Who has to go through customs?


Who has to go through customs? Everyone arriving at a port of entry to the U.S. is subject to inspection by Customs and Border Protection officers for compliance with immigration, customs and agriculture regulations.


How does US customs work with connecting flights?

Do You Have To Go Through Customs During 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.


How does customs know who you are?

CBP enrolls in-scope non-U.S. citizen travelers in the DHS Biometric Identity Management System (IDENT) as a biometric confirmation of arrival. Our traveler identity verification process is not a surveillance program.


Who needs to go through customs?

Everyone arriving at a port of entry to the U.S. is subject to inspection by Customs and Border Protection officers for compliance with immigration, customs and agriculture regulations. The more international travelers know about what to expect, the easier and quicker the process becomes.


Do you go through US customs for a layover?

In most cases, passengers on layover flights must clear customs and immigration at the first point of entry. If you want to simplify the process, consider applying for Global Entry.


What countries do you go through US customs?

The US has preclearance facilities in six countries
  • Ireland: Dublin Airport (DUB) and Shannon Airport (SNN)
  • Aruba: Queen Beatrix International Airport (AUA)
  • Bermuda: L.F. Wade International Airport (BDA)
  • Bahamas: Lynden Pindling International Airport (NAS)
  • United Arab Emirates: Abu Dhabi International Airport (AUH)


How long does US customs take?

How long does custom clearance take? Typically, customs clearance takes less than 24 hours, however, there are times where it can take several days or weeks for goods to be inspected. When is customs clearance needed? Customs clearance is necessary for all packages entering the U.S. from other countries.


What must be declared at U.S. Customs?

What Do I Have to Declare at U.S. Customs?
  • Plants, seeds, food, fruit, vegetables, insects.
  • Meat, animals or animal products.
  • Disease agents, cell cultures, snails.
  • Soil, or if you have been on a farm, ranch, or pasture.


Do I have to recheck bags on a connecting flight?

If your flights were booked under one ticket, your bags will be checked through to your final destination. If your flights were booked under separate tickets, you will need to collect your bags and recheck them before your connecting flight.


Do you go through customs if you have a connecting flight?

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.


Do all international flights have to go through customs?

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.


How do I know if I have to go through customs?

Usually, you go through customs when you exit the airport at your final destination. However, if you have a layover in a different city in your destination country, you may need to go through customs before your connecting flight.


Do international layovers go through customs?

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.


Do you go through customs at layover or final destination?

For international layover flights, you will normally have to go through customs and immigration at the connecting airport. For flights with a layover in Canada or the USA, you will need to go through immigration and fill out the necessary customs paperwork even if you are not staying in the country.


Do you have to go through customs twice on a layover?

Do You Have To Go Through Customs During 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 it OK to arrive 2 hours before international flight?

The General Guideline for How Early You Should Get to the Airport. Generally speaking, most airlines advise that you arrive at the airport at least 2 hours prior to a domestic flight, and at least 3 hours prior to an international flight.