To some degree, customs lines are inevitable.
8 Ways to Breeze Through Customs Quickly
- Fill out customs and immigration forms in advance.
- Get in line faster.
- Ditch the food.
- Know the questions they’ll ask.
- Retain your receipts.
- Put your phone away.
- Become a trusted traveler.
- Keep your cool.
Is there a faster way to get through customs?
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.
How long does it take to clear customs?
Typically, customs clearance takes less than 24 hours, however, there are times where it can take several days or weeks for goods to be inspected. When is customs clearance needed? Customs clearance is necessary for all packages entering the U.S. from other countries.
What is the fastest way to get through Atlanta customs?
The easiest way to get through customs quickly and efficiently is to become a Trusted Traveler. While U.S. Customs and Border Protection offers a few different options, the gold standard is Global Entry, which allows expedited clearance for pre-approved, low-risk travelers arriving in the United States.
Can you bypass customs?
Apply for Global Entry
Global Entry is everything that TSA PreCheck is and more. If you have Global Entry, you’ll automatically also get TSA PreCheck and all of its benefits. On top of that, you’ll get to avoid the general customs line when returning to the U.S. from abroad.
Why is my item taking so long in customs?
Shipments are held to ensure they satisfy export or import customs regulations. This may be due to missing or incomplete paperwork, waiting for clearance instructions or because the authorities may need more information to clear the goods.
Does TSA PreCheck speed up customs?
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.
How long does customs clearance take 2022?
As long as your documentation is accurate, it usually only takes one to two days to clear customs. If you are importing products that are food or drug related, customs clearance will take longer.
How long can a package be stuck in customs?
Customs clearance normally takes a matter of minutes or hours but it can take days or even weeks if there’s something wrong or your goods need to be inspected.
How long can something sit in customs?
Normally, in three business days its status would change to “Released by Customs”, meaning that the package is on its want to you. But sometimes this doesn’t happen. There are two main reasons why international packages get held up in customs for more than three days.
Is 1 hour enough for customs?
The recommended layover time for international flights is generally longer, as you will have to go through customs and immigration before boarding your next flight. In most cases, a 30-minute layover for domestic flights and an hour for international flights is considered a minimum, or short, layover.
Can you get through customs in an hour?
One hours just isn’t enough time to clear Customs from your international flight and recheck yourself and your bags to a domestic flight. As Keith mentioned, once you clear Customs you gather your bag (if it’s even there, or wait for it) and then recheck it right nearby the carousel.
Is 2 hours enough time to get through customs in Atlanta?
You do not go through customs departing the US. On your return, I would count on it taking 2 hours if you do not have Global Entry or even Mobile Passport. We usually recommend 3 hours for such a connection. It might be shorter, but that builds in a pad for delays or unusually long lines.
What Cannot pass through customs?
Examples of restricted items include firearms, certain fruits and vegetables, animal products, animal by products, and some animals.
What happens if customs not cleared?
Unless the necessary actions as suggested by the customs is not performed, your shipment will not be moved for delivery. If in case the seller or the consignee doesn’t pay the duty within the specified time, then the shipment will be destroyed by the customs authorities.
Can a customs officer search your phone?
Unlike other law enforcement, border authorities don’t need a warrant to search your device. They may conduct a basic search — in which they scroll through your device inspecting texts, photos or anything else they can easily access — even if they don’t suspect you of wrongdoing.
Is it normal for a package to be in customs for a week?
As we highlighted earlier, sometimes packages can be held up at the ISC or at Customs for anywhere between a week, 10 days, or even a little bit more than that.
What to do if package is stuck in customs?
- Contact your 3PL provider. Your first action should be to contact whoever has shipped your goods.
- Contact your carrier. Ensure that your shipment is actually stuck in customs.
- Find out if there are outstanding taxes.
- Ensure there is no missing or incorrect paperwork.
- Be Patient.
- Stuck at Customs FAQ.
How do I know if a package is stuck in customs?
How to Find Out If Your Package Is Stuck at Customs
- Check Your Mail for a Customs Detainment Letter.
- Follow the Directions on Your Customs Detainment Letter.
- Track Your Package Via Your Courier Service.
- Contact Your Courier Service.
Does Clear get you through customs faster?
Clear and Global Entry are very different programs because Clear saves you time going through security screenings, while Global Entry saves you time at customs and immigration upon arrival in the U.S. after traveling internationally.
Which is faster Clear or TSA PreCheck?
Is Clear better than PreCheck? Since it is available at more airports and provides expedited security wait times as well as an easier screening process, the winner is TSA PreCheck. Those with Clear membership only have access to faster security lanes.