Top 5 Things You Need to Know About CBP’s Memorial Day Travel Warning

• Expect record-breaking delays at land borders – CBP warns that wait times at major ports of entry could exceed 3-4 hours, especially during peak travel hours (Thursday evening and Monday afternoon). Pro tip: Use the CBP One app to check real-time wait times before you head out.

• Nexus and Global Entry lanes are NOT a guarantee – Even trusted traveler program members may face longer-than-usual processing due to staffing shortages and increased secondary inspections. What to do: Make sure your documents are up-to-date and ready before you reach the booth.

• Agricultural inspections are being ramped up – CBP is cracking down on fresh fruits, vegetables, and meats brought back from holiday barbecues or road trips. Heads up: Declare everything, or face fines up to $10,000 — even small items like leftover salsa or a half-eaten apple count.

• Digital device searches are on the rise – CBP reported a 30% increase in electronic device examinations this year. Important: Customs officers can search your phone, laptop, or tablet without a warrant at the border — even for U.S. citizens. If you’re worried, consider traveling with minimal data.

• Biometric entry procedures are expanding – More than 140 airports and 39 land ports now use facial recognition for identity verification. What this means for you: Your photo will be taken and compared to your passport or visa records. Opt-out is possible, but expect extra delays if you do.

Bottom line: Plan for extra time, have your documents ready, and don’t bring back that leftover potato salad.