Do I go through customs after security?

In most cases, you'll go through customs and immigration after your flight first arrives in a new country, but there are exceptions. For example, some countries have mutual agreements intended to help speed travelers through the process, so you may go through customs and immigration before you board.



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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.

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If you are entering the United States from a foreign country (not US territories), all persons must go through the Customs and Immigration process. If you are flying, at the airport you'll be funneled by armed doors to the CBP areas.

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When you land in the United States, you'll first have to clear immigration. Then you'll have to wait at the baggage claim belt, and once you have all your belongings, you'll then clear customs.

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Passing through a particular one of these lanes is explicitly making a customs declaration, and if you forget (or forget) to declare something which you're required to declare, that's a crime.

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Customs Action Steps
  • Complete the Customs Declaration Form while on the flight.
  • Ask questions to your flight attendant or traveling companions as needed.
  • Declare any goods you have with you that might have restrictions, and/or goods you purchased in country when returning to your home country.


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Airport Procedures on Day of Departure (From Departure to Arrival)
  1. STEP 1 Airport Procedure. If you use online check-in, there is no need to go to the check-in counter. ...
  2. STEP 2 Checking in baggage. ...
  3. STEP 3 Security Check. ...
  4. STEP 4 Immigration. ...
  5. STEP 5 Boarding and Disembarking. ...
  6. STEP 6 Immigration. ...
  7. STEP 7 Baggage Claim.


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With Global Entry, you simply scan your passport or U.S. permanent resident card at a Global Entry kiosk, complete the customs declaration form, scan your fingerprints and move onward onto U.S. soil. This can be a major time saver when the customs line is long at busy airports or during high-volume travel periods.

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As a general rule, it's best to allow at least two hours for international layovers. Pack smart: Avoid packing any prohibited items in your carry-on or checked baggage. Always check with local customs officials if you have any questions.

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You will need to reclear TSA security once you arrive in your departure terminal. For international arriving passengers, you must claim all checked bags at Customs and recheck with your departing airline, even if the bags are checked to your final destination!

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When you purchase a connecting flight, checked baggage is usually forwarded to your final destination, and will change planes when you do. The agent at check-in will usually ask if you want your luggage checked through to your last stop.

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Allow enough time: Customs can be time-consuming, especially during peak travel periods. Make sure you allow enough time to clear customs and get to your connecting flight. As a general rule, it's best to allow at least two hours for international layovers.

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Customs and Immigration has significantly more authority than TSA when searching and seizing. For TSA, the TSOs are authorized to scan you and your belongings to try to detect dangerous items such as weapons and explosives.

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Check in. Once you enter the airport, the first thing you should do is check in (if you haven't done so already online). Many airlines allow you to check in online 24 hours before your flight.

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