When you fly into the U.S. when do you go through customs?

Usually, when you land in the US from a foreign country, you go through a customs inspection in the first US city you land in. However, if you're flying from one of 14 designated airports with preclearance facilities offered by Customs and Border Protection, or CBP, you clear customs before you fly.



When flying into the United States, you go through Customs and Border Protection (CBP) at your first port of entry. For example, if you fly from London to New York and then have a connecting flight to Los Angeles, you must clear immigration and customs in New York. However, a major high-value exception in 2026 is U.S. Preclearance. If you depart from specific airports in Ireland (Dublin/Shannon), Canada, the Caribbean, or the UAE (Abu Dhabi), you clear U.S. customs before you even board the plane. This allows you to land in the U.S. as a "domestic" passenger, bypassing the long queues upon arrival. In early 2026, due to the partial government shutdown, Global Entry has been temporarily suspended, meaning even "Trusted Travelers" must join the standard inspection lines, making early arrival at preclearance hubs a premier strategy for a stress-free entry.

People Also Ask

Customs and immigration are usually required at the connecting airport for international flights. You don't always have to for domestic flights. In most cases, passengers on layover flights must clear customs and immigration at the first point of entry.

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When you land in the United States, you'll first have to clear immigration. Then you'll have to wait at the baggage claim belt, and once you have all your belongings, you'll then clear customs. Once you exit the immigration hall there's almost always going to be a transit counter where you can re-check your bags.

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Generally, customs officers may stop people at the border to determine whether they are admissible to the United States, and they may search people's belongings for contraband. This is true even if there is nothing suspicious about you or your luggage.

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However, it is a necessary procedure before we are able to import or export goods. So, let's explain how long does customs clearance take in general. Almost in all countries, it takes around 24 hours.

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You'll need to clear customs and immigration. Next, you'll recheck your luggage for the domestic flight. Finally, you'll need to go through Transportation Security Administration screening.

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They will ask you a few basic questions, such as where you went and what you purchased on your trip. They look for items on the restricted list, contraband, or anything left off the customs form. Be as specific and as prompt as possible when answering.

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Customs Action Steps Ask questions to your flight attendant or traveling companions as needed. Declare any goods you have with you that might have restrictions, and/or goods you purchased in country when returning to your home country. Present your declaration form to customs officials.

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When you purchase a connecting flight, checked baggage is usually forwarded to your final destination, and will change planes when you do. The agent at check-in will usually ask if you want your luggage checked through to your last stop.

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Do You Have To Go Through Customs During A Layover? Customs and immigration are usually required at the connecting airport for international flights. You don't always have to for domestic flights. In most cases, passengers on layover flights must clear customs and immigration at the first point of entry.

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If you're flying on separate tickets, yes you will have to collect your bags and re-check in. However, if you're flying on a single ticket your bags will be transferred directly to your connecting flight even if you're flying a different airline.

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Global Entry is a U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) program that allows expedited clearance for pre-approved, low-risk travelers upon arrival in the United States. Members enter the United States by accessing the Global Entry processing technology at selected airports.

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Trusted Traveler Program Enrollment Global Entry is a U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) program that allows expedited clearance for pre-approved, low-risk travelers upon arrival in the United States. Members enter the United States by accessing the Global Entry processing technology at selected airports.

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Upon arrival, you will go through immigration inspection, where your electronic I-94 entry record will be created. Be sure to have your passport, immigration document, and the rest of the recommended items below with you. Do not pack them in your checked luggage.

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When layover flights are booked with the same airline, your baggage will be automatically transferred through to your final destination. However, if the two flights are with different airlines, you may have to claim and re-check your baggage during your layover.

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Approximately how long does it take to go through customs and catch a connecting flight? If it is not busy and there are no other flights in the room, then 10-15 minutes. If the room is full with other arriving passengers, it can take up to an hour to 2 hours.

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Breaking Down the Customs Clearance Process
  1. Paperwork Verification. A customs officer verifies that the paperwork completed for shipments are correct. ...
  2. Customs Officer Check. A customs officer will see what fees may be applied to a shipment. ...
  3. Payments, Tax, Duties. ...
  4. Release of Shipment.


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