US Customs and Border Protection form to fill out

Key Updates for Crossing the U.S. Border in 2025

  • Border device searches are at a record high this year; CBP conducted 14,899 device searches in Q2 2025. WIRED
  • Policy on device searches: CBP distinguishes basic (manual) vs advanced (forensic) searches; advanced searches require reasonable suspicion or a national‑security concern under Directive 3340‑049A (last modified June 18, 2025). U.S. Customs and Border Protection+1
  • Documents for land/sea (WHTI): passport book/card, Enhanced Driver’s License/Tribal ID, SENTRI/NEXUS/Global Entry/FAST cards (program‑specific). krwg.org
  • Ready Lanes: require an RFID‑enabled ID; REAL ID ≠ Enhanced Driver’s License (not Ready‑Lane eligible on its own). Federal Newswire
  • I‑94 for many non‑U.S. citizens at land borders: apply/retrieve online or via CBP app to save time. U.S. Customs and Border Protection
  • Cash: declare if your family group carries more than $10,000 (use FinCEN Form 105). Help Spanish
  • Food/agriculture: declare all foods/plants/seeds; many items are restricted or prohibited. Texas Department of Public Safety
  • Medication: original containers, English prescription/doctor note; rule of thumb is a ≤90‑day supply for personal use. U.S. Customs and Border ProtectionU.S. Food and Drug Administration
  • Marijuana/THC products: still illegal under U.S. federal law at ports of entry—even if legal in some states. U.S. Customs and Border ProtectionCongress.gov
  • Traveling with minors: bring proof of citizenship/relationship; if a child travels without all guardians, a notarized consent letter is recommended and may be required by some countries/airlines. U.S. Customs and Border ProtectionTravel.gov
  • Bringing dogs: CDC rules in effect—all dogs must be ≥6 months, microchipped, and have a CDC Dog Import Form; foreign‑vaccinated dogs from high‑risk rabies countries can’t enter at a land border and must arrive via specific airports. (The one‑year transition ended July 31, 2025.) CDC+1
  • Interior checkpoints (Border Patrol): you must stop; agents may ask limited questions re: citizenship and visually inspect; prolonged detention needs more cause. American Civil Liberties UnionTruck. Rail. Import. Export.
  • Wait times + apps: CBP Border Wait Times app/site shows lane status and updates hourly; you can also pre‑apply for an I‑94. U.S. Customs and Border ProtectionBorder Wait Times

This guide is based on current laws and procedures as of August 2025. Laws and enforcement practices can change. Consult with qualified immigration attorneys for specific legal advice about your situation.