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

🚨 Holiday Rush Alert: Customs and Border Protection is bracing for over 1.8 million travelers daily at U.S. ports of entry—expect record-long wait times if you’re crossing land borders or flying internationally over the long weekend.

📱 New Digital Lane Requirement: First-time travelers and those returning from Mexico or Canada must ensure their Mobile Passport Control app is updated with their latest trip data; outdated profiles triggered automatic secondary screening delays last year.

💊 Medication Gotchas: Packing over-the-counter pain relievers? CBP warns that certain common medications (including some sleep aids and allergy meds) sold without a prescription abroad may be classified as controlled substances—and carrying even small amounts without the right documentation could mean confiscation or fines.

🛂 SENTRI/NEXUS Holders Beware: Trusted traveler program members face unprecedented random enforcement checks at non-designated lanes; even with a valid card, using the wrong lane during peak hours may result in expedited privileges temporarily revoked.

🕒 The “Golden Window” Rule: CBP data over the past three Memorial Days reveals the absolute worst crossing times are Thursday 2–6 PM and Monday 4–8 PM—plan to arrive at the border before 8 AM or after 10 PM for the smoothest experience.