When you enter a different country from which your flight departed you will have to go through the Immigration process. Each country will have its own agency that administers this inspection process.

After your international flight "touches down," you enter a highly regulated, multi-step process known as FIS (Federal Inspection Services). First, you follow the signs to Immigration/Passport Control, where you will either use an automated kiosk (like Global Entry or MPC) or speak to an officer to verify your right to enter the country. In 2026, many European and UK airports have fully transitioned to biometric "e-gates" that scan your face and passport chip. Once cleared, you proceed to the Baggage Claim to collect your checked suitcases. The final—and often most overlooked—step is Customs, where you declare any restricted items like food, plants, or large amounts of cash. If you are at your "final destination," you simply walk out into the arrivals hall; if you have a "connecting flight" in a country like the US, you must take your bags to the "Re-check" belt before heading back through security to your next gate. This "Arrivals" process can take anywhere from 15 minutes to 2 hours depending on the airport's volume and your "trusted traveler" status.