How long does it take to get through passport control at Zurich airport?
1 hour 50 minutes is ample time to go through passport control, take a short shuttle train ride from the central terminal to the E concourse and pass security in Zurich - IF your flight from Prague is not severely delayed.
People Also Ask
From a transatlantic flight, it usually takes me 30-40 minutes max from plane landing to me exiting the customs area, including picking up luggage. From a European flight, more like 20 mins.
We generally recommend you get to the airport around 2 hours before departure (short-haul routes) or 3 hours before departure (long-haul routes). Note also the personalised information in your pre-flight e-mail and on your boarding pass.
At Zurich Airport, automated passport control helps you get to your gate faster. Simply scan your passport and go through the gate yourself. You may use automated passport control if you: are at least 18 years old.
Thanks to the airport's compact size and the famous Swiss efficiency, the minimum connection time between flights is just 40 minutes. However, to avoid having to rush through the airport or stress about missing your flight in case of delays, choose an itinerary with a layover of at least one hour.
In most cases, you'll go through customs and immigration after your flight first arrives in a new country, but there are exceptions. For example, some countries have mutual agreements intended to help speed travelers through the process, so you may go through customs and immigration before you board.
Changing flights at Zürich is easy and straightforward, with short routes between its three terminals. Terminals A and B/D are located under one roof and connected by the Airside Center shopping/dining complex. Passengers can walk between gates and there are also moving walkways.
Most airlines recommend arriving at the airport three hours before departure for international flights. It's common for international flights to start boarding earlier than domestic flights (the aircraft are often larger and have higher passenger capacities), which accounts for the earlier recommendation.
How long does customs usually take? On average, it takes travelers 17 minutes and 53 seconds to get through Immigration and Customs. This number will vary based on the airport you're traveling through, the time of year you're traveling, and the time of day you're arriving at the airport.
Duty-free regulations can be very strictly enforced. Visitors should be aware that there are now flying patrols of Frontier Guards who have the right to stop any car anywhere in Switzerland to see if there is undeclared merchanize in the car, and there are substantial penalities for undeclared items.
Mobile Passport Control (MPC)A secure and free application that allows you to store your travel documents, photos and customs declaration from your mobile. This will allow you to go to an express line at passport control inspection upon your return to the United States from any international destination.
Our FastTrack passes give you access to a dedicated lane straight to the security checkpoint. When returning from your journey, benefit from access to a dedicated lane and a faster route to Passport Control.
Allow enough time: Customs can be time-consuming, especially during peak travel periods. 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.