What is the difference between TSA and customs?

The TSA are responsible for providing security for air travel. They have nothing to do with customs, and don't care if passengers are domestic or international. The other organisation is customs and border protection (CBP). Their focus is on who and what is coming into the country.



The primary difference in 2026 is that the TSA (Transportation Security Administration) is responsible for the safety of the aircraft, while Customs (CBP - Customs and Border Protection) is responsible for the legality of what and who enters the country. You encounter the TSA before you board a flight; they screen your person and your bags for weapons, explosives, and prohibited items to ensure a secure flight. You encounter Customs after an international flight lands; they check your passport, verify your visa, and ensure you are not bringing in illegal goods, excessive currency, or prohibited agricultural products (like fruit or meat). In 2026, the TSA uses advanced 3D scanners and "REAL ID" checks for domestic security, whereas Customs focuses on biometric facial recognition and "Global Entry" protocols to process international arrivals. TSA is an agency of the Department of Homeland Security focused on transit safety, whereas CBP is the border authority focused on national sovereignty and trade.

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TSA PreCheck® provides expedited security screening benefits for flights departing from U.S. Airports. Global Entry provides expedited U.S. customs screening for international air travelers when entering the United States. Global Entry members also receive TSA PreCheck® benefits as part of their membership.

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TSA is known mostly for its screening operations at U.S. airports, but did you know that TSA is also responsible for safeguarding the surface transportation sector? That's over 4 million miles of roads, more than 611,000 bridges and nearly 140,000 miles of railroad tracks.

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In Standard Screening Lane
  • Remove the 3-1-1 liquids bag and place it in the bin.
  • Ensure pockets are empty (keys, tissues, currency, wallets, cell phones, etc.) and remove bulky jewelry (valuable items can be placed in carry-on).
  • Remove your shoes and place them directly on the X-ray belt.


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Identification
  1. Driver's licenses or other state photo identity cards issued by Department of Motor Vehicles (or equivalent) ...
  2. U.S. passport.
  3. U.S. passport card.
  4. DHS trusted traveler cards (Global Entry, NEXUS, SENTRI, FAST)
  5. U.S. Department of Defense ID, including IDs issued to dependents.
  6. Permanent resident card.


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Officials will review your required passenger travel documents (passport, visa, green card, disembarkation card (provided by a flight attendant during flight), immunization documentation, letters of confirmation or support, etc.)

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Travel Sentry says the system is used at all airports in the USA and Canada, and at least some major airports in Austria, Belgium, Canada, China, Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, Germany, Israel, Japan, Netherlands, South Korea, Switzerland and Togo, however security agencies in countries other than the USA don't ...

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If you're otherwise looking to skip the TSA line, you may consider enrolling in either TSA PreCheck or Clear. Although these services aren't free, there are credit cards that offer statement credits to offset the charges you'll incur.

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When you're connecting from an international flight to a domestic one, you'll always have to exit and reenter security as you'll need to go through customs and immigration (unless you have gone through preclearance aboard, which is rare).

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