Is a 2 hour layover enough for US customs?


Is a 2 hour layover enough for US customs? International flights require longer connections as you will often have to go through immigration and customs upon arrival. For international layover flights booked on one airline, two hours is often recommended to make your connection.


Is 2 hours enough time to get through customs in Atlanta?

You do not go through customs departing the US. On your return, I would count on it taking 2 hours if you do not have Global Entry or even Mobile Passport. We usually recommend 3 hours for such a connection. It might be shorter, but that builds in a pad for delays or unusually long lines.


Do you check in international if you have a layover?

Arriving in a foreign country might require you to go through immigration and clear customs, even if you're only staying there for a brief layover. If you're flying on two separate itineraries with checked bags, you'll have to retrieve your luggage and recheck it.


Do I have to go through security again for a layover to international flight?

For connecting domestic flights, you almost never have to exit and reenter security, though there are some exceptions at airports where the terminals aren't all connected. For domestic-to-international connection, it's still pretty rare that you have to exit and reenter security, even if you're changing terminals.


What do I need when transiting through USA?

Submit the required documents for US Transit Visas
  • Completed DS-160 application form. ...
  • Your passport which has at least one blank page to be able to affix visa. ...
  • One photograph. ...
  • Proof of paid transit visa fee.
  • Social media details. ...
  • Proof that you are allowed to enter the country of your final destination.


Is 3 hour layover enough for immigration?

What is the recommended layover time for international flights? International flights require longer connections as you will often have to go through immigration and customs upon arrival. For international layover flights booked on one airline, two hours is often recommended to make your connection.


Do you have to go through customs if you just have a layover?

Customs and immigration are usually required at the connecting airport for international flights. You don't always have to for domestic flights. In most cases, passengers on layover flights must clear customs and immigration at the first point of entry.


Is 2 hours enough for international flight?

If you know you'll be traveling during a peak time, it's probably still a good idea to plan on the standard two hours for domestic flights and three hours for international flights. If you're heading to the airport at a slower time of day, then you can consider arriving a little later.


Do I need a transit visa for a 2 hour layover?

Yes, for any transit in the US you need a visa or ESTA if you don't have a US or Canadian passport, even for just a few hours, even if you don't plan to leave the airport.


What happens if I miss my flight due to short layover?

If your itinerary was purchased as one ticket (as in: you have only one itinerary and one confirmation number), and the connection time was too short and you miss the second (or third) flight, you can rest easy, no matter what happens. The airline will simply put you onto the next available flight, free of charge.


Do I need to pick up luggage during layover?

No matter what airline you're flying, if you have a connecting flight that arrives in the United States from an international destination, you'll need to pick up your bags and recheck them on your next flight.


Do I need to go through US customs for a connecting flight?

You'll need to clear customs and immigration. Next, you'll recheck your luggage for the domestic flight. Finally, you'll need to go through Transportation Security Administration screening.


Do I need a visa for 3 hours layover in USA?

Transiting the United States
In general, travelers in transit through the United States require valid C-1 visas.