How can I speed up my customs clearance?

Trusted Traveler Program Enrollment Global Entry is a U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) program that allows expedited clearance for pre-approved, low-risk travelers upon arrival in the United States. Members enter the United States by accessing the Global Entry processing technology at selected airports.



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Like Global Entry, Germany's EasyPASS allows travelers to bypass customs interviews and move through automated border control at seven German airports (Frankfurt am Main, Munich, Cologne/Bonn, Dusseldorf, Berlin-Schönefeld, Berlin-Tegel, and Hamburg) with 153 eGates: All you have to do is scan your passport, glance at ...

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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. Pack smart: Avoid packing any prohibited items in your carry-on or checked baggage.

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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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Customs clearance is the process of declaring goods to Customs authorities when entering or leaving a country. Individuals or businesses can do this. Goods subject to customs clearance include items that are being imported or exported, as well as personal effects and commercial shipments.

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For more information, please contact the CBP Information Center at (877) 227-5511.

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Enroll in TSA PreCheck or Clear
TSA PreCheck is not to be confused with Global Entry, which speeds up travel on the other end of your journey when clearing customs upon arrival into the United States—though signing up for Global Entry will automatically enroll you in TSA PreCheck.

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For example, if your final destination is Paris, France, but you have a layover in Madrid, Spain, you will actually go through customs in Spain, not France. Then, when you arrive in Paris, you won't go through customs a second time. You will be free to grab your bags from the terminal and leave the airport.

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