CBP to Launch Dedicated Ready Lanes at Calexico West Port of Entry on June 3
CALEXICO, Calif. — U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) announced it will activate dedicated Ready Lanes for passenger vehicles at the Calexico West Port of Entry starting at 12 a.m. Pacific Time on Tuesday, June 3, 2025. The new lanes are designed to expedite border crossings for travelers carrying Radio Frequency Identification (RFID)-enabled documents.
According to CBP, the following RFID-compliant documents are eligible for Ready Lane use:
U.S. Passport Cards
Enhanced Driver’s Licenses
Enhanced Tribal Cards
Enhanced Border Crossing Cards
Enhanced Permanent Resident Cards
Trusted Traveler Program cards (NEXUS, SENTRI, Global Entry, or FAST)
Officials emphasized that REAL ID cards, although issued by states for air travel and other federal purposes, do not qualify as RFID-enabled and are not valid for Ready Lane access.
In coordination with Mexican authorities, a dedicated feeder lane will be established in Mexicali, directing eligible vehicles toward the Ready Lanes at the U.S. port of entry. Once at the international boundary, signage will guide drivers to the appropriate booths for expedited inspection.
Travelers must display their RFID-compliant documents to in-lane card readers before reaching a CBP officer. While drivers with these documents can still use general lanes, they may only use SENTRI lanes if they are enrolled in CBP’s Trusted Traveler Program and possess valid documentation.
CBP recommends that motorists prepare for border crossings by monitoring real-time wait times through the Border Wait Times website or mobile app, both updated hourly. Additionally, travelers are urged to review CBP’s Know Before You Go guidelines to avoid violations related to prohibited or restricted items.
CBP describes itself as the United States’ largest law enforcement agency, tasked with ensuring border security and facilitating lawful trade and travel. The agency employs more than 65,000 personnel nationwide.
We have reached to CBP for additional information but have yet to hear back stay tuned for more information, this is a developing story.