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Before entering the United States, all travelers must pass through security checks conducted by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP). While many feel nervous about this process, it’s actually quite simple. Just follow the instructions given by CBP officers, who will check your passport and customs declaration form, ask a few basic questions, and then clear you to continue your journey.
Process Overview
Completing the Customs Declaration Form
Have your passport ready and keep it on hand. A valid passport is a must for entering the U.S., and even U.S. citizens need it. You’ll need it to complete the customs form, so make sure it’s easily accessible, not packed away in your checked luggage.
- Never attempt to go through customs without your passport—it’s required for entry. If you lose your passport while abroad, visit the nearest embassy or consulate for assistance in getting a replacement.
Obtain a customs declaration form from the flight or ship crew. Before you disembark, flight attendants or ship staff will distribute the forms. Both U.S. citizens and foreign nationals are required to complete this document, so make sure to get one. Only one form is needed per family.
- The form is a small rectangular card, typically blue, with the words 'customs declaration' printed at the top. If you don’t receive one, ask the staff for it.
- U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has Automated Passport Control (APC) kiosks at many major airports, allowing U.S., Canadian, and eligible international travelers to bypass the customs form by using the kiosks.
Complete the form with your personal and travel details. Fill in the form clearly using a dark ink pen. You’ll need to provide details such as your name, country of residence, passport number, flight details, and countries visited. Refer to your passport and travel documents for accuracy.
- Ensure all the information is correct to avoid delays in the customs process.
- Customs forms are required only for travelers arriving by air or sea. If traveling by land, border officers will inspect your luggage and ask some questions.
Estimate the total value of the items you are declaring. The form will ask you a few yes/no questions regarding what you are bringing into the country. This includes items like fruits, vegetables, meats, large sums of money, or exposure to livestock. You will also be required to declare the total commercial value of any goods purchased abroad or intended to be left in the U.S.
- If you're a U.S. citizen, estimate the value of goods you bought overseas, including gifts not mailed separately. Don’t count items used up before boarding your flight.
- For visitors, estimate the commercial value of all items you plan to leave in the U.S. Exclude personal items you intend to take back home.
List your declared items on the back of the form. Declare items included in the commercial value section of the form, such as gifts, purchases, duty-free goods, merchandise to sell, inherited items, and items you had repaired. Don’t forget to list money, including cash, checks, gold coins, and money orders.
- Be as precise as possible to make your experience through CBP as fast and easy as possible.
- Declaration lists serve both for tax and security purposes, so CBP needs an exact record of what you’re bringing into the U.S.
Passing Through Passport Control
Proceed to the passport control line for U.S. or foreign nationals. After leaving the plane, you’ll usually walk down a hallway toward the first checkpoint. Follow the signs on the walls or ceiling to guide you. Once you reach the checkpoint area, make sure to join the correct line.
- If you need assistance, don’t hesitate to ask an officer. Avoid lingering around the checkpoint area.
- Occasionally, there might be a separate lane for passengers catching connecting flights. If this applies to you, use the opportunity to speed up the customs process.
Hand your passport and customs form to the officer. The officer will check your passport, scan it to confirm its authenticity, and validate your customs form before handing it back to you. This is typically a fast process, but ensure you get both documents back before leaving.
- If you’re an international traveler, CBP may issue an I-94 form, which will be stapled to your passport. Keep this form as you’ll need it when you leave the U.S.
Answer any questions the officer asks about your trip. While you don’t need to go into great detail, try to provide accurate responses. The officer will likely ask for a general reason for your visit. If you’re a visitor, expect questions about how long you’ll stay and where you’ll be staying. They may also ask for more specifics about your activities or profession.
- For example, if the officer inquires about your trip’s purpose, you could simply say, “I’m here on vacation” or “I’m visiting family.”
- CBP officers are focused on keeping the country safe, so staying respectful is always a good approach.
- If you're a visitor, it might be helpful to carry supporting documents, such as an invitation letter from a business, university, or host, that confirm your reason for travel.
Submit your fingerprints and photo if you’re a visitor. CBP collects biometric data from all visitors for their records. The officer will guide you to a small electronic pad to capture your fingerprints, and then take your photograph.
- Even if you’ve already submitted a photo for your visa, you’ll still need to complete this step. The officer will walk you through the process.
Proceeding Through Baggage and Customs
Head to the baggage claim area to pick up your luggage. Walk down the hallway and follow the signs to reach the baggage carousels. Even if you’re connecting to another flight, you must collect your bags. Look at the screen in the baggage area for the carousel number assigned to your flight, and then wait for your luggage to appear.
- If you have a connecting flight, you are still required to pick up your bags and check them in again. Give yourself enough time to get through security.
- If traveling by boat or bus, you must also collect your bags. For bus travel, staff will reload your luggage onto the vehicle after CBP checks it.
Take your luggage to the appropriate customs lane. Walk to the customs checkpoint after leaving the baggage area. You’ll see a green arrow marking the “nothing to declare” line, and a red arrow indicating the lane for those with “goods to declare.”
- Be sure to choose the correct line to avoid delays. Attempting to bypass the designated lane could lead to extra scrutiny. Refer to your customs form to determine what you need to declare.
Present your customs form to the officer. After a short wait, you’ll reach the officer at the customs checkpoint. Ensure that your form is properly filled out before approaching. The officer will ask basic questions about your travels, including where you’ve been and what you’ve purchased. They’ll be looking for restricted items or anything not declared on your form.
- Answer clearly and promptly to ensure a swift process. Hesitating or providing unclear answers may lead to further questions and delays.
Follow instructions if selected for a random search. CBP officers may select you for additional screening, which is usually random. They may inspect your bags manually or with an X-ray machine and may ask you further questions about your trip.
- Be cooperative with the agents during this process. If you give them any trouble, it will only make the situation more difficult. Remember, they are simply doing their job, not targeting you personally.
Proceed with your journey or exit the facility. Once cleared by the CBP agent, continue walking toward the facility lobby. If you’ve arrived at your final destination, you’re free to go. For those with connecting flights, look for signs indicating “connecting flights” or “baggage drop-off.” Place your bag on the conveyor to continue its journey.
- Before sending your luggage, ensure the tags are correct for your next destination.
- After dropping off your bag, you’ll need to pass through a security checkpoint to enter the flight area.
- Make sure to place any liquids, gels, or aerosols over 3 oz (85 g) in your checked luggage, along with other TSA-restricted items.
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Depending on the country you visit, you may be eligible for a tax exemption on up to $1,600 USD worth of goods. For visitors to the U.S., however, this exemption is limited to just $100, so keep that in mind when bringing in items.
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Be courteous with the officers. A positive attitude might encourage them to reciprocate.
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If you are detained, CBP officers will escort you to a small room for questioning. The process can take hours, after which you may either be released or refused entry and sent back to your departure point.
Warnings
- Avoid making jokes about violence, smuggling, or illegal activities. CBP agents must take such statements seriously and may act on them accordingly.
- Once you exit the baggage claim and customs area, you cannot re-enter. Double-check that you have all your personal items before leaving.
- Photography, smoking, and using cell phones are strictly prohibited in U.S. Customs and Immigration facilities. Remember, you’re in a secure federal facility.
Things You’ll Need
- Valid Passport
- Customs form
- Pen
