The CBP said holiday travelers should be prepared for possible delays during the Memorial Day holiday, especially at U.S.-Canada entry points, including Michigan ports in Detroit, Port Huron, and Sault Ste. Marie, where volumes typically increase during peak summer travel periods.
AAA said 39.1 million travelers are expected to drive, accounting for about 87 percent of total holiday travel, while 3.66 million will fly domestically and 2.2 million will travel by bus, train, or cruise.
According to AAA, the official Memorial Day travel period spans five days, from May 21 through May 25.
Canada remains one of the most popular international destinations for U.S. travelers during the holiday period, with Vancouver ranking among the top overseas destinations in AAA booking data.
Vancouver, Canada, ranked as the second international travel destination for Americans, following Rome, Italy, as number one.
CBP urged travelers to “be prepared at land border crossings and anticipate possible delays during the Memorial Day holiday” and to arrive prepared before reaching a port of entry.
“Have applicable travel documents,” the CBP said in its guidance. Officials also reminded travelers to declare all goods, including alcohol and agricultural products, and to report currency or monetary instruments exceeding $10,000.
Marijuana also remains illegal under U.S. federal law, even if permitted under some state or local laws, warned the CBP.
Non-U.S. citizens traveling to Canada or Mexico by land are encouraged to submit Form I-94 applications in advance using CBP’s online system or mobile app.
“Travelers who apply for their I-94 ahead of time will experience faster processing times to expedite entry,” said the CBP.
AAA also released guidance on expected road congestion during the five-day travel window. According to AAA and traffic data provider INRIX, the heaviest delays are expected during afternoon and early evening hours, especially at the start and end of the holiday weekend.
Best and worst times to travel by car, according to the AAA, are:
Thursday, May 21—Worst: noon to 9 p.m. and Best: after 9 p.m. Friday, May 22—Worst: 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Best: before 11 a.m. Saturday, May 23—Worst: noon to 5 p.m. and Best: before 11 a.m. Sunday, May 24—Minimal traffic impact expected Monday, May 25—Worst: noon to 5 p.m. and Best: before 10 a.m.
CBP also urges travelers to check wait times, review travel advisories, and have documentation ready before traveling.