Do you have to go through customs when leaving Europe?

You won't need to go through customs as a connecting passenger, you will go through a passport check when you leave the Schengen area. And if you connect in the UK, you will need to go through a security check. Customs is for when you get back to the USA.



In 2026, leaving Europe (specifically the Schengen Area) involves a dual-process of immigration and customs, though the experience varies for locals and tourists. For immigration, all travelers must pass through passport control; as of April 10, 2026, the Entry/Exit System (EES) is fully operational, meaning non-EU travelers now use automated kiosks to record biometrics (fingerprints and facial images). Regarding "customs," you generally do not have a formal inspection for goods unless you are carrying more than €10,000 in cash or are a tourist seeking a VAT refund (Tax-Free shopping). If you have tax-free forms, you must visit the Customs desk before checking your bags to get your forms stamped and prove the goods are leaving the EU. Otherwise, "leaving customs" is usually just walking through a green "Nothing to Declare" lane after security.

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You'll go through customs and immigration both ways on an international trip—when you arrive in the foreign country you're visiting, and again when you return to your home country from abroad.

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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.

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When entering the United States from overseas, you must obtain your luggage and bring them through Customs and Border Protection (CBP). You will need to check them back into the airlines to make your next flight. Baggage not obtained after your international flight will not get to your final destination.

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Schengen – ID-free travel zone It allows EU nationals and many non-EU nationals to travel freely without border checks. Since 1985, it's kept growing, and now covers almost all EU countries and a few non-EU countries (Liechtenstein, Norway, Iceland, Switzerland).

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You only have to go through customs when the cruise is over. Customs is located right inside the cruise terminal. Once past that, you can exit, go to the airport, get in your car, or any other method to begin your journey home.

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Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Ireland, Romania and the United Kingdom are EU states that are not, or not yet, part of the Schengen area. This means that a flight from one of these states to a Schengen state is regarded as an external flight and is subject to border checks.

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Passport checks used to be carried on the international Eurostar train, but all formalities are now carried out before boarding. At some border crossings, the train stops twice. First on one side of the border for checks and then on the other side for a second set of checks.

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U.S. citizens should carry their U.S. passport at all times when entering or leaving the Schengen area and when traveling between Schengen countries.

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Trains in Europe work really well and they usually link all the most beautiful cities, even in different countries. You can even travel by bus if you like it more. Buses travel all around Europe and they link lots of cities, and they are very cheap.

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Meat of any sort including chicken or pork products (fresh, packaged, canned, vacuumed sealed, jarred) is not allowed. US Customs is very strict about this. Liquid milk and liquid dairy products – Not allowed unless intended to be used as feed for infants and children (butter is allowed).

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They will ask you a few basic questions, such as where you went and what you purchased on your trip. They look for items on the restricted list, contraband, or anything left off the customs form. Be as specific and as prompt as possible when answering.

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Your baggage is usually checked in front of you. Customs officers keep a record of: all baggage they open and check. any damage to your baggage or belongings during a check.

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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. Once you exit the immigration hall there's almost always going to be a transit counter where you can re-check your bags.

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