With Global Entry, it takes us from 30-120 mins (most often in range of 45 mins from deplane to exiting Customs) to clear Immigration, retrieve luggage, then Customs. Usually, waiting for luggage is the time-consuming aspect.

Clearing immigration at San Francisco International Airport (SFO) typically takes between 30 and 60 minutes, though this can vary wildly depending on your arrival time and citizenship status. If you arrive during the "peak" afternoon window when multiple wide-body flights from Asia and Europe land simultaneously, wait times can spike to 90 minutes or more. However, travelers with Global Entry often breeze through the dedicated kiosks in under 5 minutes. The use of the Mobile Passport Control (MPC) app is another excellent way to bypass the longest lines for U.S. and Canadian citizens. In 2026, SFO has implemented more "Biometric Entry" technology, which has significantly streamlined the process for many international visitors. To minimize your wait, try to secure a seat at the front of the plane so you are among the first to reach the customs hall, and ensure your digital forms are completed before the wheels touch the ground to avoid any manual processing delays.