US airport immigration wait times in 2026 vary wildly by airport and time of day, but the national average for a standard passenger is between 30 and 60 minutes. However, during "peak" arrival windows (typically 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM at major hubs like JFK, LAX, or MIA), wait times can easily swell to 2 or 3 hours. In early 2026, some travelers have experienced even longer delays due to intermittent federal funding issues affecting Customs and Border Protection (CBP) staffing levels. To bypass these lines, the best tools are Global Entry (for pre-approved travelers) or the Mobile Passport Control (MPC) app. Using the free MPC app allows you to submit your declaration digitally and enter a dedicated, much shorter line, often reducing your wait to less than 15 minutes. If you are a connecting passenger, it is highly recommended to allow at least a 3-hour layover when arriving from an international destination, as you must clear immigration, collect your checked luggage, pass through customs, and re-clear TSA security before reaching your domestic gate.