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San Ysidro News

San Ysidro Port of Entry to Test New Procedure For Issuance of I-94 Permits to Mexican Travelers

Wednesday, March 24, 2004

SAN YSIDRO - Mexican border crossing card (or "laser visa") holders who plan to make an extended visit to the United States during the popular Jueves Santo Mexican holiday on April 8 will be able to obtain an essential visit document faster and more conveniently due to a change in processing procedure being tested at the San Ysidro border station, U.S. Customs and Border Protection officials announced today.

Beginning March 29, travelers seeking I-94 documents will be allowed to apply up to a week in advance rather than waiting in line on the busy April holiday when almost 4,000 visitors apply annually for the permit. The permit allows visitors to travel further than 25 miles from the border and to stay up to six months in the U.S.

As part of the test, permit seekers now will be able to leave their vehicles in Mexico and walk to the old port building just across the border to apply for the document. Because the building is located in front of the pedestrian entrance to the port, travelers will not need to make formal entry into the U.S. and can conveniently walk back to Mexico, announced San Ysidro Port Director Oscar Preciado.

Travelers will be able to pay a $6 fee and apply for their I-94 at the old port building daily between 6 a.m. and 10 p.m. Permits also will continue to be processed in the vehicle secondary inspection area around the clock for those who drive across the border and make entry into the U.S.

"This is a test during the most popular Mexican holiday season of the year to reduce traffic congestion at the port and to offer improved service that is more convenient and faster," Preciado said. "If this test is successful, we may implement these changes during other Mexican and U.S. holidays."

As the busiest land border port in the nation with 50,000-65,000 vehicles and 35,000 pedestrians daily entering the U.S. through its gates, the San Ysidro facility is one of the Southwest border stations most affected by heavy holiday I-94 processing.

In the past, travelers typically applied on the day of their planned trip to the U.S. and stood up to three hours in a line that stretched around the vehicle secondary inspection area, causing safety problems and parking congestion, Preciado said.

Officials concurrently will launch a similar test program at the downtown Calexico port of entry to facilitate travelers seeking travel permits.

Preciado cautioned that all family members who plan to apply for the documents need to be present during the application process. Those requesting the permits also must be able to establish financial solvency and proof of residency outside the U.S., he said.

Preciado said the test will end on April 12 and officials will evaluate the results. If successful the port may process I-94 walk-in applications up to a week in advance during the Dia de Trabajo weekend observation on May 1 as well as other holidays.

Travelers who need more information about the test program may call 619-690-8800 daily between 6 a.m. and 10 p.m.