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.

Whether you clear customs between flights depends on your itinerary and the country of transit. In 2026, if you are transiting between two international flights on a single ticket at major hubs like Dubai, Singapore, or most European cities (staying "airside"), you typically do not clear customs or immigration. However, the United States and Canada are major exceptions; they require all transit passengers to clear full immigration and customs at their first point of entry, even if they are connecting to another country. Another scenario is the "Self-Transfer" (separate tickets); if you booked your flights independently, you must exit the secure area, clear customs to collect your bags, and then re-check them at the departures counter for your next flight. For 2026 travelers in Europe's Schengen Area, you clear Immigration (Passport Control) at your first stop, but you usually clear Customs for your checked baggage only at your final destination.