Do you have to go through US customs when transiting?

Everyone who arrives in the United States is processed by U.S. Customs and Border Protection, even if you are taking a connecting flight that is leaving the United States. You must have a visa or be eligible for the Visa Waiver Program to transit the USA .



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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.

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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.

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In cases where the connecting flight is one another airline or another terminal, passengers must go through a security and baggage check once again before you get on board the connecting flight to reach your destination.

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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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Yes, passengers usually have to re-clear security for connecting flights. It is recommended that travelers allow enough extra time before their connecting flight to pass through security and customs again.

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What is a good connection time? Travel advisers say there's a lot to take into account when booking connecting flights, but a general rule of thumb is 60-90 minutes between domestic flights and at least two to three hours for international itineraries.

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IF YOU HAVE NO CHECKED BAGGAGE OR ALL OF YOUR FLIGHTS ARE ON THE SAME RESERVATION YOU DO NOT NEED TO GO THROUGH SECURITY ON ANY CONNECTING DOMESTIC FLIGHT.

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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.


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The US government issues C1 visas for USA for immediate and continuous transit through the country. Immediate and continuous transit means that your itinerary to your final destination includes a layover in the US and you will have to stop there, but have no other privileges.

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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)


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To put it simply, having a connecting flight means you will have to change planes. You will not be flying directly from A to B, but there will also be C. You will fly from A to C, and then from C to B. Sometimes there will be more than a single stop.

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At a minimum, I'd say you should plan for one hour for domestic layovers and two hours for international layovers. But this is not a hard, fast rule! If you have to go through security again on a domestic layover, you might need more time.

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Usually, travellers on layover flights are required to go through customs and immigration upon their initial entry point. To streamline this procedure, you may want to contemplate applying for the Global Entry program.

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For international layover flights booked on one airline, two hours is often recommended to make your connection.

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A direct flight is identified by a unique flight number. A transit flight, with a connection, has two distinct flight numbers. A flight that is not direct, or connecting flight, involves a change of aircraft.

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The AirTrain system operates between all passenger terminals. For journeys between terminals, it's free. To make your connection, follow signs for AirTrain. You will need to clear through TSA security once you arrive in your departure terminal.

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