You’re heading south of the border for the holidays—maybe to visit family, hit the markets, or just get away. Good for you. But here’s the reality: the Texas border is about to get slammed. Every family in the region has the same idea you do. The good news? If you know the game, you can actually save yourself hours of waiting around.
The Real Talk About Border Wait Times
Border crossing times will be longer than normal because of holiday traffic, and CBP officers are being deployed from some Texas ports to handle other border situations. Translation: it’s going to be packed, and staffing is stretched thin.
But here’s where most people mess up: they don’t plan for it. They show up at the border the same way they show up to Walmart and get shocked by the line. Don’t be that person.
The Smart Way: Get Your I-94 Permit Online Before You Go
This is the game-changer. You can apply for your I-94 travel permit online through the CBP One mobile app before you arrive at the border, which allows travelers to apply for a provisional I-94 prior to arriving at a land border crossing.
Why does this matter? If you properly submit your I-94 permit ahead of time, officers at border ports of entry will allow you to move to the front of the line during busy holiday travel. Think about that. Everyone else is sitting in traffic for potentially hours while you’re moving forward. That’s the difference between getting home for dinner and getting home after dark.
The I-94 permit costs $30. That’s 30 bucks to skip the line. Do it.
Here’s how: Download the free CBP One app on your phone. You’ll need a login.gov account (free to create). Open the app, sign in, and apply for your I-94 before you leave. You can check your current I-94 status and use it as proof of visitor status once you’re in the U.S.
Use Technology to Beat the Rush
Download the Border Wait Times app on Apple App Store or Google Play. Wait times are updated hourly, and you can see exactly where the shortest lines are across all Texas border crossings. Don’t just guess. Check the app. Pick the crossing that isn’t slammed. At major crossings like Laredo, you can use alternate bridges to avoid heavy traffic.
Get Your Documents Ready—The Right Way
Have your crossing documents ready and prepared before you arrive at the inspection booth. Not in your glove compartment. In your hand. Your passport. Your visa if you need one. Your border crossing card. Make it easy for the officer.
Consider getting RFID-equipped travel documents like a U.S. passport card or the newer versions of border crossing cards and resident alien cards so you can use Ready Lanes, which process 20 percent faster than regular lanes.
What NOT to Bring Back
Here’s where people get tripped up and end up with fines. Declare ALL items you’re bringing back, including agricultural products and gifts. Don’t wrap your gifts—if CBP needs to inspect them, unwrapped items are faster to check.
What’s prohibited? Fruits, plants, meat, animal products, and biological materials have serious agricultural restrictions. Check the CBP “Know Before You Go” guide before you leave. It’s free information that’ll save you hundreds in penalties or having your stuff confiscated at the border.
And remember: marijuana is illegal federally. Don’t bring it back. Not worth it.
Timing Is Everything
All inspection lanes at major Texas border ports are staffed between 6 a.m. and 10 a.m. Monday through Friday. If you can cross early morning on a weekday, do it. Peak travel times are between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. If you’re flexible, leave the night before and cross in the morning. You’ll skip the worst of the crowd.
If You Cross Frequently: Get Trusted Traveler Status
If you’re a frequent international traveler and haven’t already become a member of a trusted traveler program, sign up now. Programs like SENTRI give you access to dedicated lanes and even faster processing.
One More Thing: Keep Your Vehicle in Shape
Make sure your vehicle is properly maintained and mechanically sound. Occupants should only ride in areas of the vehicle designed for passengers to avoid carbon monoxide exposure during long waits. If you’re going to be idling at the border, you want your car working right and fresh air flowing.
The Bottom Line
Plan ahead. Get your I-94 online. Check wait times. Have your documents ready. Declare everything. Cross early if you can.
The Texas border is about to get slammed this holiday season. But if you follow these steps, you’ll be sipping hot chocolate in Mexico while everyone else is still sitting in traffic. Go smart, travel safe, and enjoy your holidays.
