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  4. CBP Advisory for Detroit Windsor Tunnel Travelers - Plan Ahead for Tunnel Closures

CBP Advisory for Detroit Windsor Tunnel Travelers - Plan Ahead for Tunnel Closures

Release Date
Fri, 10/20/2017

DETROIT – Daily commuters and travelers who use the Detroit Windsor Tunnel are advised to plan trips into the U.S. by utilizing the Ambassador Bridge and taking advantage of Trusted Traveler and Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) cards to help expedite border crossings during tunnel closures. 

Detroit Windsor Tunnel primary inspection lanes
Primary Inspection Lanes at Detroit
Windsor Tunnel

RFID-enabled documents reduce the time to process travelers at the border. Land border travelers may use a variety of documents to include a passport, passport card, or Trusted Traveler card (NEXUS, Global Entry, FAST, or SENTRI).

Other RFID documents also include Enhanced Driver’s Licenses, Enhanced Identification Cards or approved tribal documents. Children from the U.S. and Canada under the age of 16 can present an original or certified copy of their birth certificate.

“Using a trusted traveler card like NEXUS can reduce border wait times anywhere from minutes to over an hour,” said Detroit Port Director Marty Raybon.

During peak travel times, the Ready Lanes at the Ambassador Bridge will be available for those travelers with RFID-enabled documents to speed border crossings. 

Border crossers should consider traveling outside of peak times, normally between 6-10am and 9am-5pm on the weekends. CBP recommends travelers plan extra time into trips in the event they cross during periods of exceptionally heavy traffic.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection is the unified border agency within the Department of Homeland Security charged with the management, control and protection of our nation's borders at and between the official ports of entry. CBP is charged with keeping terrorists and terrorist weapons out of the country while enforcing hundreds of U.S. laws.

Last Modified: Jan 05, 2024