Chicago – US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) today announced the implementation of proactive measures in anticipation of a three-fold increase in passenger volume for the 2021 summer season at Chicago O’Hare (ORD) and airports Midway International (MDW).

CBP expects the number of passengers to reach 18,000 per day, up from 4,500 per day in summer 2020, an increase of more than 300%.

The expected re-emergence of international travel is a result of current immunization levels and the subsequent lifting of local COVID-19 restrictions, which will attract more international tourists as local attractions reopen.

“CBP is proactively mitigating any potential impact on wait times by maximizing our available resources,” said LaFonda Sutton-Burke, director of field operations for CBP in Chicago. “To improve the traveler’s experience this summer, we are realigning staff during peak hours and will constantly adjust these resources based on passenger demand.”

From now on, CBP at ORD and MDW will combine the resources available to perform primary inspections during peak hours, while maximizing the use of biometric technology to create a more seamless, secure and secure travel experience. in order to speed up the processing of passengers. CBP will also work closely with industry partners and stakeholders on the efficiency of passenger flows and keep the traveling public informed on how to avoid unnecessary delays.

“We advise travelers to be prepared for a high volume of passenger traffic,” said Shane Campbell, regional manager of the Port of Chicago. “Simply downloading the CBP Mobile Passport Control (MPC) application on their smartphones would allow travelers to avoid long queues by using dedicated MPC lanes. “

Top ten tips for international travelers:

1. Wear a face mask. Face masks remain mandatory for employees and passengers, regardless of their vaccination status.
2. Carry all required travel documents for the countries you are visiting, as well as identification for your return to the United States. US citizens need a passport to enter the country by air. Go to www.state.gov/travelers for information on the destination.
3. Use your smartphone and avoid the long lines. Available for download from Google Play Store or Apple App Store The CBP Mobile Passport Control app makes it easier for a traveler to enter the United States Once you have obtained your QR code, look for dedicated MPC processing lines.
4. Report anything you bring in from abroad, even if you bought it from a duty free store. Be careful when buying something from street vendors. Items brought abroad for personal use or as gifts are eligible for exemption from customs duties. If you bring them back for resale, they are not eligible for duty relief.
5. Be aware of goods prohibited in the United States, such as ivory, tortoiseshell products, and counterfeit items.
6. Many drugs manufactured overseas are not approved for use in the United States and are not permitted in the country. When traveling abroad, bring only the medication you will need. Make sure the medicine is in the original container.
7. Travel to and from Cuba – Before you travel, check the latest information for a complete list of prohibited and restricted items on the US Treasury Department’s Cuba Sanctions website, as well as other resources related government.
8. Before bringing food into the United States, please check the list of prohibited items. All live animals, birds and bird products may be restricted, quarantined, or require certification.
9. CBP officers can inspect you and your property without a warrant to enforce US laws.
10. For transit passengers, allow yourself sufficient time between connecting flights due to possible increased waiting times.

To familiarize yourself with federal laws and regulations, visit the Travel section of the main CBP website.

For more information, read the CBP brochure, Know Before You Go. Request printed copies or view it online at www.cbp.gov/newsroom/publications/cbp-publication-catalogue.

Office of Field Operations (OFO) is the largest component of CBP and is responsible for border security, including anti-terrorism, immigration, anti-smuggling, trade compliance and protection of the agriculture, while facilitating trade and legal travel to US ports of entry which is essential to our nation’s economy.