How Long Does It Take to Clear Customs?

Quick Answer

Clearing customs and immigration at a US airport takes 30–90 minutes for most travelers. The actual inspection lasts only 1–2 minutes—the rest is queue time. Global Entry and Mobile Passport users can cut their wait to under 10 minutes.

Average Wait Times by Airport

Airport	Average Wait	Peak Wait
JFK (New York)	40–75 min	2–3 hours
LAX (Los Angeles)	30–60 min	90–120 min
MIA (Miami)	35–70 min	2+ hours
ORD (Chicago O'Hare)	25–50 min	60–90 min
SFO (San Francisco)	20–45 min	60–90 min
ATL (Atlanta)	20–40 min	60–90 min

Data based on CBP average processing times. Actual wait times vary by day and time.

Factors That Affect Customs Wait Times

Time of arrival is the single biggest factor. When multiple international flights land within the same 30-minute window, the customs hall fills up fast. Early morning arrivals (6–9 AM) and late afternoon (4–7 PM) tend to see the longest waits at major gateways.

Airport and terminal matter significantly. JFK's Terminal 1 processes millions of international passengers annually and regularly has longer waits than smaller international terminals. Some airports have dedicated terminals for specific airlines, spreading the load.

Your citizenship status determines which line you join. US citizens and permanent residents use a separate, generally faster queue. Visitors on visas may face additional questioning.

Trusted traveler programs offer dramatic time savings:

• Global Entry members use dedicated kiosks and skip the main line—typical clearance is under 5 minutes
• Mobile Passport Control (free app) provides an expedited lane at 30+ airports
• NEXUS works for US-Canada frequent crossers

Customs declarations can slow things down. If you're bringing agricultural products, large amounts of currency ($10,000+), or goods exceeding the duty-free allowance ($800 for US residents), you will be directed to secondary inspection.

What Happens During Customs Clearance

Step 1: Immigration/Passport Control

After deplaning, follow signs to the arrivals hall. Present your passport (and visa if applicable) to a CBP officer. They will verify your identity, ask about the purpose of your visit, and stamp your passport. This takes 1–2 minutes per person.

Step 2: Baggage Claim

Collect your checked luggage from the carousel. This typically takes 15–30 minutes after landing.

Step 3: Customs Declaration

Proceed to the customs checkpoint with your completed declaration form (or digital submission). Most travelers are waved through. Random or flagged travelers may have bags inspected, adding 10–30 minutes.

Tips to Speed Through Customs

• Enroll in Global Entry ($100 for 5 years, includes TSA PreCheck). The application takes 2–4 weeks plus an in-person interview.
• Use Mobile Passport Control, a free CBP-approved app that pre-submits your information and gives you access to a shorter line.
• Complete your customs declaration on the plane rather than at the kiosk.
• Book flights arriving outside peak windows if possible—midday arrivals often have shorter waits.
• Check real-time wait times on the CBP website or the MyTSA app before you land.