elevated throughout the summer as travelers attend major sporting events and vacation destinations across the Pacific Northwest.
Travelers can check current border wait times, document requirements, prohibited items and travel advisories at CBP.gov/travel before beginning their trip.
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