U.S. Customs announces changes at ports of entry for pope’s visit

Customs and Border Protection announced operational changes and tips in anticipation of Pope Francis’ visit to Juarez on Feb. 17.

CBP officials said they expect an influx of border crossers that day, so they will increase staffing and service hours at area ports before, during and after the pope’s visit. This includes the El Paso, Santa Teresa, and Tornillo ports of entry.

The Santa Teresa Port of Entry will be open for passenger vehicles and pedestrians 24-hours-a-day Feb. 15-19. The Tornillo Port of Entry will be open for passenger vehicles and pedestrian vehicles 24-hours-a-day Feb 17-19.

The Bridge of the Americas cargo facility will close at 2 p.m. Feb 16. and resume normal operations Feb. 19. Cargo hours of operation are being expanded at the Ysleta/Zaragosa and the Santa Teresa cargo facilities. Both locations will be open from 8 a.m. until midnight Feb. 16-18.

CBP official also warned that an event of this magnitude will result in longer than normal processing times at area ports of entry, and the public should anticipate delays and plan accordingly. For port of entry border wait times, click here. Traveler are also encouraged to download the free “Border Wait Time” app, which provides estimated wait times and open lane status at land ports of entry. The app is available at the Apple App Store and Google Play.

CBP will also provide border crossing information updates via Twitter before, during and after the event. Please follow CBP’s local Twitter account: @CBPWestTexas.

Travelers can also observe current traffic conditions at the Paso Del Norte, Stanton and Ysleta bridges on the city of El Paso website.