The "Nearest" ports feature does not appear to be working properly.
Please uninstall your current BWT app and download the newest version "BWT v2" from the app store, distinguishable from the original by the presence of "v2" under "CBP" within the icon.
How do I change the traveler type?
Go to settings in the BWT app, tap on "Traveler Type" and select the traveler type from the options listed.
Where do the border wait times originate?
Border wait time estimates are collected either manually or electronically by each CBP port of entry which report wait times.
How often is data updated in the app?
Version 1.0 - The data gets updated every 60 minutes by default.
Version 2.0 - The app data is refreshed every 5 minutes with the latest available wait times which may be up to 60 minutes by default. Data may also be refreshed on the port list page by swiping the page down.
Is there a way to refresh the data as needed?
Yes. Version 1.0 - Select a border crossing for which you want to get the wait times. Pull down the screen. You will see a spinning gear. Release the screen. The latest available reported wait times will be displayed.
Version 2.0 - Data can be refreshed on the port list page by swiping the page down and releasing it.
How are the wait times calculated?
Land border wait time estimates are determined using either a manual, line-of-sight methodology via predetermined benchmarks, traveler surveys or an automated system.
Why has the wait time not been updated yet?
The wait times may not be updated because a network connection is not available on your phone, CBP ports may not have provided an update, or CBP database has not been updated.
What does "Nearest" show me?
Version 1.0 - "Nearest" shows a map with the three ports closest to your location if you are within 600 miles of the U.S. Border.
Version 2.0 - "Nearest" shows a map with the three ports closest to your location. In addition, it shows the wait times for each of the ports.
Do you collect or store my location data?
No. We do not collect or store your location.
I disabled the location services for the phone. How do I re-enable it?
All phones are different. Follow the guidelines for your phone to enable location services.
Yes. Our border wait time mobile website is:
BWT Website
How do I add/delete a "Favorite"?
On Canadian or Mexican port list, tap on the crossing you want to add to your favorites. Then tap on the "Add to Favorites" button on the page.
For removing favorites, on some phones swiping left on the favorite list item reveals a delete button (swipe right to undo this action) and tapping it removes the favorite from the list. On others, tapping the favorite list item navigates to the item details and from there, tapping "Remove from Favorites" will remove it.
What can I do in "Settings"?
Version 1.0 - You can set your start page, set the data refresh rate, view the FAQ's, find information about us and a copy of the terms of service.
Version 2.0 - You can set your start page, traveler type, get the current app version installed, view the FAQ's, view external resources, find information about us and view the terms of service.
What is the difference between the lane sub-types: Standard/General / SENTRI/ Ready/ NEXUS/ FAST?
SENTRI and NEXUS lanes provide expedited CBP processing for pre-approved, low-risk travelers. Ready Lanes can be used by any traveler that has a pre-enabled radio frequency identification (RFID)-travel document. FAST lanes are for clearing commercial vehicles for known, low-risk shipments entering the U.S.
Note: "Standard" lanes have been renamed to "General" lanes in version 2.0 of the app.
Does this app show all ports of entry?
The app only shows those ports of entry for which CBP estimates wait times. The ports are divided into two categories - Canadian Border Ports and Mexican Border Ports.
What does the data refresh rate do?
Version 1.0 - Setting the data refresh rate to a number will refresh the data on your phone based on your selection. For example, data refresh rate of 30 will refresh the data on your phone every 30 minutes. Note: For most crossings, CBP currently updates the wait time estimates hourly.
Please update your app to version 2.0 if you see the "Data refresh rate" option in settings.
How do I keep the start-up screen the same every time I open the app?
The app keeps track of your start-up screen. The app will display your start-up screen every time you open the app. If the app is already open in the background, it will open to the screen you were last viewing.
How can I change the start-up screen?
From Settings, select Default Start-up Screen and select a screen in the list. Make sure the app is not running in the background. The next time you open the app, the start-up screen will be set to your selection.
What does the estimated time represent?
The estimated time posted on the BWT app is the time it will take a traveler to reach the primary booth after entering the queue.
What if my phone does not have a network connection?
The app will not be able to retrieve the wait times from CBP. You may need to enable "data" which may result in charges from the data services provider.
