By SDCN Staff
Calexico, CA–U.S. Customs and Border Protection officials announced the implementation of passenger vehicle Ready Lanes at the Calexico West Port of Entry, effective June 3.
Travelers may utilize the Ready Lanes if they have a Radio Frequency Identification -compliant document, which include:
- U.S. Passport Cards
- Enhanced Driver’s Licenses
- Enhanced Tribal Cards
- Enhanced Border Crossing Cards
- Enhanced Permanent Resident Cards
- Trusted Traveler Program cards (NEXUS, SENTRI, Global Entry or FAST)
It is important to note that state-issued REAL IDs differ from Enhanced Driver’s Licenses. REAL IDs do not serve as Ready Lane-compliant documents.
Mexican officials will provide a dedicated lane via Mexicali, Mexico for Ready Lane-eligible travelers to access the Calexico West Port of Entry. Once travelers arrive at the U.S. border, they must use the existing general traffic access point to drive across the international boundary line, where Ready Lane signage will be visible, guiding them to the appropriate inspection booths. Travelers with RFID-enabled documents may use Ready Lanes or general processing lanes. They may not use the SETNRI lanes unless enrolled in CBP’s Trusted Traveler Program and have a valid TTP document.
Eligible travelers can save time at the border by navigating to designated Ready Lanes, keeping their eligible travel cards in hand, and displaying cards to the in-lane RFID card readers before proceeding to a CBP officer at the primary inspection booth.
The traveling public can monitor vehicle wait times via CBP’s Border Wait Times website or download the Border Wait Times mobile application on their smartphone to assist in planning their travels. Wait times are updated every hour.
Travelers should familiarize themselves with the Know Before You Go section of CBP’s website to avoid fines and penalties associated with the importation of prohibited items. Know Before You Go brochures are also available at land border ports of entry.
