Borderland travelers preparing for busy holiday weekend, long wait times at ports of entry

EL PASO, Texas -- With Christmas right around the corner, thousands of people are braving heavy traffic, preparing for one of the busiest holiday traveling weekends of the year.

Dozens of cars were lined up anxiously waiting to enter into Mexico at the Yselta Port of Entry Sunday night.

Travelers who spoke with ABC-7 noticed traffic has been busier this year compared to other years.

"Way busy, way slow to go in," said Edith Chavez who was waiting in the line hoping to spend the holiday weekend with her family in Juarez.

Another traveler, Fernanda Lara, told ABC-7 she was heading back to Juarez with her mom after some last minute Christmas shopping.

"I have the SENTRI line, thank God," Lara said. "It's really long lines." "Especially this month, since it's Christmas time and everyone is doing last minute Christmas shopping," Lara said.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection is taking extra steps to ease congestion, working to implement the All Lanes Open Initiative during the holiday weekend.

CBP will staff all vehicle and pedestrian lanes from 6 a.m. to 10 a.m. until Sunday, Dec. 29.

CBP is also encouraging everyone to "Know Before You Go," planning trips ahead, obtaining all necessary travel documents, checking bridge wait times, and declaring goods, food, and gifts.